Electrostatic charging at petrol stations. Examination of electrostatic charging- and discharging mechanisms related with petrol filling operation and petrol filling stations

Based upon observation of electrostatic discharge phenomena observed during petrol filling on cars, an analysis of the charging- and discharging mechanisms in conjunction with the filling process was performed. The analysis comprised study of literature as well as a practical test- and measurement program executed at a number of filling stations and using dedicated laboratory facilities. The goal of the analysis was to identify essential mechanisms of electrostatic charging and discharging involved in the filling process at actual filling stations. The aim was to analyze the impact of well-known electrostatic charging mechanisms to practical petrol filling on commercial, everyday petrol filling stations.