I would modify Peter's <<ground it _before_ you start pouring.>> to
'ground it before you open the apertures'
Attaching earthing wires, while removing the potential (sic) for discharges,
will generate sparks on attachment, but no vapour- no explosion. On garage
forecourts the hose is partially conducting, so static is removed slowly with
no spark, and the vapour doesn't matter.
Is there any evidence of explosions when refuelling from plastic containers ?
Static on plastic containers (or planes) cannot be removed in any reasonable
time by earthing unless you brush all over it. Likewise it cannot readily
generate energetic sparks - ever seen a plastic Van der Graf machine ? - to
move the charge they use a belt transport.
Static electricity per se, is safe - ( birds stand on high voltage
distribution wires ) but provide a path for it to move and then you have a
problem.
Graham Clarke G-EMIN
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