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PVC hold/dissipate charge?

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Posted by: NickLS

Quick Easy to answer question:

Does air rushing through (the interior) of a PVC pipe cause an electric charge to form?

Posted by: crazyman

A static charge maybe.I can't see a real electric charge forming.

Posted by: codewize

It's very easy to create staic with PVC. With just air I don't know, but other items like nylon, silk, and different typs of fabric it's pretty easy.

Posted by: NickLS

I'm making a heat shield for my True-Rev intake for my 01 LS, I don't have the $$$ to buy the LLSOC air tube so I'm using stock.. With the stock airtube, the filter sits about 3-4 inches from the engine. With me building a heat shield, I want the filter to be further away from the engine and dip down towards the air hole that the stock airbox used. So far the extension is a work of art, but is made of PVC pipe... I know that rubbing it with a charged material such as wool, fur, nylon, etc. creates a charge on the OUTSIDE surface of the tube but I don't think it's on the outside.. Either way, I wanted to know since the MAF sensor (which the filter is connected to) attached to the pipe, and I don't want a discharge (if one ever occurs) to fry the sensor.

I was thinking, just in case the 1 in a million chances, that a charge does build up, that I ground the pipe by screwing a small screw into the pipe, then attach a wire from the screw to the frame, thus grounding.

Any thoughts? Cause if this works like I want it to work: Heat shield HERE I COME!!

Posted by: NickLS

I meant that the charge builds up on the outside of the tube and NOT THE INSIDE...

Posted by: codewize

If I were going to fabricate something like that I think I would use a small metal pipe such as rigid dryer vent. It's probably lighter than the PVC and it probably costs less.

I'm not sure a grounding strap will work on a non conductive material. Static isn't like electricity. It's a charge that builds up on the surface rather than a flow through the material.

Also, now this is a shot in the dark, but overtime I could possibly see the PVC giving off fumes from surrounding heat and giving a sensor bad readings.

Posted by: NickLS

I was thinking of using a dryer vent, but the vent is too flimsy... I just want to make the filter move away another 4 inches and dip down about 22.5 degrees. I found a PVC pipe from home dopot that is a does exactly this.. so I'm gonna go with that.. If not, I'm out $2.50.

Here's something, whiile I was wandering around I came across some Heat resistant grill paint that you can use on your grills. Supposidly resistant to temps up to 1000 degs. so maybe if I spray the tube, it will become alittle more resistant to wear and tear from the heat. Any thoughts?

Posted by: driller

You're thinking too much. Put the PVC in.

Many others have similar with no ill effects. I have an aftermarket CAI in my Mark VIII which is essentially made from PVC fittings.

Posted by: codewize

I hadn't thought of paint but if static is the concern, I think paint will eliminate that problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LBK_LS

I was thinking of using a dryer vent, but the vent is too flimsy... I just want to make the filter move away another 4 inches and dip down about 22.5 degrees. I found a PVC pipe from home dopot that is a does exactly this.. so I'm gonna go with that.. If not, I'm out $2.50.

Posted by: CaptainZilog

Manderl Bent Steel piping from Summit Racing = CHEAP.

Posted by: Jibit

Hey guys, this issue came up on Myth Busters not too long ago. They tried all kinds of things to get a static charge but the PVC wouldn't hold it long enought to create a spark.