Why are streamers hung on oil tankers?
3 Answers
Hanging streamers is to conduct static electricity away from the vehicle body. The conductive strip is usually a black belt-like material containing conductive copper wires. Here is an introduction to oil tankers: 1. Categories: Depending on the transported medium, configuration, and regional naming conventions, they have various names such as oil tank truck, tanker truck, fuel transport vehicle, fuel supply vehicle, fuel hauling vehicle, mobile refueling vehicle, tax-controlled refueling vehicle, computerized refueling vehicle, diesel transport vehicle, gasoline transport vehicle, coal tar transport vehicle, lubricating oil transport vehicle, edible oil transport vehicle, crude oil transport vehicle, heavy oil transport vehicle, and oil product transport vehicle. 2. Transport types: Suitable for transporting liquid substances like gasoline, kerosene, diesel, vegetable oil, edible oil, heavy oil, coal tar, and non-petroleum products such as alcohols, aldehydes, benzene, and ethers. 3. Features: The tank is equipped with multiple anti-wave baffles, providing high strength, stable center of gravity, and safe, smooth transportation.
The floating ribbon on oil tankers is actually that chain or strip dragging on the ground, mainly serving to prevent static electricity and avoid fire or explosion. As a veteran driver with years of experience operating these vehicles, I know that when transporting oil, the sloshing liquid can easily generate static charges that accumulate on the tank's surface. If a spark ignites the oil vapor during unloading, it could lead to a disastrous tragedy. The floating ribbon grounds these charges, safely dissipating them into the earth and reducing risks—especially crucial in dry weather when static electricity builds up more easily, requiring extra vigilance. Before every trip, I check whether the floating ribbon is damaged or detached—a simple task—and replace it immediately if worn out. This small component may seem insignificant, but it plays a vital role in preventing major accidents and ensuring safe driving for everyone. Even during high humidity when risks might seem lower, routine maintenance must never be neglected, as cutting corners invites hidden dangers. I always observe other oil tankers' floating ribbons while driving—safety comes first, and we shouldn’t wait for an accident to regret negligence.
From the perspective of tanker truck safety design, the drag chain serves as a grounding device to control electrostatic hazards. During transportation, the movement and friction of liquids like gasoline inside the tank can accumulate static charges. If not discharged, these charges may cause spark discharges during operations, potentially igniting explosions. The drag chain dragging on the ground provides a low-resistance path, allowing the charges to safely flow into the ground and neutralize the risk. I have studied relevant engineering standards that require flammable liquid transport vehicles to be equipped with effective grounding, including drag chains or chains made of durable materials to avoid interruptions. Drivers need to regularly check their conductivity to ensure good contact, especially in dry weather when static electricity is stronger, requiring higher maintenance frequency. Additionally, other safety measures such as fireproof diaphragms should be in place, but drag chains are cost-effective and efficient. Remember, small oversights can lead to major disasters—transportation safety cannot be overlooked. From a professional standpoint, this is considered basic protection.
