Abstract
This article explains how electrostatic discharge from oil can destroy sensitive and crucial engine components. All thermomechanical power systems contain a dielectric fluid – namely the circulating lubricant oil – where its circulation can create friction and cause a static electric charge to build up. The charge can induce voltage spikes in portions of the circulation manifold during the initial warm-up period. The spike can destroy a sensitive component such as a sensor or microprocessor, and if that component is critical to operation, the engine will shut down. Flow electrification of liquids has been a source of numerous industrial hazards, primarily in the petroleum and power industries. This effect occurs in improperly grounded systems carrying fuels, lubricating oils, and other hydrocarbon liquids. That’s why some commercial gasoline fuel hoses in the United States have an attached ground wire to dissipate electric charge accumulation during fueling operations and there exist regulations to shut off the engine when pumping fuel into a vehicle.
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