Demonstration of the triboelectricity effect by the flow of liquid water in the insulating pipe

This paper demonstrates the tribolelectricity by the flow of water in an insulating pipe. A theoretical analysis showing the relation between the electric discharge and the system hydromechanical parameters is developed. Based on the macroscopic RC-circuit modeling of the system understudy, techniques allowing to minimize the discharge effect are introduced. With two different demonstrators, as predicted in theory, a voltage variation up to 300 mV is observed by using pipes having mm-diameter and pure water with 45 cm3 s−1 flow rate. Finally, an application for the risk prevention caused by the explosion for the gas filling of engine fuel tank is discussed.

► We demonstrate the triboelectricity effect with water flowing in the insulating pipe.
► Theoretic approach illustrating the principle is presented.
► To highlight the phenomenon, demonstrations with simple experiments are performed.
► As expected, variation of charge transfer in function of the liquid flow was proved.