The Purpose of the Extra Chain
The chain acts as a grounding device. As the truck moves, friction between the liquid inside and the tank, as well as the truck’s movement over the road, generates static electricity. With flammable liquids like fuel, even a tiny spark can cause a fire or explosion.
The chain drags along the ground, giving the static charge a safe path to dissipate, reducing the risk of sparks.
How This Became Standard Practice
In the early days of fuel transport, accidents caused by static discharge were common and often devastating. Safety regulations evolved to include measures for static electricity management, and grounding chains became a simple yet effective solution. Today, their use is reinforced by international and national standards.
How Static Electricity Works in Tankers
Static electricity occurs when two surfaces come into contact and then separate, creating an imbalance of charges. In tankers, moving fuel generates this charge, and without a grounding path, it can ignite flammable vapors. The grounding chain provides a continuous path to safely discharge static electricity into the earth.
Modern Alternatives and Enhancements
