- Static Electricity: One of the major causes of fuel tanker explosions is static electricity. Static is primarily generated in the pump, filters, and pipelines. When static discharges, it can ignite fuel vapors, leading to an explosion.
- Friction During Driving: While the vehicle is in motion, friction between the tires and the ground generates positive and negative charges. If these charges come into contact, they can cause a spark, which may ignite fuel vapors and result in an explosion.
- Tanker Fire: A fire in or around the tanker can cause an explosion. Hot weather and excessive tire friction can generate sparks, which could lead to a fire and, eventually, a fuel tanker explosion.
- External factors: External factors such as collision and fire may also cause tanker truck explosions.
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Fuel Tanker Safety Knowledge
- Equip with Fire Extinguishers: Fuel tankers should always be equipped with specialized fire extinguishers. They must also be fitted with a grounding chain and an anti-static rod. When the vehicle is in motion, the grounding chain should touch the ground. When refueling or unloading, the anti-static rod should be placed into moist ground to prevent static buildup.
- Seal and Valve Safety: The tanker’s fuel cap must be sealed tightly, and the unloading valve and pipe must not leak. The tanker’s venting system should function properly, and the fuel pump’s intake filter should be cleaned regularly. After using the delivery hose, attach caps to both ends to prevent contamination.
- Prevent Engine Backfire: The vehicle’s internal combustion engine and exhaust system must be free from backfiring. The exhaust pipe should be positioned toward the front of the vehicle to reduce fire risks.
By adhering to these safety protocols and understanding the causes of fuel tanker explosions, risks can be minimized significantly.
Accident reference:
In July 1978, a tank truck weighing several tons suddenly exploded on the Los Alcázar highway in Madrid, the capital of Spain. A mushroom cloud as high as 30 meters rose within a radius of 200 meters. The accident caused 215 deaths and about 120 injuries.
The key lies in the secondary explosion it may cause, which is as powerful as a fuel-air bomb. After the first explosion of liquefied petroleum gas, the gas leaked into the air quickly formed a steam cloud, and when this steam cloud exploded again, its power was like a fuel-air bomb.
