Electrostatic Charge Dissipator for Storage Tanks

摘要

Provided is an electrostatic charge dissipator for removing electrostatic charge inside a storage tank or other enclosed volume. The dissipator comprises yarns of electrically conductive polymeric fibers, such as carbon fiber. The yarns have broken fiber tips or stray fibers projecting away from the yarns, thereby functioning to concentrate electric fields and facilitate charge collection. The yarns are attached to a bracket for mechanical attachment to the tank, and are electrically connected to a feedthrough for providing an electrical path to ground potential. The present dissipator can also comprise a support, such as a rope, chain, or the like, and a weight for limiting the movement of the dissipator. The present dissipator is highly corrosion resistant and does not threaten pumps or valves with damaging metal debris.

主权项

1. An electrostatic charge dissipator for collecting and removing electrostatic charge from inside a tank, comprising:
a) a mounting bracket for attachment to an interior of the tank; b) an electrical feedthrough for providing an electrical conduction path between tank interior and tank exterior; c) at least one electrically-conductive polymeric fiber yarn electrically connected to the feedthrough and mechanically attached to the bracket, wherein the conductive fiber yarns are exposed and have, in aggregate, at least 10 broken fiber tips or stray fibers per linear foot of the dissipator projecting from the yarns.