Safe and efficient grounding and overfill protection systems are critical for preventing accidents, fires, explosions, and product loss in industries that handle flammable or hazardous liquids—such as oil & gas, chemicals, and bulk liquid terminals. Here’s a breakdown of solutions and best practices for such systems:
✅ 1. Grounding Systems for Static Electricity Dissipation
Purpose: Prevent static charge buildup during product transfer that could cause sparks and ignition.
Key Solutions:
Static Grounding Clamps and Reels
Heavy-duty clamps with visual indicators (LEDs) and automatic shut-off features. Commonly used with tank trucks, railcars, and drums.
Ground Monitoring Systems
These verify the connection to a verified earth ground before allowing operations to begin. Systems like the Newson Gale Earth-Rite or EMX GroundCheck monitor the integrity of the ground.
Self-retracting Grounding Reels
Maintain consistent grounding while allowing flexibility in connection.
✅ 2. Overfill Protection Systems
Purpose: Detect and prevent tank overfilling to avoid spills, vapor releases, and associated hazards.
Key Solutions:
Independent High-Level Alarms (IHLA)
Devices like Rosemount 5900S, Varec 7100, or Endress+Hauser NMT531 serve as a backup to the primary level measurement system.
Automatic Tank Gauging Systems (ATG)
Provide real-time level monitoring and control, with alarms and cut-off triggers integrated.
Emergency Shutdown (ESD) Valves
Tied to level sensors to automatically halt filling operations when thresholds are breached.
✅ 3. Integrated System Solutions
Examples:
Rosemount Tank Gauging System
Combines radar level measurement, grounding checks, and overfill protection with SIL-rated devices for full tank inventory and safety compliance.
Scully IntelliCheck® or ST-47 Static Ground Verification
Dual systems for ensuring grounding and overfill protection in loading racks and terminals.
✅ 4. Compliance and Safety Standards
Ensure your system complies with:
API RP 2003 (Protection Against Ignitions Arising Out of Static, Lightning, and Stray Currents)
API 2350 (Overfill Protection for Storage Tanks)
NFPA 77 (Recommended Practice on Static Electricity)
IEC 61508 / IEC 61511 (Functional Safety, SIL certification)
✅ 5. Best Practices for Implementation
Regularly test and calibrate sensors and grounding systems.
Use SIL-rated devices for critical applications.
Design redundancy into overfill detection (primary and secondary alarms).
Train personnel on safe handling and emergency procedures.
Maintain detailed inspection and maintenance logs.