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Chemical & Petrochemical
The chemical and petrochemical sector relies on the efficient transportation, handling and processing of many hazardous and highly flammable chemical products.
Supply chain activities like the transfer of chemicals to and from road tankers and railcars; filling, mixing and blending in drums or IBCs, and minor operations like dispensing solvents from safety cans generate hazardous levels of static electricity. The most effective way of eliminating the risk of fires and explosions caused by static electricity is to use modern fit for purpose static control equipment.
Customer Testimonials
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In 2006, we decided that we needed a full review of more than fifty Brenntag North American facilities across the United States and Canada to ensure that we had proper static earthing equipment in place and were using the proper procedures to minimize a static discharge during flammable liquid transfers. I appreciate Newson Gale's support in helping us develop equipment needs, proper handling procedures and implement employee training to enable us to have safer facilities for our employees and the communities in which they serve. |
Univar Solvents originally started using Newson Gale products following a recommendation from BP Chemicals at Hull. Since then we have been pleased with the performance of the static control products and the technical support for them. The ongoing technical development of the products provides confidence that Newson Gale is keeping up with changes in (static control) Regulation. Controlling static electricity is critical when dealing with flammable liquids. I suggest Newson Gale to our customers when they identify a need to upgrade their earthing facilities. |
Static Hazards
| Road tankers are capable of storing large amounts of electrostatic charges that result from the transfer of large volumes of charged liquids and powders. Unearthed road tankers can discharge incendive static sparks above 1000mJ of energy into potentially flammable and combustible atmospheres if the container body is not correctly earthed. |
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| Vacuum tankers and road tankers often have to transfer combustible material without the presence of an installed static earth monitoring system. The Earth-Rite MGV is a tanker mounted system that can verify that objects it is connected to (e.g. earth rods, pipes running into ground) will function as a reliable static earth for the tanker. | |
| Large conductive bodies like railcar tanks are capable of storing large amounts of electrostatic charges if the tank is not correctly earthed. Vibration pads, bearings and anti-friction greasing isolate container bodies from the rail tracks impeding their capacity to dissipate hazardous electrostatic charges. |
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The mixing or blending of 2 phase solids and liquids generate hazardous levels of electrostatic charges on vessels and material being processed. Vessels operating in potentially flammable and combustible atmospheres should be fully earthed to ensure static electricity is not permitted to accumulate on the vessel. For large volumes, it is advisable to interlock the earthing equipment with the motor or other safety measures like emergency sounders. |
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Filling IBCs and large containers with flammable liquids has the potential to generate a serious fire hazard if the IBC is not correctly earthed. Wherever possible, output contacts should be used to stop filling should the IBC lose its earthing connection thereby preventing the rapid accumulation of static electricity on the IBC. |
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Powder conveying and filling generates high levels of static electricity on FIBC bags. It is essential that Type C FIBC bags regularly used in potentially combustible or flammable atmospheres are capable of dissipating electrostatic charges to ensure the powder or FIBC bag is not capable of releasing high energy static sparks or propagating brush discharges into the local atmosphere. |
