COMPUTER MODELLING OF ELECTROSTATIC CONDITIONS AND HAZARDS IN TANK WASHING

It is shown how a computer program for solving Poisson's equation in complex three-dimensional structures can be used for quantitative interpretation of electrostatic fieldmeter observations in practical situations. Computations are presented relating to interpretation of electrostatic conditions during shipboard studies of tank washing operations in the cargo tanks of crude oil carriers. The paper also discusses how the program was used to assess electrostatic ignition hazards by modelling possible discharge situations involving slugs of water and calculating the discharge energies which would be available as a function of geometric and electrostatic conditions.

• Corporate Authors:

  Elsevier

  Radarweg 29
  Amsterdam,   Netherlands  1043 NX
• Authors:
  • Chubb, J N
  • Brown, K P
  • Butterworth, G J
• Publication Date: 1980-6

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 71-84
• Serial:
  • Journal of Electrostatics
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Elsevier

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Atmosphere; Cleaning; Electrostatics; Hazards; Marine safety; Petroleum refining; Storage tanks; Tankers
• Old TRIS Terms: Computer programs (Tank cleaning); Crude washing; Explosive vapor ignition; Hazardous atmospheres; Tank cleaning; Tanker safety; Vapor cloud explosions
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Marine Transportation; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00331614
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 12 1981 12:00AM