Gasoline Extraction and Disposal Safety Concerns

September 25th, 2013

WARNING: The extraction, transfer and disposal of Gasoline should only be performed by a professional company which understands the high risk of flammable ignition caused by static electricity.

Learn how Dr. Fuel Clean can Safely Extract, Transfer and Dispose of your Gasoline!

The Dangers of Gasoline

The most inherent danger during the extraction, transfer and disposal of Gasoline is fire. Gasoline is extremely flammable and susceptible to ignition by nothing more than a static discharge. As such, only a professional with experience and an understanding of these risks should ever attempt the extraction, transfer and/or disposal of Gasoline fuel.

Sources of Static Generation

The most common sources of static electricity are processes involving flammable liquids. Static electricity is generated by liquids flowing through pipes, as well as mixing, pouring, pumping, filtering, or agitating liquids. The rate of generation is influenced by a variety of factors including: the conductivity of the liquid; the amount of turbulence in the liquid; the interfacial surface area between the liquid and nearby surfaces; the liquid velocity; and even the presence of impurities.

Some specific locations where static electricity is generated include:

  • Piping Systems: In piping systems the generation rate and the subsequent accumulation of static charge are a function of the flow rate, liquid velocity, pipe diameter, and pipe length.
     
  • Filling Operations: The turbulence experienced in filling operations, caused by large flow rates, splashing or free-falling liquids, greatly increases the charge accumulation above the level generated in piping systems.
     
  • Filtration: Filters, because of their large surface area, can generate as much as 200 times the electrostatic charge generated in the same piping system without filtration.
     
  • Dispersing Operations: Of all operations in the coatings industry, dispersing operations can be particularly hazardous in view of the extremely high rate of charge generation when particulates are present. With poorly conductive liquids the charge accumulation can cause hazardous sparking in the vapor space, such as to an exposed agitator blade in a mixer or to a conductive fill pipe. High charge generation rates can also occur when liquids are mixed, thinned, tinted or agitated.
     

Dr. Fuel Clean can Help

As an experienced Gasoline Services Provider, Dr. Fuel Clean eliminates the risk of static discharge. Our Gasoline transfer system uses an air operated pump which moves fuel through low static transfer hoses that are grounded through the use of static reels and cables.

Learn more about our Complete Gasoline and Disposal Services.

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