Static charge from Free Fall of #6 Fuel oil?

[EMO145]

Hello, In a safety review of our #6 fuel oil storage tanks, the question was raised if the free fall of oil, during filling, can create a static charge that could ignite the vapor/air mixture in the tank. Are dip tubes required for fill lines in #6 fuel oil storage tanks? The tanks are 50,000 & 100,000 gal.,fill temperature is below 150 deg. F. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[hacksaw]

API guidelines will help.

It is certainly an issue with lighter organics and to simplify practice generally extended to all pertroleum liquids. As a rule you will build up static charges with any liquid organic. Caution is always advised.

Submerged discharges also have the benefit of avoid entrainment.

 

[IFRs]

There was a fire cause by exactly this (free fall of fuel oil). Post your email and I will send you the report.

 

[25362]

One must estimate the accumulated energy in mJ (= coulombs x volts /2) during filling. If it exceeds the minimum values MIEs for ignition and sparks, these will discharge. If the surrounding vapors are inflammable, an explosion and/or a fire will be initiated.