(55m) Controlling Static Discharge Using Antistatic Additives

Abstract

The presentation will discuss controlling static discharge in non-fuel, non-conductive/low-flash point fluids. The scope of the presentation will concentrate on industrial producers, distributors, consumers of these fluids. Furthermore,furthermore, the presentation covers several industries where these fluids are most commonly found. Common Static-Accumulating Flammable Liquids That May Form Ignitable Vapor-Air Mixtures:

• VM&P naphtha
• Cyclohexane
• n-Heptane
• Benzene
• Toluene
• n-Hexane
• Xylene
• Ethyl benzene
• Styrene

Static discharge has caused catastrophic explosions and fires (U.S. Chemical Safety Board, Static Spark Ignites Explosion Inside Flammable Liquid Storage Tank No. 2007-06-I-KS).

Issues

• Nonconductive flammable liquids can accumulate static electricity during transfer and storage.
• Static sparks can readily ignite flammable vapor-air mixtures inside storage tanks.
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) often do not adequately communicate hazard data and precautions.

Key findings:

• Safety publications omit antistat options. (see Process Safety Beacon, August, 2016)
• US affiliates of multinational corporations have different guidelines for antistatic use than their parent companies.
• NFPA®77 and the American Coatings Association’s, Generation and Control of Static Electricity in Coatings Operation has guidelines that are different than EU regulations ATEX- Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosibles and ESIG’s Flamability: Safe Working With Industrial Solvents.
• The presentation will highlight these differences and how they contribute to the disparity in antistatic additive applications.
• Normal Bonding and Grounding May Not Be Enough! Companies that handle, transfer, and store flammable liquids should contact manufacturers to determine if these liquids can accumulate dangerous levels of static electricity, and if they can form explosive vapor-air mixtures inside storage tanks. If so, extra precautions—beyond normal bonding and grounding—may be necessary. Antistatic Additive is an extra precaution.

Recommendations: Knowledge members can use

• Who adds the Antistat?
• How much Antistat is added?
• How is the Antistat added?