Static eliminators used to remedy common static problems
July 2012
Electrical Power & Protection
Static electricity causes problems when the temperature and humidity drops. The types of problems that can be expected in production facilities are:
* Materials tearing, jamming or curling.
* Webs and films clinging to themselves.
* Electronic sensors failing, thereby causing false readings.
* Dust attraction ruining surface finishes.
* Product clinging to itself, rollers and machine beds.
* Hazardous sparks or shocks.
Charged conductors, for example metals, discharge completely when grounded while insulators like plastic, do not conduct static electricity. The use of carbon brushes or grounded tinsel to ground machinery has little effect on these surfaces.
EXAIR manufactures a complete range of static eliminators to remedy common static problems. The Super Ion Air Knife, with its curtain of laminar airflow, is recommended for applications involving high speeds, large surfaces or complex geometries. It is effective up to 6 m. The manufacturer avers that it provides the best performance of all ionisers. Other static eliminators include the Air Cannon, the Ion Air Gun and the Ion Air Jet. The entire range use the manufacturer’s engineered airflow products to minimise air use and noise while effectively eliminating static by moving more ions to the product surface.
In applications where airflow will possibly disturb the product, the manufacturer’s Ionising Bars and Ionising Point can neutralise the charge when mounted within a couple of centimetres of the surface do not require airflow.
It is often difficult to isolate the source of the static but EXAIR’s handheld, digital Static Meter can be used to locate its source and severity. The meter indicates the surface voltage and polarity up to 20 kV measured at a distance of 25 mm. Features include a pushbutton ‘hold’ for readings and automatic ‘power off’. It is supplied with a hard shell case and calibration certificate traceable to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology).
The Static Meter can also be used to demonstrate that an ioniser is functioning by first measuring the charge on the product surface with the meter, then exposing the product to the ionised airflow and finally measuring the charge on the product surface again. The ioniser is functioning properly if the charge reads 0 volts.
If the charge remains on the product surface, it should be verified that the ioniser is connected properly to a grounded power supply. It is also possible that the ioniser has become dirty, in which case, cleaning by scrubbing any dust and contaminants with a small brush is required. Cleaning with chemical is not recommended as some chemicals are conductive and create a conductive path from the emitter to the grounded surface. Flammability of certain solvents is also an issue.
For more information contact Rodney or Alan, ETEST, (0)31 702 8302, [email protected], www.etest.co.za
Further reading:
The climate change reality in South Africa: An engineer’s call to action
Electrical Power & Protection
This year’s World Engineering Day on 4 March was a powerful reminder of the critical role engineers play in driving progress toward the sustainable development goals.
Read more...
Empowering Africa’s renewable energy future
Electrical Power & Protection
As a global leader in renewable energy technology, SUNGROW has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. At the recent Africa Energy Indaba 2025, SUNGROW showcased its advanced energy solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of the African continent.
Read more...
The role of electromechanical solutions in supporting Africa’s industrial growth
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s industries are transforming rapidly. Fuelled by a huge demand for energy connectivity, better infrastructure, increased manufacturing and responsible resource management, electromechanical solutions are key to shaping this growth, allowing industries to scale up their operations efficiently and sustainably.
Read more...
Empowering South Africa’s IPPs for a renewable future
Electrical Power & Protection
Many crucial parts of the economy of the future will be hugely energy intensive, foremost amongst which will be electrified transport and the large data processing required by automation and AI. Successful economies will be those that can ensure businesses and investors have access to a stable supply of low-cost renewable energy. South Africa has the opportunity to become a global leader in this regard.
Read more...
Sustainable mining operations escalate as demand for critical materials to double
Electrical Power & Protection
The mining sector is at the forefront of the energy transition due to its role in extracting essential materials and minerals necessary for green technologies. As demand for renewable energy, electric vehicles and other sustainable technologies increases exponentially, so will the demand for these necessary materials.
Read more...
Monitoring partial discharge on medium voltage switchgear
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched its EcoStruxure Service Plan (ESP) in the Anglophone African region for medium voltage (MV) switchgear
Read more...
Raptor switches
Phoenix Contact
Electrical Power & Protection
The Phoenix Contact Raptor switches enable reliable and safe operation in extreme ambient conditions. The managed switch portfolio meets the stringent requirements of IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 standards and is ideal for critical infrastructure and power supply applications.
Read more...
Electrical safety warning indicators
Electrical Power & Protection
Remlive electrical safety warning indicators have been keeping the workplace safe for more than 25 years.
Read more...
Self-contained standalone lightning warning system
Senseca
Electrical Power & Protection
The BTD-200 lightning warning system from Biral (UK) is a complete detection and warning system. Its highly specialised aviation grade lightning detection technology delivers the warning as soon as lightning is detected and before the first strike.
Read more...
Half brick second generation converter
Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The Supreme series half brick second generation converter from Vepac is composed of isolated, board-mountable, fixed switching frequency DC-DC converters that use synchronous rectification to achieve extremely high power conversion efficiency.
Read more...
printer friendly version