After winter sets in, the air becomes dry and humidity drops, creating the most favorable conditions for static electricity accumulation throughout the year. However, oil and gas recovery equipment operates precisely in the area where oil and gas gather, making electrostatic protection a critical aspect that must be upgraded during winter. For the station operator, electrostatic protection is not an abstract concept; it manifests in several specific inspection points: whether the grounding connection is intact, whether the jumper wires are loose or rusted, whether the flange jumper is continuous, and whether the human body electrostatic discharge device is functioning properly. If these points are not inspected rigorously, accidents may occur during winter. This article clarifies the key inspection points for electrostatic protection of oil and gas recovery equipment during winter and explains the supporting services that manufacturers can provide during this season.
Why is the risk of static electricity higher in winter
The accumulation of static electricity is directly related to environmental humidity: in summer, with high humidity, electrostatic charges are discharged at any time; in winter, with dry air, charges are prone to accumulate on insulating surfaces. The flow of oil itself can generate electricity - during oil unloading, loading, and pumping processes, friction between oil and pipe walls produces static electricity, and the high-speed flow of oil and gas during the recovery system's air extraction also generates electricity. The only outlet for these charges is the grounding system. If a connection point in the grounding circuit becomes loose, rusted, or covered with paint, the charges cannot find an exit and can only accumulate on the equipment. This poses a hidden danger when discharge conditions are encountered. Therefore, the idea for winter protection is clear: ensure that there is always a path for the charges to follow, and identify any connection points that may be disconnected in advance.
Six key points for electrostatic protection inspection
- Grounding flat iron and downlead: Conduct a visual inspection for any rusted or broken points, and check if the connections are loose. Remove the rust layer and retighten them;
- Flange jumper wire: Check each pair of flanges to ensure that the jumper copper wire is in place and the crimping at both ends is secure. Record any missing or omitted installations for replenishment;
- Jumper connection between oil unloading port and crane pipe end: Confirmation of the jumper connection before oil unloading operations should be included in the operating procedures. In winter, it is important to recheck whether there is oil stain or rust on the clamping surface of the clamp;
- Human body electrostatic discharge device: Test whether the touch ball release function is normal, and remind employees once again about the discharge process when entering and exiting the work area;
- Spot check of grounding resistance: Conduct spot checks on the resistance of key grounding points periodically. Arrange rectification for points with excessive values, and archive the records after testing;
- Inspection of insulation materials: Confirm that newly added insulation items such as plastic fencing and rubber mats around the equipment do not block the original discharge path.
| Checkpoint location | Inspection content | Handling method |
|---|---|---|
| Grounding flat iron and downlead | Rust, breakage, and looseness | Retighten after rust removal |
| Flange jumper wire | In-place property, crimping firmness | Registration and replenishment of missing or omitted items |
| Oil unloading port jumper | Clamp jaw surface condition | Cleaning and replacement of oil stains and rust spots |
| Human body release device | Release function test | Replacement of faulty parts, process reminder |
| earth resistance | Periodic spot checks on key points | Arrange rectification for the exceeding points |
| Surrounding insulation | Is the discharge path blocked | Relocate or replace the material |
The manufacturer's winter supporting services
In electrostatic protection inspections, actions such as grounding resistance measurement and jumper integrity verification can be self-checked by the station. However, some items require professional instruments and experienced judgment: overall state assessment of the grounding grid, connection investigation of concealed sections, and design of rectification plans after exceeding standards are identified. Luoyang Wohong Petrochemical Equipment Co., Ltd. provides special inspections for electrostatic protection to customers under warranty during winter: the grounding and jumper systems are verified point by point along with maintenance shifts, and inspection records and rectification suggestions are issued. For identified problem points, on-site treatment such as fastening, rust removal, and replenishing jumper wires is provided. For equipment that has been modified or relocated, a retest of the grounding system can be arranged. With the dual checks of station self-inspection and manufacturer's special inspection, electrostatic risks are controllable during winter. If any suspected open circuit points are found during inspections, relevant operations should be suspended first, and they can only be resumed after being properly handled - this discipline applies regardless of season, but it must be implemented thoroughly especially during winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should electrostatic protection be checked?
During daily inspections, visually inspect the appearance of jumper connections and grounding. Before winter, conduct a round of special inspections, and randomly test grounding resistance according to the established cycle. During the dry winter period, it is recommended to increase the frequency of appearance inspections. Before operation, confirm the jumper connections every time oil is unloaded and loaded, without setting a specific cycle.
Is it a problem if the jumper wire is covered by paint?
Indeed. Paint and rust layers can significantly increase contact resistance, effectively creating an obstacle in the discharge circuit. If connection points are found to be covered by paint, the paint should be removed to expose the metal, and then the connection should be crimped again. Additionally, the requirement to avoid jumper points should be included in the painting procedure.
If the self-inspection reveals that the grounding resistance exceeds the standard, can the operation continue?
It is recommended to first restrict and tag the oil unloading and loading operations associated with this point, and arrange for rectification and retesting before resuming. The characteristics of electrostatic hazards are invisible and difficult to predict, so restricting operations is the most prudent transitional measure.
This article is compiled by Luoyang Wohong Petrochemical Equipment Co., Ltd. The company provides design and manufacturing, skid-mounted customization, installation and commissioning, as well as after-sales operation and maintenance services for three-time oil and gas recovery equipment to gas stations and oil depots. If you need on-site inspection or scheme configuration, please feel free to contact us for discussion.