UDC

SH
Industrial Standard of the People’s Republic of China
P SH 3097-2000

Code for the Design of Static Electricity

Grounding For Petrochemical Industry

石油化工静电接地设计规范

Issued on 06/30/2000 Implemented from 10/01/2000

Issued by The State Bureau of Petroleum & Chemical Industry

 Industrial Standard of the People’s Republic of China

Code for the Design of Static Electricity

Grounding For Petrochemical Industry

SH 3097-2000

Chief editorial unit : Beijing Petrochemical Engineering Co., China Petrochemical

Group Corporation
Chief editorial department : China Petrochemical Group Corporation
Approved by : State Bureau of Petroleum & Chemical Industry

Beijing 2000

Preface

This code is prepared under the general editorship of the Company in accordance with (1995) Jain-Biao-Zi
No. 269 document of SINOPEC.
The code is divided into four chapters and two appendices. The major contents include: the range and
methods of static electricity grounding and the grounding resistance requirements for the electrostatic
grounding system; general provisions regarding grounding terminals, earth plates, grounding branches,
connection lines, grounding body and connection details for static electricity grounding; and specific
provisions about the static electricity hazard locations in petrochemical enterprises.

In the course of preparation, wide range investigations and studies were made and the practical experience
in the design (construction) of electrostatic grounding for petrochemical industry in recent years was
summarized. Some contents concerning the range of electrostatic grounding, the electrification of non-
conductors, as well as the classification of substances and related methods were drawn from advanced
international standards (the Guide to Static Electricity Safety of Japan,1998, the Code for Electrostatic
Work NFPA77-93 of the U.S., the Prevention of Ignition by Static Electricity, Lightning and Stray Current
APIRP2003-91 of the U.S. and the General Code for Static Electricity Protection BS5958-1983 of the
U.K., etc.). The main issues herein had been discussed for multiple times before the draft was reviewed and
finalized.

If any modification or supplementation is found necessary during implementation of this code, please
submit relevant comments and documents to the Company for reference when revision is made in
the future.
The address of the Company: 21 Anyuan, Anhuibeili, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Postcode: 100101

Chief editorial unit of the code: Beijing Petrochemical Engineering Co., China Petrochemical Group
Corporation

Participating units: Safety Technology Research Institute, China Petroleum and Natural Gas Group

Luoyang Petrochemical Engineering Company, China Petrochemical Group Corporation

Shanghai Jinshan Petrochemical Engineering Company, China Petrochemical Group Corporation

Main draftsman: Zhang Jie, Tan Feng Gui, Yu Changyi, Zhu Yaoxiang
 Table of Contents
1 General................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Terminology........................................................................................................................................2
3 General Specifications...................................................................................................................6
3.1 Scope of electrostatic grounding..............................................................................................6
3.2 Electrostatic grounding method................................................................................................6
3.3 Grounding resistance of the electrostatic grounding system..............................................7
3.4 Electrostatic grounding terminal and earth plate..................................................................7
3.5 Branches and connection lines for electrostatic grounding................................................8
3.6 Electrostatic grounding bus and grounding body.................................................................8
3.7 Connection of electrostatic grounding....................................................................................9
4 Specific Specifications.................................................................................................................10
4.1 Stationary equipment................................................................................................................10
4.2 Storage tank................................................................................................................................10
4.3 Piping system.............................................................................................................................11
4.4 Railway platform and tank wagon.........................................................................................11
4.5 Bus station platform and tank truck.......................................................................................12
4.6 Dock.............................................................................................................................................12
4.7 Powder processing, storage and transport equipment........................................................13
4.8 Gas and steam ejection equipment.........................................................................................13
4.9 Chemical fiber equipment.......................................................................................................14
4.10 Electrostatic grounding of human body.............................................................................14
4.11 Electrostatic grounding for the computer room and electronic instrument room......14
Appendix A Test Method for Electrostatic Grounding.....................................................15
Appendix B Cautions for Electrostatic Grounding Work...............................................17
Forms of Verbs......................................................................................................................................18
 SH 3097-2000

1 General

1.0.1 This code is drawn up in order to prevent and reduce the static electricity hazard and ensure safety
operation of petrochemical enterprises by implementing the guideline of “prevention first” and taking static
electricity protection measures in the petrochemical design so as to realize technically sophisticated, cost
effective, safe and applicable design.

1.0.2 This code applies to the design of electrostatic grounding for newly built, reconstructed and
expanded projects with static electricity hazards of petrochemical enterprises.

1.0.3 Electrostatic grounding is one of the main measures against static electricity hazard. The static
electricity protection design of petrochemical enterprises shall be made through cooperation between and
comprehensive consideration by process, piping, equipment, storage, ventilation and electrical specialties,
with the following measures against static electricity hazard to be taken:

1 Improve the process conditions and avoid as much as possible generation of large quantity of
electrostatic charge during production and storage;

2 Prevent accumulation of static electricity and try to provide dissipation path for electrostatic charge,
with enough dissipation time, to let out the electrostatic charge;

3 Choose static electricity removal devices suitable for different environment to neutralize and
dissipate the electrostatic charge accumulated on the electrified body;

4 Shield or shield with compartment the electrified body, with the shielding body to be reliably
grounded;

5 In the design of process installations or fabrication of equipment, conditions with high energy
electrostatic discharge shall be avoided. For example, slender conductive protruding objects and
ungrounded isolated conductors shall be avoided in a vessel;

6 Improve the environment around the electrified body and control the concentration of flammable
substances in the gas to keep it under the explosion limit;

7 Prevent electrification of human body.

1.0.4 The design of electrostatic grounding shall not only conform to this code, but also meet the
stipulations under relevant current mandatory national codes and standards.

Calculation of the grounding resistance of an electrostatic grounding body shall meet relevant stipulations
under the current national standard Code for Grounding Design of Industrial and Civil Electrical
Installations GBJ65-83.

5
 SH 3097-2000

2 Terminology

2.01 Industrial static electricity

Static electricity means the electric charge that is in a relatively static state as observed by the observer. The
magnetic field effect caused by it may be ignored, as compared with the electric field effect. Static
electricity can be produced in such physical courses as the contact and separation of substances,
electrostatic induction, medium polarization and adhesion of electrified micro-particles. The industrial
static electricity is one produced and accumulated on materials, installations, human body, devices and
structures during production, storage and transportation.

2.0.2 Electrified body

An object or system with unequal quantities of positive and negative electric charges, demonstrating the
characteristics of electricity to the outside world.

2.0.3 Electrified area

The part of an electrified body where static electricity is accumulated.

2.0.4 Electrostatic characteristic parameters for substances

1 volume resistivity

It means the physical quantity of the internal conducting characteristics of an object. It is the resistance of
material at unit cross sectional area and unit length, with Ohm  meter (  m) as the unit.

2 Surface resistivity

It means the physical quantity of the surface conducting characteristics of an object. It is the resistance
between two opposite sides of a square material, independent of the thickness of the object and the size of
the square, with the ohm () as the unit.

3 Conductivity

It means the physical quantity of the conducting characteristics of a material. The product of its
multiplication by the electric field strength is equal to the density of conduction current, i.e. E = j. The
unit of conductivity is Siemens meter (S/m).

2.0.5 Electrostatic electrification, accumulation and dissipation

1 Electrostatic electrification

The course during which, due to contact and separation of the object, electrostatic induction, medium
polarization and adhesion of electrified micro-particles, the object loses its balance of positive and negative
charges or has an uneven distribution of charges so as to demonstrate electrification in a macroscopic way.

2 Electrostatic accumulation

The course during which, due to some electrification factors, the rate of electrostatic electrification exceeds
that of electrostatic dissipation on the object so as to demonstrate accumulation of electrostatic charges on
the same.

3 Electrostatic leakage

6
 SH 3097-2000

The course during which the electric charges on the electrified body are conducted to the ground through
the electrified body itself or any other object so that all or part of them disappear.

4 Electrostatic dissipation [decay]

The course during which all or part of the electric charges on the electrified body disappear due to
electrostatic neutralization, electrostatic leakage or electrostatic discharge.

5 Time of repose; time of rest

During the production carried out in a location where the static electricity hazard exists, the time interval
required between stop of the equipment’s operation and dissipation of the static electricity on the material
(normally as liquid) to lower than the safety value so that the next step of operation is allowed.

6 Relaxation time of charge

The time required for the electric charge (or potential) on the electrified body to dissipate (or reduce) to l/e
of its initial value.

7 Stray current

Any current that does not flow through the designated path, with the undesignated paths to be the ground,
any pipeline in contact with the ground or any other metal object or structure.

2.0.6 Electrostatic discharge phenomena

1 Electrostatic discharge

The phenomenon that all or part of the charges on the electrified body disappear due to ionization of the
medium, when the field strength around the electrified body exceeds the field strength of the medium
around at insulation breakdown.

2 Electrostatic discharge energy

The total energy released through electrostatic discharge by the electrostatic field formed by the electrified
body.

3 Corona discharge

The glow discharge that occurs in an uneven electric field with high field strength. During the corona
discharge, the pole is surrounded by a weakly glowing corona ring.

4 Brush discharge

A form of discharge that occurs in the air medium between an insulator with large electrification quantity
and a conductor. The discharge path for this discharge form is not concentrated and is in a shape of
branches.

5 Brush discharge with propagation form

A form of discharge with concentrated discharge energy, high ignitability and acousto-optic characteristics,
which occurs on the electrostatic non-conductor under the circumstances that the electrification speed is
high or the electrostatic non-conductor is lined with a grounding conductor on the back.

6 Spark discharge

7
 SH 3097-2000

A phenomenon of transient discharge with transient flashing and concentrated path that occurs when the air
or any other dielectric material between the two poles is suddenly broken down, resulting in rapid rise of
current and rapid drop of voltage.

7 Discharge at sharp point

A phenomenon of discharge that occurs where the curvature radius of the conductor is very small.

2.0.7 Materials

1 Static conductor

A kind of material with low resistivity, on which it is difficult for the static charge to accumulate unless it is
insulated from the ground.

2 Static non-conductor

A kind of material with very high resistivity, on which enough quantity of static charge can be accumulated
so as to bring about various kinds of electrostatic phenomena.

3 Static conductive material

Materials with high conductivity, such as metal and carbon, and materials that render the object static
conductive using other methods (such as adding conductive materials into the insulation material, etc.).

4 Anti-static fabric

A fabric preventing accumulation of static electricity, which is formed or produced through utilization of
some technology to reduce the conductivity on the fabric surface.

2.0.8 Electrostatic safety and disaster prevention

1 Electrostatic safety

States and conditions under which no personal injury, damage of equipment or loss of property caused by
any electrostatic phenomenon will occur during the production and in various environments (systems).

2 Electrostatic accident

Any phenomenon or event of failure or damage of the production system, equipment, technological
process, material and product ( such as reduction of productivity, poor quality of products, loss of effect and
breaking, etc.) due to the effect of some electrostatic phenomenon.

3 Electrostatic disaster

Any phenomenon or accident of property loss or personal injury caused by electrostatic discharge (such as
fire, explosion, electrostatic shock and any secondary accident caused thereby).

4 Electrostatic shock

The pathological and physiological effect resulting from passing through the human body by a transient
impulse current which is produced from the electrostatic discharge by the electrified body to the human
body or by the static electrified human body to the grounded conductor, or between different human bodies.

5 Secondary accident

8
 SH 3097-2000

Any phenomenon or event of injury of persons who lose their balance due to the electrostatic shock and fall
from high places or come into contact with other obstacles; or of expansion of the existing fire or explosion
due to the effect of electrostatic shock.

6 Area of static electricity hazards

A general description of all such process operation places where explosive mixture that can be ignited by
static electricity exists in the air or direct processing, treatment and operation of such mixture are carried
out.

2.0.9 Electrostatic grounding

1 Electrostatic grounding system

The external leading-out path for leakage and dissipation of the electric charge from the electrified body to
the ground.

2 Direct static grounding

A method of grounding the object through a metal conductor to the ground.

3 Indirect static grounding

A method of grounding the object to the ground through a non-metal conducting material or an anti-static
material and an anti-static product.

4 Connection

A measure for conductive connection of objects without any proper conduction path between each other to
bring them to a similar potential.

5 Classification of resistances of electrostatic grounding

a leakage resistance of static electricity

The total resistance to the ground at the measured point of the object when the object is not electrified.

b grounding resistance of static electricity

The resistance to the ground of the electrostatic grounding system.

The direct electrostatic grounding resistance is the sum of the resistance to the ground of the grounding
body or natural grounding body and that of the grounding line. The indirect electrostatic grounding
resistance is the total resistance between the grounding pole of the grounded object and the ground,
depending mainly on the resistance of the conductive or anti-static material or the anti-static product.

9
 SH 3097-2000

3 General Specifications

3.1 Scope of electrostatic grounding

3.1.1 Electrostatic grounding measures shall be taken where static electricity hazards will be caused by
possible generation and accumulation of static electricity on the equipment, pipelines, operation tools and
human body during production, processing and storage.

3.1.2 When electrostatic grounding is made, grounding of the following parts must be paid special
attention to:

1 Conductors that are installed inside the equipment and can not be inspected from outside in normal
cases;

2 Metal parts mounted on an insulated object;

3 Conductors used together with the insulated object;

4 Conductors insulated with coating or powder;

5 Conductors easy to be corroded and cause poor contact;

6 Conductors suspending on the liquid surface.

3.1.3 The ground of various static electricity eliminators shall be grounded according to the requirements
of the product instruction manual.

3.1.4 In the following cases, special electrostatic grounding measures (except for computers and
electronic instruments) do not have to be taken:

1 When the metal conductor is already electrically connected to the grounding system of lightning
protection, electrical protection, stray current protection and electromagnetic shield;

2 When such metal conductors as the metal structures, metal pipelines and steel bars of structures
embedded under ground have close mechanical connection with each other and there is always sufficient
electrostatic conductivity between the metal contact surfaces under any conditions;

3 When the metal pipe section is already provided with cathodic protection.

3.2 Electrostatic grounding method

3.2.1 For an object requiring electrostatic grounding, one of the following electrostatic grounding
methods shall be selected according to the type of the object:

1 The electrostatic conductor shall be provided with direct electrostatic grounding using a metal
conductor.

2 The human body and movable equipment shall be provided with indirect electrostatic grounding
using non-metal conducting material or anti-static material and anti-static product.

3 The electrostatic non-conductor shall be provided not only with indirect electrostatic grounding, but
also with other anti-static measures.

10
 SH 3097-2000

3.3 Grounding resistance of the electrostatic grounding system

3.3.1 The electrostatic grounding resistance of the electrostatic grounding system shall be no greater than
10 . The resistance of the special electrostatic grounding body to the ground shall be no greater than 100
6

and, in mountain areas and so on with higher soil conductivity, shall be no greater than 1000.

3.3.2 In case any other grounding device is used concurrently as the electrostatic grounding, its
grounding resistance shall be determined according to the requirements of such grounding device.

3.4 Electrostatic grounding terminal and earth plate

3.4.1 Special grounding connection terminals shall be installed in certain positions of the equipment and
pipeline, to be used as the connection points for electrostatic grounding.

3.4.2 The position of a grounding connection terminal shall meet the following requirements;

1 Not easy for the terminal to be damaged by external forces;

2 Convenient for inspection and maintenance;

3 Convenient for connection to the grounding bus;

4 The operation will not be hampered;

5 Positions easy for accumulation of flammable mixture or easy for corrosion shall be avoided as
much as possible.

3.4.3 The electrostatic grounding terminals include the following types:

1 Exposed metal surfaces reserved on the equipment and pipe shell (including the pedestal of
equipment);

2 The metal bolt connecting parts on the equipment and pipeline;

3 Grounding terminal strips;

4 Special metal earth plates.

3.4.4 The special metal earth plates shall meet the following requirements:

1 Metal earth plates may be welded (or fastened) to the metal shell or pedestal of the equipment or
pipeline.

2 The material of the metal earth plates shall be the same as that of the metal shell of the equipment
or pipeline.

3 The section of the metal earth plate should not fall less than 50 ×10 (mm), while its minimum
effective length should be 60mm for small size equipment and 110mm for large size equipment. If the
equipment is provided with thermal insulation, such plate shall extend out of the insulation layer.

The bolts used for grounding shall be no less than M10 in size.

4 When the reinforced concrete foundation is used as the electrostatic grounding body, proper parts

11
 SH 3097-2000

shall be selected for embedding 200 × 200 ×6 (mm) steel sheets, to which special earth plates shall be
welded. The anchor bars of the embedded sheets shall be welded to the main foundation bars (or through a
section of bar).

3.5 Branches and connection lines for electrostatic grounding

3.5.1 Stranded metal wires or metal bodies with sufficient mechanical strength, corrosion resisting and
uneasy to be broken shall be selected for use as the branches and connection lines for electrostatic
grounding. The sizes of them shall be selected from Table 3.5.1.

Table 3.5.1 Minimum sizes of branches and connection lines for electrostatic grounding

Type of equipment Grounding branch Connection line

16mm2 stranded copper core wire  8mm 6mm2 flexible stranded copper
Stationary equipment galvanized round steel 12  4 (mm) core wire or flexible braided
galvanized flat steel copper wire

16mm2 flexible stranded copper core wire or

Large size movable equipment
flexible rubber-sheathed copper core cable

10mm2 flexible stranded copper core wire or

General movable equipment
flexible rubber-sheathed copper core cable

Devices with vibration and

6mm2 flexible stranded copper core wire
frequently moved

3.6 Electrostatic grounding bus and grounding body

3.6.1 The electrostatic grounding bus and grounding body shall be considered and arranged uniformly
with grounding devices used for other purposes. The protection grounding bus or lightning inductance
protection grounding bus may be used as the electrostatic grounding bus, otherwise a special electrostatic
grounding bus and grounding body shall be provided.

3.6.2 The arrangement of the electrostatic grounding bus shall meet the following requirements:

1 It shall be convenient for grounding of equipment, pipelines and movable objects requiring
electrostatic grounding on site;

2 The electrostatic grounding bus should be arranged in a close loop in the unit and grounding buses
of different elevations shall have at least two connections between each other.

3.6.3 The following grounding buses or lines may not be used for electrostatic grounding:

1 The working zero line of a lighting circuit and the neutral line in a 3 phase 4 wire system;

2 The AC and DC protection grounding system for various voltage levels of a rectifier station;

3 The special grounding buses for DC circuits;

4 The lightning protection downlead (except for the metal equipment proper that concurrently serves
the function of conducting the current).

3.6.4 The design of the electrostatic grounding body shall meet the following requirements:

12
 SH 3097-2000

1 In case the electrostatic grounding bus is connected with the protection grounding bus at two points
in a building or structure, it is not necessary to provide another electrostatic grounding body;

2 The natural grounding body and grounding bodies for other purposes shall be fully utilized;

3 Corrosion resistant materials should be selected as the materials of the grounding bus and
grounding body,. If galvanized steels are selected for use, the sizes of the steels shall be selected from Table
3.6.4.

Table 3.6.4 Min. sizes of steels used for electrostatic grounding bus and grounding body

Size
Description Unit
Above ground Under ground
Sectional area mm2
Flat steel 100 4 (5) 160 4 (5)
thickness mm
Round steel angle Diameter mm Size 12 (14) 14 505
steel steel pipe mm diameter mm 50
Note: The figures in the brackets are the recommended sizes of the steels used in class 2 corrosive environment.

3.7 Connection of electrostatic grounding

3.7.1 The following methods shall be used for connection of the grounding terminal with the grounding
branch:

1 Stationary equipment should be connected with bolts;

2 Objects with vibration and displacement shall be connected with flexible wires;

3 Movable equipment or tools shall be connected with storage battery chucks, alligator clamps,
special connection chucks or magnetic connectors instead of by winding the grounding wire around the
grounded body.

3.7.2 The connection of electrostatic grounding shall meet the following requirements:

1 In case of connection by lap welding, the splicing length must be 2 times the width of the flat steel
or 6 times the diameter of the round steel;

2 In case of connection with bolts, they shall be cleaned of rusts and greasy dirt from their metal
surfaces and added with nuts or check gaskets;

3 In case of connection with battery chuck, alligator chuck and so on, relevant parts shall be cleaned
of rusts and greasy dirt.

13
 SH 3097-2000

4 Specific Specifications

4.1 Stationary equipment

4.1.1 Casings of stationary equipment (towers, vessels, pumps, heat exchangers and filters, etc.) shall
have electrostatic grounding. In case of earth-covered equipment, electrostatic grounding is not necessary
in normal cases.

4.1.2 Any equipment with its diameter greater than or equal to 2.5m and its volume greater than or equal
3
to 50m shall have at least two grounding points, which shall be arranged uniformly along the perimeter of
the equipment at a space no greater than 30m.

4.1.3 In case of stationary equipment with vibration, its vibrating part(s) shall be grounded with flexible
stranded copper core wire(s) no less than 6mm 2 in section. It is strictly prohibited to use single stranded
wire for such grounding. Several sets of equipment with flexible connections shall be jumped with each
other with flexible stranded copper core wire.

4.1.4 Turning objects may be grounded with conductive grease or special grounding facilities (e.g. slip
rings or brushes may be used in environments without any explosion or fire hazard). However, such
grounding is not necessary for such parts as the valve stem and bearing turning part. Conductive rubber
products shall be adopted for belts or conveying belts where electrostatic charge is easily accumulated.

4.1.5 The anti-static grounding brush and protection hood of a unit driven by belt and of its belt shall be
grounded.

4.1.6 Bag dust collecting equipment for flammable dust and the grounding terminal of the metal wires
braided into the bag shall be grounded.

4.1.7 The flexible or slip connection parts between different internal parts of the equipment shall have
their contact resistance kept under 1000..

4.1.8 The connection of stationary equipment with the grounding line or connection line should be made
with bolts. The connecting terminal may be arranged on one side of the equipment or on one side or at the
end of the equipment’s combined metal pedestal. The materials selected for the grounding terminal and the
grounding line shall meet relevant stipulations under article 3.4.4 and Section 3.5 of this code.

4.1.9 Metal parts insulated from the ground (e.g. flanges, rubber hose connectors and nozzles, etc.) shall
be grounded through jumping with flexible stranded copper core wire.

4.2 Storage tank

4.2.1 All metal components in a storage tank (the agitator, lifter, instrument tubing and metal float, etc.)
must have equipotential connection with the tank body and so on and shall be grounded.

4.2.2 On the tank top sampling platform, one group of grounding terminals shall be installed on each side
of the operating opening, to be used for grounding of sampling ropes, scales and so on.

4.2.3 Such moving metal parts as the pontoon, movable ladder and so on of a floating-roof tank shall be
connected to the tank wall with flexible stranded copper core wire no less than 25mm 2 in section, at no less
than 2 connection points. The sealing ring between the pontoon and the tank wall shall be made from static

14
 SH 3097-2000

electricity conducting rubber. The rain shield on top of the tank shall be connected to the top plate with
flexible stranded copper core wire no less than 6~10mm2 in section.

4.2.4 If the inner wall of the storage tank is painted, the conducting characteristics of the paint shall
exceed that of the stored liquid and its volume conductivity shall be less than 108 • m.

4.2.5 In order to eliminate occurrence of static electricity on human body, grounding metal rods shall be
provided at the exit of the staircase or one meter of exposed metal surface shall be reserved on the metal
rail already grounded.

4.2.6 Insulation flanges with a resistance of 10 4~106 may be used as the flanges connected to the
storage tank pipeline, if protection against stray current and chemical corrosion is required.

4.3 Piping system

4.3.1 All pipelines shall be grounded where they enter the unit area (including production workshop
buildings) or fork. A long distance pipeline without any branch shall be grounded every 100m.

4.3.2 Parallel pipelines with a clear distance of less than 100mm between them shall be jumped every
20m. Crossed pipelines with a clear distance of less than 100mm shall be provided with jumpers.

4.3.3 Metal flanges, when fastened with metal bolts or clips, do not have to be installed with separate
electrostatic connection lines. However, it shall be ensured that at least two bolts or clips have a proper
conducting contact surface between each other.

4.3.4 The tracing pipe for a process pipeline shall have equipotential connection with the process pipeline
at the steam admission inlet and return water inlet of the tracing pipe.

4.3.5 When made from thin metal sheets, the air duct and the protection hood of insulation shall be
welted and shall have equipotential connection using mechanically fixed bolts.

4.3.6 For the non-conductive pipe section in a metal pipeline, in addition to the special anti-static
treatment to be made, the metal pipes at both ends of it shall be respectively connected to the grounding bus
or shall be grounded through jumping with flexible stranded copper core wires no less than 6mm2 in
section.

4.3.7 All the metal parts in a non-conductive pipe section shall be grounded.

4.3.8 Electrostatic grounding is not necessary for metal pipelines embedded underground.

4.4 Railway platform and tank wagon

4.4.1 The metal pipelines, equipment, structures and railway rails within the platform area shall have
equipotential connection and shall be grounded, with a grounding network to be formed.

4.4.2 The railway rails within the area shall be grounded at both ends and the electrical paths between the
rails inside and outside the area shall be isolated. Every rail shall have a proper electric path, all parallel
rails shall be jumped with each other and every crane position shall be jumped once and grounded. 1  19
 14.9mm2 galvanized stranded steel wires may be used as the jumper and double 5mm galvanized metal
wires may be used as the grounding line, which shall be riveted to the rail with pins.

4.4.3 The exit of the ladder for the operating platform shall be installed with electrostatic grounding

15
 SH 3097-2000

metal rods. Each crane platform shall be installed with grounding terminals, which should be directly
connected to the grounding bus with grounding wires. The tank wagons and storage wagons shall be
connected to the grounding terminals using flexible metal wires with grounding clips.

4.4.4 The metal filling pipes and fixed pipelines and steel structures shall have equipotential connection
and grounded, with the electrostatic grounding resistance to be less than 106.

4.4.5 Nonmetal filling hoses should be made from anti-static materials.

4.4.6 The tank body and wagon body of the tank wagon shall have equipotential connection with the
filling pipeline system and the steel structures for the platform. Before the handling work is started, they
shall be connected to the platform connecting terminals using special grounding wires and the connection
may not be removed until the handling is completed and the top is covered.

4.5 Bus station platform and tank truck

4.5.1 The metal pipelines, equipment and structures within the platform area shall have equipotential
connection and be grounded.

4.5.2 The exit of the ladder for the operating platform and the platform shall be installed with
electrostatic grounding metal rods.

4.5.3 Before loading and unloading of the storage truck, the truck, storage tank and handling equipment
shall have equipotential connection using special grounding lines and grounding clips. The connection shall
not be removed until the operation is completed and the cover of the tank is closed. The grounding
equipment should be interlocked with the handling pump.

4.5.4 The filling pipe system shall meet the requirements under article 4.4.4 and 4.4.5 of this code.

4.6 Dock
4.6.1 The metal pipelines, equipment and structures within the dock area, including the metal parts of the
bridge approach and landing stage and the reinforced bars in foundation, shall have equipotential
connection and be grounded. The handling platform or the over-land part of the berth shall be provided
with grounding devices.

4.6.2 For larger dock districts, the pipelines within the district shall meet the requirements under articles
4.3.1~4.3.7 of this code.

4.6.3 The handling platform shall meet the requirements under sections 4.4 and 4.5 of this code.

4.6.4 The over-land exit of the berth shall be provided with grounding devices for eliminating static
electricity on human body.

4.6.5 The following measures shall be taken against stray currents:

1 An insulation flange or a section of non-conductive hose shall be used on the filling arm or filling
pipe, with the resistance to be between 2.5  104 ~ 2.5  106.

2 The passenger walkway between the bank and ships may not be connected fully with metal.

3 Insulation shall be provided between the fender facilities for the dock and the berthing ships.

16
 SH 3097-2000

4 The metal objects on the bank side may only be connected to the grounding devices on the bank of
the dock.

4.7 Powder processing, storage and transport equipment

4.7.1 The following electrostatic rounding measures shall be taken for the filling and discharge parts:

1 Metal and nonmetal conductive vessels and all metal equipment in the vicinity, including the
material pipelines, shall have equipotential connection and be grounded.

2 For vessels containing powder with high volume conductivity, in addition to following the
requirements under 4.7.1-1 of this code, one or more earth plates (pipes, rods) should be inserted vertically
into the vessel if possible, to provide electrostatic compartment shield inside the powder.

3 The bags and buckets used for containing the powder shall be placed on the ground or a deck that is
grounded.

4.7.2 In case the powder is to be added into any flammable solvent, the following electrostatic grounding
measures shall be taken:

1 The operators must be grounded.

2 Funnels, chutes or other filling devices shall be made from conductive materials and shall be have
equipotential connection with the vessels before being grounded.

3 Vessels containing solvent or powder shall be made from conductive materials and grounded. It is
allowed for a 2mm thick insulation coating to be applied on vessels containing powder.

4.7.3 All conductive parts in the powder screening, grinding and mixing section, including the screen,
shall have equipotential connection and be grounded. Flexible parts should be flexibly connected. The
receiving vessel shall meet the requirements under 4.7.1 of this code.

4.7.4 In case of pneumatic delivery of the powder, the pipelines shall be made from conductive materials
and, in addition to the requirements under section 4.3 of this code, the flanges for pipe sections must be
jumped and grounded.

4.7.5 In the dust separator, all conductive parts, including the filter supports and frame, shall have
equipotential connection and be grounded.

4.7.6 A large size silo shall not have any protruding grounding conductor inside it and must be installed
with electrostatic explosion protection measures, if it is provided with any level alarm. The material inlet
and vent on top of the silo shall be made flush with the silo top.

4.8 Gas and steam ejection equipment

4.8.1 All the conductive parts on a gas or steam ejection equipment shall have equipotential connection
and be grounded.

4.8.2 When steam (or gas) is used to clean the storage tank and other equipment, the ejector shall be have
equipotential connection with the object to be cleaned and surrounding metal bodies and grounded.

17
 SH 3097-2000

4.8.3 The metal nozzles and connectors mounted on hoses shall be provided with the following
electrostatic grounding measures:

1 When conductive or anti-static hoses are used, the nozzles and connectors shall be reliably
connected to the hoses and grounded.

2 The metal nozzles, connectors and other metal parts mounted on hoses may be connected to the
grounding device with special grounding wires.

3 The special grounding line shall be properly connected before the gas or steam ejection equipment
is put into service and may not be removed until the operation is completed.

4.9 Chemical fiber equipment

4.9.1 The conveyor belt pulley and end belt roller shall be jumped and grounded together with the feed
hopper.

4.9.2 The metal parts on an equipment which are isolated by non-conductors shall be grounded with
jumping method.

4.9.3 The rolling shaft and rotating part of the mixer may be grounded with conductive lubricant or a
sliding brush when the electrostatic grounding resistance is greater than 106.

4.9.4 The pneumatic delivery equipment shall meet the requirements under 4.7.4 of this code.

4.10 Electrostatic grounding of human body

4.10.1 The following measures shall be taken for operators where static electricity hazard will possibly
occur:

1 The operators shall correctly use various static electricity protection articles (such as anti-static
shoes, anti-static work clothes and anti-static gloves) and shall not wear any chemical fiber or silk clothes.

2 The operators may enter the work place only after they have touched the grounded metal objects
with bare hands or with hands wearing anti-static gloves.

3 It is strictly prohibited to put on or take off clothes or caps at an explosion hazard location.

4.10.2 The following measures shall be taken where electrified human body tends to produce static
electricity hazard:

1 The surface of the workbench shall be covered with conductive rubber board and the surface of
the seat shall be made from a conductive material. If the feet of the workbench and stool are made of
nonmetal materials or are wrapped with plastic (rubber) sleeves, the surfaces of the bench and seat shall be
grounded.

2 A static electricity conductive floor shall be laid. The static electricity conductive floor shall have
its volume conductivity maintained between 1.0  106 · m ~ 1.0  106 · m and its conduction
characteristics kept stable in the long term, and shall not be easy to produce dust. It shall be regularly
sprayed with water and cleaned of the insulation dirt.

4.11 Electrostatic grounding for the computer room and electronic instrument room

18
 SH 3097-2000

The electrostatic grounding for the computer room and electronic instrument room shall meet the
stipulations under the national standard Code for Design of Computer Room, GB50174-93.

19
 SH 3097-2000

Appendix A Test Method for Electrostatic Grounding

A.0.1 The electrostatic grounding shall be tested under the condition that the tested objective is not
electrified. The tested objectives include the grounding system of the equipment, the nonmetal materials
and anti-static products.

A.0.2 Measurement of the grounding of any equipment shall meet the following stipulations:

1 The contact resistance and jumping resistance between different metal parts of an equipment and
between the equipment and the special grounding pole may be measured with multimeters;

2 The resistance of the equipment grounding pole, including the contact resistance of the grounding
pole to the soil and the scattered resistance of the soil, may be measured with the ZC series grounding
megameter. The distance between the grounding pole and the current pole shall be 40m and that between
the voltage pole and the current pole shall be 20m.

3 The nonmetal devices of an equipment (such as the nonmetal parts for grounding and insulation
flanges, etc.) shall have their resistance measured as follows:

At a resistance less than 1M, it may be measured with a normal multimeter or megameter;

At a resistance greater than or equal to 1M, it may be measured with a megameter or megohmeter over
500V.

A.0.3 Measurement of the conduction characteristics of nonmetal materials shall meet the following
stipulations:

1 The volume conductivity and surface conductivity of sheets and films

a At a volume conductivity greater than or equal to 10 6 · m, the measurement shall be made

according to the stipulations under the Method for test of Solid Electrical Insulation Resistance, Volume
Resistance Coefficient and Surface Resistance Coefficient, GB1410-78. ZC36, ZC43 and other megameters
may be used as the measuring instrument. The dimensions of the test samples: 100  100 (mm) for square
shape or 100mm for round shape.

b At a volume conductivity less than 10 6 · m, the measurement shall be made according to the
stipulations under the Method for test of Conductivity (Coefficient) of Conductive and Anti-static Rubber,
GB2439-81. The input impedance of the electrometer and ampere meter shall be greater than 1012. The
dimensions of the test samples: length 70~150mm, width 10~150mm.

2 The fiber leakage resistance shall be measured according to the Method for test of Fiber Leakage
Resistance, FJ551-85, with the sample quantity to be 2 0.1g. The fiber leakage resistance tester following
RC charging and discharging principles shall be used as the testing instrument.

3 The conductivity of light petroleum products shall be measured according to the Method for test of
Light Petroleum Products, GB6539-86. In case the sample oil is greater than 1L, the oil product
conductivity tester shall be used as the measuring instrument.

A.0.4 Measurement of the conduction characteristics of anti-static products shall meet the following
stipulations;

20
 SH 3097-2000

1 The resistance of anti-static shoes and static electricity conductive shoes shall measured according
to Method for Test of Resistance of Anti-Static Rubber Sole Shoes and Conductive Rubber Sole Shoes,
GB4386-84. When R1.5105, the measuring voltage shall be 50025V; when R<1.5105, the
measuring voltage shall be 1005V, with the testing power no greater than 3W.

2 The resistance of such paving materials as the floor boards, carpets and so on shall be measured
with two 602mm (20.2kg in weight, chrome plated copper) special electrodes, which are at a distance
of 1m from each other. On a nonflexible floor, conductive foam plastic (60mm in diameter, 5~6mm thick,
0.1~1 · m in volume conductivity) may be put under the electrodes. The insulation resistance tester may
be used as the measuring instrument, with the DC open circuit voltage to be 500V and the short circuit
current to be 5mA.

21
 SH 3097-2000

Appendix B Cautions for Electrostatic Grounding Work

B.0.1 In locations where static electricity hazard is possible, the electrostatic grounding of movable
equipment and tools shall be made according to the following procedure:

1 The grounding must be properly made before process operation or transport starts.

2 The grounding lines may not be removed until they have been left untouched for the specified
period of time after completion of the process operation.

3 The connecting points of the grounding lines should avoid fire or explosion hazard locations and
shall not be located in the leeward direction of the handling area.

B.0.2 During the operation, when local maintenance of the equipment, pipelines and so on will cause
disconnection of the electrostatic connection circuits of relevant objects, proper temporary jumping shall be
made, the system shall be recovered immediately after the maintenance and the resistance shall be
measured again.

B.0.3 The grounding tools and materials shall be used correctly and shall be frequently inspected to
ensure the intactness of electrical paths. In case of any broken point in the grounding connection, proper
measures shall be taken before the connection is recovered to ensure that no explosion or fire hazard will
occur in the surrounding environment.

B.0.4 The samplers, scales and temperature measuring metal tools for inflammable and explosive objects
are not allowed to collide with the walls of metal devices during the work.

22
 SH 3097-2000

Forms of Verbs

The forms of verbs in the articles of this code which are used to express different required degrees of
strictness in observing the stipulations are described as follows:

1 To express very strict stipulations that must be observed:

In the positive form, “it is necessary” or “must” shall be used;

In the negative form, “it is strictly prohibited” or “it is strictly banned” shall be used.

2 The forms of verbs used to express strict stipulations that shall be observed in normal cases:

In the positive form, “shall” shall be used;

In the negative form, “shall not” or “must not” shall be used.

3 The forms of verbs used to express stipulations that allow slight choices to be made among several
possibilities and shall be preferred if possible:

In the positive form, “should” shall be used;

In the negative form, “should not” shall be used.

To express stipulations that allow choices to be made and may be observed under certain conditions, “may”
shall be used.

23
 Industrial Standard of the P.R.C

Code for the Design of Static Electricity

Grounding for Petrochemical Industry

SH 3097-2000

Explanation of Articles

Beijing 2000
 Table of contents

1 GENERAL.........................................................................................................................................21
2 TERMINOLOGY...........................................................................................................................23
3 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS..............................................................................................26
3.1 SCOPE OF ELECTROSTATIC GROUNDING.....................................................................26
3.2 ELECTROSTATIC GROUNDING METHOD.......................................................................27
3.3 GROUNDING RESISTANCE OF THE ELECTROSTATIC GROUNDING SYSTEM.................27
3.4 ELECTROSTATIC GROUNDING TERMINAL AND EARTH PLATE.....................................28
3.5 BRANCHES AND CONNECTION LINES FOR ELECTROSTATIC GROUNDING...................30
3.6 ELECTROSTATIC GROUNDING BUS AND GROUNDING BODY......................................30
4 SPECIFIC SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................31
4.1 STATIONARY EQUIPMENT............................................................................................31
4.2 STORAGE TANK...........................................................................................................31
4.3 PIPING SYSTEM............................................................................................................34
4.4 RAILWAY PLATFORM AND TANK WAGON...................................................................35
4.5 BUS STATION PLATFORM AND TANK TRUCK..............................................................37
4.6 DOCK...........................................................................................................................37
4.7 POWDER PROCESSING, STORAGE AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT................................37
4.8 GAS AND STEAM EJECTION EQUIPMENT.....................................................................38
4.10 ELECTROSTATIC GROUNDING OF HUMAN BODY......................................................38
APPENDIX A TEST METHOD FOR ELECTROSTATIC GROUNDING.........39

25
 SH 3097-2000

1 General

1.0.3 This article emphasizes that the electrostatic grounding is just one of the measures against
electrostatic hazard. Electrostatic grounding can well conduct the free electrostatic charges from static
electricity conductors (especially metals). The free charges on some static electricity non-conductors can be
conducted to the ground only after such non-conductors are left untouched for a certain length of standing
time. The saying that there will be no electrostatic hazard if only the equipment is grounded is single-
faceted. This conception shall be clarified.

The purpose of the electrostatic grounding system is to provide a path to the ground for the static charges
leaked from an electrified body. Without the assistance of any other conditions, it can only conduct the free
charges from the metal body.

The causes of the electrostatic accidents that have occurred in petrochemical enterprises in the recent years
vary a lot, which are not formed by a single and independent factor. Therefore, close cooperation of related
specialties is really necessary for making a good electrostatic protection design.

The following measures shall be taken against generation of large quantity of static electricity:

1) According to the law of electrostatic electrification, for relevant materials that will be electrified by
contact, materials that are closer to each other in the electrification sequence shall be selected as much as
possible or the materials that generate positive and negative charges shall be properly combined, so that the
electrostatic electrification is minimized;

2) The production process shall be so designed that, for relevant materials, smaller contact area, lower
pressure, less times of contact , lower moving and separation speed and reduced processing scale are
achieved as much as possible.

Electrostatic grounding shall be properly made for the electrified body and measures to increase the leakage
shall be taken. The normal practices are:

1) Parts that can continuously generate static electricity due to friction, vessels that store a large amount of
electrified body and movable units shall be fabricated with metal materials as much as possible. If painting
is needed, the resistivity of the paint selected shall be less than that of the electrified body;

2) For parts where no metal materials may be used, rubber, resin, fiber or plastic with uniform quality and
good conductivity shall be used;

3) If allowed by process conditions, temperature and humidity regulation equipment shall be used to ensure
that the relative humidity is no less than 50%~65%, or spray water on the ground periodically;

4) An electrostatic buffer shall be installed in an appropriate position close to the discharge of the materials
with high electrification;

5) Add a small amount of appropriate anti-static additives into some materials to reduce its resistivity.

For the time being, there are high voltage supply type, induction type and radiation source type static
electricity eliminators. The following shall be considered when making selections: 1) risk of fire at the

26
 SH 3097-2000

installation location; 2) such ambient conditions of the location as temperature, humidity and so on; 3)
types, operation status and electrification status of the electrified bodies.

Electrostatic shielding is an important anti-static measure. According to the division of technical fields,
electrostatic shielding does not fall in the scope of this code. However, the electrostatic shielding body
needs to be grounded, which is one kind of electrostatic grounding. The electrostatic shielding includes
bulk shielding and compartment shielding. Bulk shielding means to cover the electrified body completely
with the shielding conductor, so that the static electricity generated by the electrified body is sealed in by
the shielding conductor. Compartment shielding means to cover a part of the electrified body from the air
or on its surface by the shielding conductor, so that the electrified body is isolated by the shielding
conductor to increase the electrostatic capacitance of the electrified body and reduce the electrostatic level.

In explosion hazard areas, an explosion accident will happen only under the following two conditions: 1)
the concentration of the flammables has reached the explosion limit; 2) there exist sparks, arcs or high
temperature that are enough to ignite the flammables. Safety can be achieved by removing either one of the
two conditions.

Human body can be regarded as a conductor for static electricity. Therefore, the human body can be
prevented from electrification as long as it is grounded. However, as an operator rarely stays in a fixed
place, his body remains electrified due to walking or operation. The static electricity on the human body
will possibly become the ignition source in a hazardous location, the pollution source in clean buildings or
the electromagnetic interference source for the electronic equipment.

27
 SH 3097-2000

2 Terminology

2.0.1 Industrial static electricity

Industrial static electricity is generated and accumulated during the industrial production, storage and
transportation. It has a great effect on safety production and product quality. The characteristic of
petrochemical production is high temperature, high pressure, inflammability, explosiveness, as well as
being toxic and hazardous. In the production area, various kinds of oil product are seen everywhere, as well
as such materials as plastic, rubber and enamel. Such processes as crushing, ripping, friction, drifting,
ejection, mixing, flushing, shaking, sampling and scaling are very common. That is to say, the source of
electrostatic hazard exists in the daily working environment. Therefore, it is very important to know the
generation mechanics of industrial static electricity, analyze its hazards and to discuss and master the
measures against electrostatic hazards.

The static electricity is mainly generated through the following approaches: 1) the same kind or different
kinds of objects are separated immediately after close contact; 2) particles with static electricity are
attached to the object; 3) non-electrified objects are electrified through induction or polarization.

The quantity of static electricity on an electrified body is the stable value obtained when the generation and
dissipation quantities of static electricity are balanced.

2.0.4 Electrostatic characteristic parameters of substances

Volume resistivity changes with the temperature and the amount of foreign matters in a substance. It is a
parameter for appraising the electrification tendency of the substance.

Surface resistivity changes with the varying moisture absorption status and contamination degree of the
surface of the object.

Conductivity is the reciprocal of resistivity.

2.0.5 Electrostatic electrification, accumulation and dissipation

The function of standing time is to allow enough time for the electrified body to leak the static charges off
and conduct them to the ground. This is an important step in the electrostatic grounding technology. No
matter the production, storage and transportation are continuous or intermittent, it is necessary to set the
standing time for the non-conductors of static electricity as mentioned under 3.2.1.

The electrification quantity of the liquid will increase rapidly when it passes through pumps and filters or
through pipes under high velocity. Therefore, the flow rate shall be controlled and pipes of certain lengths
or buffers shall be provided in necessary parts to let the static charges in the liquid be leaked fully. At the
outlet of a fine filter, the liquid shall pass through the buffer before being sent out and filled into tanks. It is
usually believed that if the liquid flows in the pipe for 30s at a safe velocity, the intensity of the charges
will drop below the safe value. The "relaxation time" may be referred to as the "standing time" of the liquid
in motion.

For non-conductive liquid, the length of the buffer pipe section may be calculated with the following
formula.

L/V=3

28
 SH 3097-2000

Where: L/V—Lingering time (the length of time the liquid stays in the buffer area for) (s)

L—Length of the buffer area (m)

V—Velocity within the area (m/s)

-Relaxation time of liquid (s)

The relaxation time shall be calculated with the following formula:

=re/K
Where: r—Relative dielectric constant of the liquid;

e—Vacuum dielectric constant (8.8510-12 F/m)

K—Liquid conductivity (ps/m)

2.0.7 Materials

Different countries have different electrostatic classifications of substances. In China, the substances are
divided into three classes in the current national standard General Guideline for Prevention of Electrostatic
Accidents GB12158-90 and the chemical industrial standard Procedure for Design of Electrostatic
Grounding in Chemical Enterprises HGJ28-90: static conductor, static sub-conductor and static non-
conductor.

With reference to some foreign codes, it is clearer to divide substances into two classes in petrochemical
enterprises. It should be pointed out that the conductivity of a substance changes with its resistivity, thus the
substances can never be classified into "conductive" or "non-conductive" simply by a quantity limit.

As there are no uniform quantification data for the substances, no connotation concerning quantification is
mentioned in the definition.

Refer to Table 1 for classifications of substances in different countries.

Table 1 Classifications of substances in different countries

Country Static conductor Static sub-conductor Static non-conductor

U.K. 10-9S/m <10-9S/m
Japan >10-8S/m 10-10~10-8 S/m <10-10S/m
Germany 104·m >104·m
Australia  108·m (Solid) >108·m (Solid)
>10-9S/m (Liquid)  10-9S/m (Liquid)

2.0.8 Electrostatic safety and disaster prevention

The major types of electrostatic disasters are listed. Please pay special attention to the fire and explosion
accidents caused by electrostatic discharge.

2.0.9 Electrostatic grounding

The electrostatic grounding system can be illustrated by a simple model in Fig.1.

29
 SH 3097-2000

图见原文 1600023

1. Leaking step 2. Conducting step

3. Dissipation step 4. Ground

1---Electrified area 4---Grounding terminal 7---Grounding body

2---Leakage path of electrified body 5---Grounding branch
3---Racks and housing of equipment 6---Grounding bus

Fig. 1 Electrostatic grounding model

The total resistance of the whole system from the electrified area to the ground is the leaking resistance of
static electricity, while the resistance from the housing of the equipment to the ground is called the
grounding resistance of static electricity, and that from the grounding body to the ground is called the
resistance to ground of the grounding body.

30
 SH 3097-2000

3 General Specifications

3.1 Scope of electrostatic grounding

3.1.1 This article specifies the scope of electrostatic grounding in principle. People are paying increasingly
more attention to possible electrostatic hazard in places where explosion or fire hazard exists. In places
without any explosion or fire hazard, electrostatic grounding shall also be provided as the static electricity
on equipment, pipes and electronic apparatus will disturb production and cause electrostatic shock,.

Detailed analysis shall be made to see if an object will generate electrostatic hazard. Electrification caused
by electrostatic induction shall be paid special attention to. Occasions where static electricity are frequently
generated include:

1. Powdered substances passing through the chute or pneumatic conveyor;

2. Steam, air or gas ejected from pipes or hoses, when the steam contains moisture and the air or gas flow
contains particles;

3. Non-conductive drive belts or conveying belt in operation;

4. Running vehicles;

5. Moving objects contacting each other and changing their relative positions. Usually these objects are
different liquids or solids;

6. When agitating and mixing materials;

7. When scraping and crushing materials.

3.1.2 An object that requires grounding but is not grounded owing to negligence tends to cause an
electrostatic fault or even an electrostatic hazard. Therefore, some parts that will easily be neglected are
emphasized.

These parts tend to form isolated conductors and will possibly be electrified due to electrostatic induction,
where static charges will accumulate as the leakage path is blocked. Once discharge conditions are
available, all the electrostatic charges will be discharged instantaneously through the discharge points,
causing accidents.

3.1.4 Some occasions requiring no special electrostatic grounding measures are summed up. The reasons
are as follows:

The grounding resistance of the grounding system for lightening protection, electrical protection, stray
current protection and electromagnetic shield is enough for meeting the electrostatic grounding
requirements.

When the metal conductors have close mechanical connections between each other, the resistance between
the contact surfaces is very small and, in respect of the leakage resistance 106 required for the
electrostatic grounding system, the resistances at these single connection points can be ignored. As the
electrostatic current is of microampere level, the conductivity in this case may be deemed as meeting the
requirements of static electricity.

31
 SH 3097-2000

The electrostatic conductivity of pipe sections with cathodic protection already meets the requirements of
electrostatic connection. If they are earthed again, the D.C. path of the cathodic protection loop will be
damaged.

3.2 Electrostatic grounding method

3.2.1 In electrostatics, all objects are divided into electrostatic conductors and electrostatic non-conductors
according to the resistivity of substances. Objects also include such types as solid, liquid, gas and powder.

Refer to the relevant chapters and sections under "Specific Specifications" for the detailed methods for
grounding connection of electrostatic conductor with the human body and moving equipment.

The electrification quantity of non-conductors normally depends upon the conductivity or surface
resistivity of the same. For liquid and powder, it depends on the conductivity. For solid, the surface
resistivity is taken as the electrification index. If the conductivity of the non-conductor is very high,
electrification can be prevented by grounding indirectly. However, to prevent electrification, a considerably
long period of time, namely a standing time, is also required.

According to some foreign information (Guide to Static Electricity Safety of Japan), the electrification
quantities of non-conductors are listed in Table 2.

For some electrostatic non-conductors, it may be considered that the electrostatic grounding cannot solve
the problem of electrification and the electrostatic protection can only be realized through static
electricity eliminator and other measures. However, the inductive static electricity eliminator will never
work unless it is grounded.

Table 2 Electrification indexes of non-conductors

Degree of Electrification Conductivity Volume resistivity Surface

electrification level (S/m) (·m) resistivity
(kV) ()
Nearly none <0. 1 >10-8 <108 <1010
Low 0.1~1 10-10~10-8 108~1010 1010~1012
Normal 1~10 10-12~10-0 1010~1012 1012~1014
High >10 <10-12 >1012 >1014

3.3 Grounding resistance of the electrostatic grounding system

3.3.1 With reference to the national standards General Guideline for Prevention of Electrostatic Accidents
GB12158-90 and Electrostatic Safety Procedure for Liquid Petroleum Products GB13348-92, Guide to
Static Electricity Safety of Japan, General Code for Static Electricity Protection BS5958 of the U.K. and
the Code for Electrostatic Operation NFPA77-93 of the U.S., 106 is taken as the safety limit for
electrostatic leakage resistance. In Guide to Static Electricity Safety of Japan, rough criteria are listed for
judging the electrification status. Please refer to Table 3 for such criteria.

32
 SH 3097-2000

Table 3 Japanese criteria for judging the electrification status

Leakage resistance () Electrification status

<106 No electrification
>106~<108 Low electrification
>108~<1012 Electrified
>1010~<1012 High electrification
>1012 Massive electrification

3.3.2 The grounding resistance of all grounding devices for other purposes conforms to the electrostatic
grounding requirements.

3.4 Electrostatic grounding terminal and earth plate

3.4.1~3.4.2 The arrangement of electrostatic grounding terminals and earth plates are specified here in
principle. In engineering design, it is necessary to determine their positions and elevations according to the
actual situations such as the positions of equipment and pipes and the arrangement of the grounding bus.

3.4.3 Naked metal surfaces refer to metal surfaces that are not rusted, which may be used for welding or
clamping of grounding terminals and grounding branches.

The connection parts of metal bolts may be concurrently used to fasten the grounding branches.

Grounding terminal strips are mounted on site, for field electrostatic grounding of moving objects. The
terminal strips are divided into frame type and bus type ones. Refer to the collection of standard diagrams
for electrical unit, the Grounding Device Installation Diagram (D563) for bus type terminal strips. Refer to
Fig.2 for frame type ones.

3.4.4 If the equipment is provided with insulation, the length of the part of the metal earth plate stretching
out of the thermal insulation shall be greater than the minimum effective length for grounding connection
(60mm or 110mm).

Embedded steel sheets in the reinforced concrete foundation are important parts for the electrostatic
grounding body. The electrical engineering personnel shall set the positions where embedded parts are
required and the civil engineering personnel shall design the embedment.

33
 SH 3097-2000

图见原文 1600026

1. Bolt M1050

Disk nut

Gasket

Spring gasket

Fig.2 Frame type grounding terminal strip

Refer to Fig.3 for the assembly of special earth plates.

a) Thermal insulation

图见原文 1600026

1. Holes 2. Dipped with tin 3. Thermal insulation 4. Dipped with tin

5. Casting of equipment**

6. Bolt M1030

Spring gasket

Gasket

7. Holes 8. Lead gasket 9. Earth plate***

* X is the thickness of the thermal insulation

** The grounding part of the casting has bosses, with threaded holes

*** The length of the connection end of the earth plate and the grounding line may be 125. with two 11
bored holes.

Fig.3 Illustration of assembly of special earth plates

34
 SH 3097-2000

3.5 Branches and connection lines for electrostatic grounding

3.5.1 Sine the electrostatic current is very small, there is no need to check the current-carrying capacity of
the material used for the grounding connection system. The minimum cross-sectional area of the grounding
branch and the requirements for materials are considered from the point of view of mechanical strength and
anti-corrosion. The specifications of grounding branch and connection lines may be determined according
to the actual situation and experience.

3.6 Electrostatic grounding bus and grounding body

3.6.1 In the petrochemical engineering design, many grounding systems need to be designed, such as those
for lightening protection, electrical protection, static electricity protection and stray current protection. It is
appropriate to use common grounding for these grounding systems. From the point of view of electrical
safety, the most cost effective and practical grounding measure is the common grounding with total
equipotential connection. The electrical engineering personnel shall coordinate with other specialized
personnel to make overall arrangements in the plane design of grounding buses.

3.6.2 The electrostatic grounding bus is arranged in a closed loop in a plane of the same elevation and is
connected at two points with another grounding bus on a different elevation, in order to ensure the
reliability of the grounding connection. When, in some planes, there are only a few sets of equipment
requiring electrostatic grounding and the equipment is arranged on one side of the building, the grounding
bus do not have to be arranged in a loop in the building but need only to be connected at two points with
the bus of adjacent elevation.

3.6.3 Neutral line (Line N) in the three-phase four-wire system will have a relatively high level to the
ground in case of unbalanced loads of the three phases or disconnection of one phase. If it is used as the
electrostatic grounding line, the level will be conducted into the equipment, causing accidents.

There will be leakage current in the protection grounding system of the rectifying station.

The special grounding line of a D.C. loop will possibly have high level.

No connection between the electrostatic grounding system (except for the metal equipment proper with
conduction function) and the conduction line for lightening is a measure to ensure the integrity of the
conduction line.

3.6.4 The Protection grounding system can fully meet the requirements of electrostatic grounding.

The electrostatic grounding bus and grounding body should be selected according to the actual situation
and experience.

35
 SH 3097-2000

4 Specific Specifications

4.1 Stationary equipment

4.1.1~4.1.6 Special attention shall be paid to the grounding connection for metals insulated to ground, such
as metal bolts for fixing plastic flanges and metal floats on oil surface, etc. Large gaskets made of
galvanized thin steel sheets, galvanized wires and flexible stranded metal wires may be connected with
each other and led to the ground.

Equipment that tends to generate static electricity such as the plate-frame filter, oil filter and flaker shall be
grounded.

Refer to Fig.4 for the positions of the grounding terminals for stationary equipment. Refer to Fig.5 for the
grounding methods of equipment with vibrating parts.

Flexible connection

Terminals on the inner side of the leg. Terminals on the side.

Fig.5 Grounding method

Terminals on the equipment proper Grounding by the leg of vibrating equipment

Fig.4 Positions of grounding terminals of stationary equipment

4.2 Storage tank

4.2.1 The metal components, especially the metal floats, in the storage tank tend to form isolated
conductors if they are not properly grounded. When the oil with static charges is filled into the tank, it will
collect charges and form a level to the ground. Under certain conditions, spark discharges are extremely
liable to occur, causing hazard.

4.2.2 The metal samplers and inspection ruler must be grounded reliably to avoid forming of isolated
conductors. The grounding terminals on the operation platform shall be arranged away from the gas outlet.
Refer to Fig.6 for the grounding method for samplers with conductive ropes. The sampler end may also be
welded. The grounding lines shall be installed before the work starts and shall not be removed until the

36
 SH 3097-2000

work is completed.

It is most convenient to use tools made of anti-static materials.

4.2.3 To prevent static electricity caused by electrostatic induction, the floating roof of the floating-roof
storage tank shall be jumped with the tank proper (outer wall). 25mm2 flexible stranded copper-core wires
should be used in normal cases and shall be laid along the ladder to the tank wall. The end on the side of
the weather-proof sealed storage tank shall be made of conductive rubber. One side of the floating roof
shall also be jumped with 10mm2 copper strand every 3 m. Please refer to Fig.7 and Fig.8.

4.2.4 The light oil with its resistivity normally above 10 11·m is deemed as a static non-conductor. The
dissipation of the charges on the electrified body takes quite a long time (which is called the dissipation
time). Therefore, in case the tank wall is applied with anti-corrosion paint, dissipation of the charges will
not be hindered as long as the resistivity of the paint is less than that of the stored media. The recommended
value is taken from the Electrostatic Safety Procedure for Liquid Petroleum Product GB13348-92.

1. Conductive rope 2. Connection 3. Connection 4. Connector

5. A: wind the rope on a metal plate to make reliable contact of the electrical parts.

6. Metal sampling container

Fig.6 Grounding diagram for sampler with conductive rope

37
 SH 3097-2000

8. Grounding terminal 9. Conductive rubber 10. Side wall of storage tank

11. Ladder 12. Conductor for grounding (grounded) 13. Weather-proof seal

14. Floating roof 15. Buoy 16. Conductor for grounding (grounded)

17. Sealed pipe 18. Conductive rubber 19. Locking screw

20. Weather-proof seal 21. Side wall of storage tank

Fig.7 Jumping of the floating roof with Fig.8 Jumping of the weather-proof seal with
the storage tank proper the storage tank side wall

4.2.5 Hazards caused by electrification of human body are quite common. It is necessary for a person to
discharge his or her body before going up the tank by grounding the body through touching. A metal rod
may be installed across the entrance to the tank to serve as the grounding body. Any one going up the tank
have to push this barrier first, thus completing the discharge. But the installation of such metal rod is quite
troublesome. The other way is to leave a section of the ladder (about 1m long) uncoated with anti-corrosion
paint so as to be used for discharge of the human body. Refer to Fig.9 for illustration of installation of the
metal rod.

1. Grounding rod 2. Storage tank 3. Handrail of ladder 4.

5. Locking screw 6. Crimp connection terminal 7. Conductor for grounding

8. Grounding rod (without paint) 9. Locking screw 10. Handrail of ladder

11. Support plate 12.

a) Grounding rod b) Installation of grounding rod

Fig.9 Elimination of static electricity with grounding rod

38
 SH 3097-2000

4.3 Piping system

4.3.1~4.3.2 All intra-plant pipelines are grounded where they enter the process units or buildings according
to the requirements for lightning protection design and have met the electrostatic grounding requirements.
The electrostatic grounding of the pipeline zone in the plant shall be designed independently in normal
cases, which shall be paid more attention to so as to avoid missing of any item. Three aspects shall be
stressed for determining the pipeline grounding points: 1) locations of connection into such equipment as
the pump filter and buffer are where the static electricity quantity changes and where grounding is
convenient; 2) the forks of the pipelines are usually to be selected as the grounding points; 3) the straight
sections of parallel pipelines are normally installed with pipe supports on the rack every 80~100m, which
also make convenient grounding points.

4.3.4 Please refer to Fig. 10 for the connection of the steam tracing pipeline, if any, with the process
pipeline.

图见原文 1600030

1． Metal wire tie hook 2. One section of tracing pipe 20~60m

3. Pipe support 4. Return water outlet 5. Tracing pipe

6. Process pipe 7. Thermal insulation 8. Hook 9. Metal wire

10. Tracing pipe 11. Steam distributor

Fig.10 Schematic of connection of steam tracing pipe and process pipe

4.3.5 Refer to Fig.11 for normal practice.

Lock joint

Fig.11 Connection of air duct and thermal insulation cover

39
 SH 3097-2000

4.3.6~4.3.7 It is emphasized that the metal parts on non-conductor pipe sections must be grounded,
especially the metal connections in the middle shall not be missed to avoid electrostatic accumulation.
Refer to Fig.12 for metal fittings on hoses.

1. Tin soldered or brazed metal wire 2. Hose clamp made of metal

3. Hoses with internal metal wire or metal mesh 4. Hose clamp made of metal

5. Hose 6. Connection metal fittings 7. Grounding conductor

8. Metal wire or metal mesh 9. Nozzle made of metal

10. Grounding conductor

a) Grounding of hoses and connection metal fittings b) Grounding of metal mounted on hoses

Fig.12 Grounding of metal connection fittings of hoses

4.3.8 Directly buried underground pipelines readily meet the requirements for electrostatic grounding
resistance by their contact with the soil.

4.4 Railway platform and tank wagon

4.4.1~4.4.2 It is one of the basic methods for preventing electrostatic hazard to make equipotential
connections and grounding in explosion hazardous areas, as well as for all the nearby metal pipelines,
equipment, structures and railway rails, etc. Within the area, the railway rails shall also be connected to the
grounding network. In order to avoid introduction of external stray current, the rails shall be isolated at the
connections between inside and outside the area.

Refer to Tab.13 for normal practice of jumping at the rail end.

Connection line at the rail end Jumper line of the steel rail

* 110 for 43kg rail 130 for 50kg rail

40
 SH 3097-2000

Fig.13 Schematic of jumping at rail end

Refer to Fig.14 for schematic of rail grounding.

1. Plug pin 2. Grounding line of steel rail 3. Welding

4. Above 2000

Fig.14 Schematic of rail grounding

4.4.3 For the convenience of operation, every crane position is installed with a terminal and with a
grounding line with special clamps. For connection with the tank wagon, the grounding terminals should be
connected to the grounding network with special lines. Refer to Fig.15 for the normal connection method.

图见原文 1600032

5. Grounding terminal

Fig.15 Schematic of grounding of train tank wagon

In some data or projects, it is required that there shall be obvious indication for grounding of tank wagons,
such as the indicator, instrumentation indication and so on. It is also proposed in some others that the
indications should have programmed interlock with the operation of the filling pump. As there is not

41
 SH 3097-2000

enough experience obtained for such practice, it may be determined according to the actual situations.

4.5 Bus station platform and tank truck

4.5.1~4.5.4 The basic conditions and operation requirements for the tank truck are the same as those for the
tank wagon. For tank trucks, more attention should be paid to the hose filling and delivery. It is
recommended in this code that anti-static hoses be used. Hoses embedded with metal objects shall be used
with discretion. Pay attention to the change in resistance during the operation. The metal connection parts
and embedded metal fittings on both ends and in the middle shall be connected and grounded. Conductive
connection shall be ensured. Make sure that the resistance of the pipeline is below 106.

4.6 Dock
4.6.5 The main issue for the dock is to prevent ignition of explosive gases by arcing of stray current.

Refer to Fig.16 for using of insulation flange.

1. Insulation flange 2. Seashore 3. Insulation flange 4. Ship

Fig.16 Schematic of using of insulation flange

4.7 Powder processing, storage and transport equipment

4.7.1~4.7.6 The insulated conductors of the equipment for production of powder are easily electrified. If
the powder goes through a section of insulated metal pipe or air duct, the pipe or duct might be electrified
to a high level and form high-energy electrical sparks to the ground. Suspended or accumulated electrified
powder substances can make the insulated conductor around it electrified through induction or contact.
When powder is filled into a metal vessel that is not grounded, the vessel might generate spark discharge.
Therefore, all the conductors of the devices shall be grounded.

If the fire hazard exists in the powder production system, apart from taking necessary anti-static measures,
mixtures with very small ignition energy in the surrounding area shall also be avoided. The safety measures

42
 SH 3097-2000

to be taken are: to keep the filling and discharging of powder at appropriate low velocity; to prevent
occurrence of relatively large dust cloud; to limit the processing scale and to minimize the concentration of
flammable gases. If possible, fill the silo with inertia gas.

4.8 Gas and steam ejection equipment

4.8.1~4.8.3 Usually only a little static electricity is generated during the motion of pure gas or gas mixture
(e.g., air). The suspended liquid particles or solid particles are electrified when being ejected from the
nozzle at a high velocity, which may make the insulated conductors around electrified.

For dissipation or release of any compressed gases containing particles (e.g., ejection of compressed air
containing water), there exists the hazard of ignition of flammable gases or steam. Therefore, in any
explosion hazardous location, they shall be prevented at the best from being ejected.

4.10 Electrostatic grounding of human body

4.10.1~4.10.2 Moving, contacting with electrified particles or induction can cause electrification of the
human body. The factors affecting the electrification of the human body are the following. The first is the
human body itself, namely, the capacitance and resistance of the human body. The capacitance of human
body is about 100~1000pF, normally changing in the range of 100~150pF. The resistance of the human
body changes from 103~106, varying several orders of magnitude. The charging current of the human
body is normally at the order of magnitude of 10-9A. The second factor is the contacting objects, such as
cloths, shoes and caps. The third is the ambient factor such as the floor, carpet, wall, temperature and
humidity.

Refer to Fig.17 for normal practice in locations where the electrification of human body tends to cause
electrostatic hazards.

1. Conductive table 2. Conductive shoes 3. Conductive stool

4. Conductive rubber plate

Fig.17 Schematic of environment for human body electrostatic grounding

In locations with low voltage power supply, the current that might pass through the human body shall be
controlled to avoid electric shock. Usually, the current passing through the human body shall be lower than

43
 SH 3097-2000

5mA. Therefore, the lower the resistance of the anti-static materials is not necessarily the better.

44
 SH 3097-2000

Appendix A Test Method for Electrostatic Grounding

A.0.2 The common multimeter normally used is DT830 Digital multimeter.

ZC series of grounding mega meter normally used is ZC-29 Grounding resistance tester.

When the resistance is more than 1M, JDC-2 insulation resistance tester may be used.

45