Simulation test research on incendive ESD in tanker cargo

This paper, considering an explosive accident of a tanker last year in China, analyzes and evaluates the safety property of electrostatics on tanker cargo during the drainage of ballast water. Based on the simulation test investigation and theoretical analysis about this accident, the current paper indicates that the tanker exploded probably because the steam pipe fixed in the cargo leaked. A lot of steam sprayed and a very high static field was formed in the cargo. An insulated conductor (a copper rod or flashlight) happened to fall into the tank. Some ESD spark caused the explosion. This paper proposes some suggestions to avoid such an accident.