Numerical study on electrostatic potential distribution of large cylindrical oil tanks

• Electrostatic potential distribution of stationary oil in a tank was illustrated.
• Relation between electrostatic potential and parameters of tank and oil was analyzed.
• Dynamic electrostatic distribution was studied when oil is filling into the tank.
• Influence of two static protective measures on electrostatic potential was studied.

This study carried out a numerical simulation of electrostatic potential distribution in the cylindrical oil tank, focusing on spatial distribution of electrostatic potential and the variation tendency of the potential in the filling operation. Electrostatic potential distribution of stationary oil was illustrated, and the relationship between the electrostatic potential distribution and some parameters of the tank and oil was analyzed as well. Dynamic electrostatic distribution was studied when charged oil is filling into the tank, and ESD prevention measures’ effects on electrostatic potential distribution were simulated. Finally, calculation results of two other types of oil tanks were presented in brief.