DOE-HDBK-1015/2-93FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDSHazards of Chemicals and GasesCH-05Rev. 0Page 34Figure 5 Typical Static-producing Situations, Including Charge Separation in PipeThe terms bonding and grounding have sometimes been used interchangeably because of a poorunderstanding of the terms. As illustrated in Figure 6, bonding eliminates a difference inpotential between objects. Grounding eliminates a difference in potential between an object andground. Bonding and grounding are effective only when the bonded objects are conductive.When two objects are bonded, the charges flow freely between the bodies, and there is nodifference in their charge. Therefore, the likelihood of sparking between them is eliminated.Although bonding eliminates a difference in potential between the objects that are bonded, itdoes not eliminate a difference in potential between these objects and the earth unless one of theobjects possesses an adequate conductive path to earth. Therefore, bonding will not eliminatethe static charge, but will equalize the potential between the objects bonded so that a spark willnot occur between them.An adequate ground will discharge a charged conductive body continuously and is recommendedas a safety measure whenever any doubt exists concerning a situation.
Integrated Publishing, Inc. - A (SDVOSB) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business
