Reduce Friction to Prevent Static Electricity
Static electricity is easily generated in dry seasons due to friction. Therefore, reducing friction can reduce static electricity to a certain extent. In transmission devices, slippage between belts and other transmission components should be minimized. This includes ensuring proper belt tension, maintaining a certain level of tension, and avoiding overload operation. Conductive belts or high-efficiency conductive V-belts should be used whenever possible. In equipment conveying flammable gases, flammable liquids, and flammable and explosive materials, direct shaft (or coupling) drives should be used; belt drives are generally not recommended. If belt drives are necessary, effective anti-static measures must be taken.
Limiting the flow rate of flammable and combustible liquids can significantly reduce the generation and accumulation of static electricity. When the liquid flows horizontally, the amount of static electricity generated is directly proportional to the flow rate and independent of the pipe's inner diameter. When the liquid flows turbulently, the amount of static electricity generated is directly proportional to the 1.75th power of the flow rate and directly proportional to the 0.75th power of the pipe's inner diameter.
Currently, there is no unified standard for controlling flow rate worldwide.
In summary, when determining flow velocity, it is essential to consider not only the pipe's inner diameter but also the properties of the fluid, the composition and quantity of impurities, and the pipe's material, among other factors.
Flammable liquids flowing in pipes, even with a high average charge density, often do not exhibit a high voltage due to the pipe's large capacitance, and the absence of air within the pipe prevents combustion and explosion. In this case, while static electricity does not pose a danger inside the pipe, its serious hazards primarily occur at the pipe's outlet, which must be taken seriously.