REFLECTOR: Grounding Point

[Al Gietzen]

Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Grounding Point

 

After the previous round of discussion, I've been trying to understand this
ground issue.  I've noticed as the weather gets colder and drier that I
infrequently get a shock.  It seems that for the shock to happen I need to
first rub something and then touch something that is GROUNDED, like a water
faucet.  So it seems to me that an electrically insulated fiberglass tank is
actually a good deal and why do we want to provide a ground where a static
charge can discharge?? 

John; 

It's the difference in potential between two objects; doesn't have to be to
ground.  Have you ever shuffled your feet along the carpet, and kissed your
wife . . . or whoever? 


Also I think it is unlikely that flowing fuel can develop a charge.  >From
what I remember about boundary layer theory, the fuel molecules adjacent the
hose/nozzle "stick" to the hose/nozzle surface and do not move.  There is a
gradual transition of fluid velocity between the hose/nozzle surface and the
bulk of the fluid flow.  So there is little opportunity for the fuel to
"rub" against the hose/nozzle surface and develop a charge. 

That's a point, but who knows.  There is still a lot of "rubbing" going on,
even between molecules, and a few molecules from the surface.  Lots of
opportunities for a few electrons to get left behind.

 

Al

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