bonding vehical to gas dispenser

[buck33k]

At our airport, the gas pump is bonded to the aircraft with a wire prior to filling. A few pilots prefer to used auto gas, transferred into the plane from a plastic gas container.

Can such a container hold a static charge sufficient to pose a danger?

Buck

 

[bphgravity]

Re: bonding vehical to gas dispenser

I would think so.... however I would also think this has been worked out already considering the scope of the operation.

 

[buck33k]

Re: bonding vehical to gas dispenser

Thanks Bryan

Those who burn auto gas simply transfer from plastic container to aircraft with no provisions made for static discharge. I personally can't say how high the level of danger is in this case.
I have a pump on a cart (battery powered) which I use but bond it with a #10 wire to the plane prior to use.
I was asked about the plastic container issue but couldn't provide a good answer.

Buck

 

[haskindm]

Re: bonding vehical to gas dispenser

All the literature I have seen regarding re-fueling boats suggest that the nozzle be kept in contact with the filler neck of the tank on the boat. This is supposedly to prevent a static spark from jumping from the container to the filler neck, they are effectively "bonded" together. Attaching a bonding wire in addition is probably a good precaution, but it is a "belt and suspenders" approach. With large planes (with large fuel tanks) there is a good chance that a significant static charge may build up during the long time it would take to re-fuel. Any plane that can be re-fueled using a portable plastic tank would probably not build up much of a charge and just keeping the nozzle of the fuel can attached to the filler neck would eliminate any danger of a static spark.

 

[bthielen]

Re: bonding vehical to gas dispenser

It seems to me that the highest risk potential occurs just when the filler nozzle makes contact with the neck. Afterwards, there is no buildup of potential between the two because they are electrically the same point.

It is my understanding that with a plastic container, the only discharge you get is local (the point of contact) and all of the charge that may be present on the container is not discharged becase the container is not a conductor. This is why it is so dangerous to fill plastic containers. Even if I maintain contact between the filler nozzle and the plastic container I can experience a static discharge by making contact anywhere else on the container. If there is a high enough concentration of evaporated gas in the area, boom!

Bob