Effect of Fluid Flow/Time Duration on Static Voltage Generation for Aerospace Hose Assembly

Static electricity is an electrical imbalance on the surface of a material that can interact with other components made of the same or different materials. Fluid (hydrocarbons) flow within the hose assembly generates static voltage due to the friction caused by fluid flow in pipes, which needs to be appropriately quantified and dissipated. Accumulation of such static charge may lead to sudden discharge, resulting in spark generation. Spark generation around fuel flow might lead to system failure and failure in aircraft engines. Experiments were conducted to analyze the static voltage generated in the hose assembly with a fixed hose assembly length due to fuel flow, with the objective of achieving acceptable voltage levels to avoid ESD (electrostatic discharge) failure. The procedure includes fuel flow rate monitoring and voltage measurement. The testing revealed that the curvature of the hose affects the readings, highlighting the importance of consistent meter alignment. Using a grounding strap is essential to prevent electrical damage and ensure accurate readings. Proper setup and cleaning methods are crucial. It's important to check electrical continuity using an ohmmeter before testing. Initial results showed voltage readings beyond acceptable limits, but corrective actions such as electrical grounding and changes in the cleaning process brought the readings within acceptable limits. The revised static voltage readings increased with the flow rate linearly, emphasizing the criticality of proper test set-up and sample preparation in achieving accurate results. Controlling static voltage generation is critical requirement for aircraft safety.