Analysis of flow electrification in fuel distribution systems

The authors examine flow electrification in typical automotive fuel distribution systems consisting of a fuel tank, pump, insulating fuel lines, and filter. Factors influencing the degree of electrification and the failure mechanisms of these fuel systems are discussed. Various experimental techniques that may be used to characterize flow electrification in any fuel distribution system are reviewed. An analysis methodology that allows use of charge density data to quantitatively assess the probability of an external electrical discharge or dielectric breakdown of the pipe wall is presented.<
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