In the hazardous process industries, commonly referred to as the “EX” and “HazLoc” industries, static electricity is generated frequently. Various grades of oil, refined petroleum products like LPG, and numerous chemicals fall into a category known as “static accumulators.”

During a typical railcar loading operation, the static accumulating product is transferred from a storage tank via a gantry loading system into a receiving railcar. The transfer process electrostatically charges the product as it moves through the pump, filtration and piping system

If the railcar is not directly connected to the earth, electrostatic charges accumulate on its surface, causing its voltage to rise rapidly. The railcar then seeks to discharge excess potential energy, with the most efficient method being a static spark.

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