API 2003 Protection Against Ignitions Arising out of Static Lightening and Stray Currents Flashcards
- What are four conditions that must be present for an electrostatic charge to be a source of ignition? (API 2003-15, Section 4.1.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
A) a means of generating an electrostatic charge
B) a means of accumulating an electrostatic charge capable of producing an incendiary spark
C) A Spark GAP
D) An ignitable vapor-air mixture in the spark gap
- On what four factors does the probability of a vapor-air mixture being flammable depend? (API 2003-15, Section 4.1.5.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
A) the product’s vapor pressure
B) Flashpoint
C) Temperature
D) Pressure at which it is handled
- What is a “low-vapor-pressure product?” What are some examples of these products? (API 2003-15, Section 3.1.12)
Liquids with closed cup flash points above 38 degrees Celsius (100F)
Examples are heating oil, kerosene, diesel fuel, Jet A fuel, and safety solvents
- What is an “intermediate-vapor-pressure product?” What are some examples of these products? (API 2003-15, Section 3.1.11)
Flammable liquids with a REID vapor pressure below 4.5 psia and closed cup flash point of less than 38 degrees Celsius. These can form flammable vapors at ambient operation temps
Examples are Jet B fuel, Military Aviation and Turbine fuel, and solvents such as benzene, xylene, and toluene
What is a “high-vapor-pressure product?” What are some examples of these products? (API 2003-15, Section 3.1.10)
Liquids with a REID vapor pressure above 4.5 psia
Examples include motor gasoline and high vapor pressure naphtha
- What is “grounding?” (API 2003-15, Section 3.1.8)
The process of bonding one or more conductive objects to the ground, so that all objects are at zero electrical potential (aka Earthing)
- What is “bonding?” (API 2003-15, Section 3.1.2)
Bonding is the practice of providing electrical connections between isolated conductive parts of a system to preclude voltage differences between parts
What is “dissipation”? (API 2003-15, Section 4.1.3)
Electrostatic charges continually leak away from a charged body. Dissipation of the charge starts as soon as the charge is generated and can continue after the charge generation has stopped
Owners shall ensure that tank trucks and tank cars have a properly operating ________system. (API 2003-15, Section 4.2.13(e))
Grounding
What is the ignition hazard associated with the use of steam jets to clean a tank? (API 2003-15, Section 4.5.7.2/4.5.7.1)
The risk of static electricity discharge
Why is a CO2 jet an effective static generator? Should CO2 fire extinguishers be used to inert flammable atmospheres? (API 2003-15, Section 4.5.7.2)
Because CO2 snow or solid particles can be created during discharge and promote static electricity. CO2 extinguishers should not be used in an inert flammable atmosphere
Does artificial grounding of metallic tanks in contact with the ground by means of driven ground rods affect the probability that a tank will be struck by lightning? Does artificial grounding reduce the possibility of ignition of tank contents? (API 2003-15, Section 5.4.1)
Driven ground rods neither increase or decrease the probability of being struck. Nor does it reduce the risk of the possibility of ignition of the contents
Do metallic tanks that do not rest directly on the ground but are connected to grounded piping systems require additional grounding to provide for the safe dissipation of lightning strokes? For what reason may supplemental grounding be required? (API 2003-15, Section 5.4.1)
Tanks that do not rest directly on the ground but are connected to grounded piping systems are usually safe for propagation to ground lightening stroke. Supplemental grounding may be required to prevent foundation damage
What types of tanks are considered to be well protected from ignition damage or damage by direct-stroke lightning because all metallic components are in contact? (API 2003-15, Section 5.4.2.1)
Metal tanks with fixed metal roofs and horizontal metal tanks that are maintained in good condition
What type of tank cannot be considered to be protected from direct-stroke lightning? (API 2003-15, Section 5.4.2.1)
Metal tanks with fixed nonconducting roofs
What are five precautionary measures that can be taken to minimize the risk associated with lightning strikes? (API 2003-15, Section 5.4.2.1)
A) Ensure all hatches are closed to reduce ignition hazard
B) Ensure roofs are in good condition
C) Stop tank Movements (filling/emptying) during electrical storms
D) Provide and maintain pressure vacuum valves or backflash protection in all vents
E) Provide and maintain inerting or gas padding. Metallic tanks with fixed non conducting roofs cannot be considered protected from direct stroke lightening
What type of tank is inherently protected against lightning by the Farraday-cage effect? (API 2003-15, Section 5.4.2.3)
Internal floating roof tanks with conductive steel roofs
