What are safe practices for handling recovered flammable liquids, especially JP-4 and JP-8?
Fire hazards are present whenever petroleum products are leaked or spilled. Flammable vapors can accumulate in enclosed spaces. Ignition can occur in pipelines, pumps and tanks from an accumulation of static electricity or an external ignition source. Air Force jet fuel Grade JP-4 requires added precautions in handling because of its relatively low vapor pressure range and poor electrical conductivity. It forms explosive vapors in the space above the liquid in storage tanks in the range of minus 10o F and to plus 80o F; these are temperatures usually encountered in storage and handling of fuels. In addition, JP-4 is more subject to buildup of static electric charge than other gasoline products. When liquids flow through closed metal pipes, static electricity is not a hazard. It may become a hazard, however, when liquids are pumped into tanks. Charges produced in the liquid during pumping can accumulate on the surface of the liquid and cause sparking between the liquid surface and the t
