When it comes to safety, ATEX atmospheres deserve special attention. It is essential to eliminate all potential sources of ignition to avoid the risk of explosion, and to ensure that industrial safety is beyond reproach. To prevent the risk of explosion due to electrostatic discharge (a potential source of ignition), grounding systems for tank trucks offer the protection of choice.
While very useful when handling flammable or explosive substances, this equipment is essential on an industrial site or when transporting hazardous products.
Here’s everything you need to know about tanker ground ing.
What is a grounding system?
A grounding system ensures electrical safety by connecting metal equipment and structures to earth. It protects against electric shock and overvoltage, avoiding the risk of fire and explosion, by allowing unwanted currents to flow directly into the ground.
Grounding principle
The earthing system is a protective circuit that connects electrical installations to the conductive surface of the earth. In practice, the earthing system directly connects part of the electrical circuit to a group of electrodes buried in the ground.
If accidental contact occurs between the conductive masses, or if the insulation of the installations is faulty, then the system, which is combined with an earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB), evacuates the currents to earth and triggers de-energization of the power supply.
The benefits of earthing
Thanks to the earthing system (within an industrial site) or the tanker earthing system (in the case of a tanker loading station or unloading operation), the safety of goods, transport equipment and people is fully assured.
The aim of this system is to :
- Protect personnel on site from damage caused by direct contact with electric current;
- Balance electrical potentials between different components of the same installation;
- Reduce, if not completely neutralize, the potential difference between the ground and equipment that can accumulate static electricity.
What is the purpose of grounding tanker trucks?
In practice, earthing is essential when unloading tanks, loading or unloading tankers carrying hazardous products. It also has a wide range of applications:
- Refineries and oil depots
- Gas filling centers
- Chemical and pharmaceutical plants
- Water treatment
- Cosmetics, food processing, etc.
The grounding of tank trucks (RTR system) enables the transfer of highly flammable products such as granules, liquids or powders.
This ATEX device is essential for protecting personnel and equipment against the risks of explosion and fire caused by electrostatic overload.
During an operation, this solution ensures that the tank loading or unloading system cannot be used without the RTR system having detected that it is properly connected to the truck, and also to an earth capable of dissipating any electrostatic charge accumulated under the machine.
Once the system is connected, products can be transferred safely, as static electricity is transmitted to the ground.
How does the RTR system work ? Quite simply, with a universal earthing clamp that can be used on all types of tanker.
What is the grounding standard for tank truck unloading?
The grounding standard for tank truck unloading in France is NF EN 60079-32-1. It specifies the requirements for avoiding electrostatic risks in explosive zones, ensuring a safe connection to earth to prevent fires and explosions during the transfer of flammable materials.
Would you like to know more about tanker grounding? ADF Systèmes makes it a point of honor to help you choose the safety products and solutions best suited to your industrial safety and risk management needs.
