Charge-separating processes by spraying water under high pressure

Spraying water under high pressure generates charge-separating processes. While cleaning tanks and vessels in which an explosive atmosphere is present, an explosion may occur in the event of a resulting discharge. Water forms electrical double layers at the phase boundaries. Mechanical separation processes dissolve the water into many drops. This leads to charge separation and the charging of the sprayed water. The mechanical separation processes include water exiting from the nozzle, hydrodynamic instability in the jet and impact with an obstacle. Given that water has many charge carriers, the charge is stronger than with solvents. Whether the charges and the resulting discharges are potentially capable of igniting an explosive atmosphere must be investigated. The aim of this research is to define the quantity and polarity of the electrostatic charges of sprayed water under high pressure. Different measurement techniques and methods are used to enable mutual validation and to generate verified measurement results of the electric field and the potential. Water of different electrical conductivity is sprayed in free space and into a grounded conductive 1 m³ vessel. Design changes to the vessel allow centric or oblique spraying. The result is intended to extend the scope of application of the German regulation TRGS 727 and the international IEC TS 60079-32-1, which refer to ignition hazards due to electrostatic charging. This project is funded by the DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance) and partners from industry.