Group: aus.aviation · Group Profile
Author: RobRob Date: Jun 29, 2008 00:32
JW² wrote:
> Can/does wringing out a petrol-soaked chamois leather cause a fire from
> a static electrical discharge?
>
> In the 50s I began learning to fly (Tigers at Dirranbandi with Darling
> Downs, but to my eternal regret, I was unable to complete due to work
> pressures, financial priorities, new marriage etc.), and we were
> instructed never to wring out the chamois in the filter-funnel after
> refuelling from drums.
>
> I've since often wondered if this was in reality a risk; have there been
> documented incidents, and is the precaution still observed where
> applicable? It always seemed to me that there were many more
> possibilities of generating a static spark than wringing out a wet
> chamois, but no-one ever seemed to worry about grounding straps, etc.
>
> JW²
> ===
Chamois will allow petrol to pass through and absorb water, a chamois
that is full of water will not allow fuel through.
You should not wring out a chamois as you can tear the fibre and make it
unusable as a filter.
You can create static electricity by rubbing a dry animal skin on say a
plastic rod.
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