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PROVIDING PROCESS SAFETY SOLUTIONS

Chilworth - a DEKRA company
Electrostatics

ELECTROSTATIC PROBLEMS AND HAZARDS

Many industrial processes are hampered by the presence of static electricity. Problems range from poor powder flow, to surface contamination of newly finished and stored items, and shocks to personnel.

Electrostatic discharges (sparks) can also trigger fires and explosions in industry endangering life and causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Some companies are not even aware that these problems are due to static. However, once the cause is identified, a workable solution can be provided.

HOW CHILWORTH CAN HELP
  • Consultancy
  • Laboratory testing
  • Incident Investigation
  • Contract R&D
  • Expert Witness
  • Tailored or off-the-shelf solutions

INNOVATIVE APPLICATIONS OF ELECTROSTATICS

Electrostatics can also be harnessed for beneficial uses in a range of areas, with enormous potential for commercial development. Chilworth has the expertise to undertake development programmes on behalf of clients from initial feasibility to design of full scale process equipment.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS HAVE INCLUDED
  • Powder Manipulation
  • Powder Deposition
  • Dust Removal
  • Materials Separation
  • Liquid Atomisation
  • Spray Drying
  • Fine Coatings

JCI ELECTROSTATIC INTRUMENTS



**NEWS**

Chilworth Global Ltd Acquires John Chubb instrumentation (JCI)

JCI LOGOChilworth Technology Ltd (CTL) is pleased to announce the acquisition of JCI - a manufacturer of specialist instrumentation in the field of electrostatics. JCI have an enviable reputation around the world for the quality and specification of their electrostatic measurement equipment. The JCI business fits alongside CTL’s existing range of specialist process safety test instrumentation and its range of consultancy and testing services. It is expected that Chilworth’s direct presence, and experience in marketing, around the world will lead to rapid growth as a result of this exciting new acquisition. For the full press release see click here. For information on the full range of JCI products visit our website at www.jci.co.uk.



JCI is the brand name for a range of specialist instrumentation in the field of electrostatics, and has been part of Chilworth Global since February 2009 (see here for the original press release). Three instruments are particularly important within the JCI product range:
  • JCI 140 Hand-Held Static Monitor… is a handheld detection and measurement instrument used widely in many industries and by electrostatic professionals.
  • JCI 131 Adverse Conditions Field Meter… is even suitable for long term monitoring of electric field outdoors.
  • JCI 155 Charge Decay and Capacitance Loading Measurement System… assesses the electrostatic properties of materials for safety and QA purposes.
All have a range of optional accessories enhancing and extending functionality, making for one of the most comprehensive range of exceptional quality instruments of their type in the world.

Further information about the range of JCI instruments can be found on the dedicated web site: www.jci.co.uk.

For specialist process safety instrumentation and test equipment, also manufactured by Chilworth, see [link to Instrumentation page].



Ian Pavey is head of electrostatics at Chilworth Global. He was the leader of a multinational research programme with significant investment, investigating powder handling and processing problems caused by static electricity in industrial processes. Ian is also a former committee member of the Static Electrification Group of the Institute of Physics.

His expertise is supported by a team of specialists and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.

For further information or to find out if your problem is caused by electrostatics, please contact lan Pavey.



Publications

A Brief Guide to Static Solutions
Companies involved in the manufacture and distribution of chemicals, household products, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, plastics and plant protection products need to establish whether their processes are directly impacted, or personnel endangered, by the effects of static electricity. This compact guide explains the processes at work with static and how to identify, minimise or even totally eliminate the resulting problems and hazards. (Also available in print)

Available for download to Subscribers
 
 
Electrostatic Hazards in the Process Industries
This paper provides a technical overview of the subject of electrostatic hazards. It includes a discussion on some of the basic concepts and identifies a number of ways static hazards can be addressed.

Available for download to Subscribers
 
 
ELECTROSTATIC TECHNOLOGY BROCHURE
Detailing our range of electrostatic technology services covering consultancy, laboratory testing, hazard assessment, R&D and training.

Download .pdf
 
 
SAPH LEAFLET
A complete low cost package of electrostatic measurements providing a foundation for electrostatic hazard assessments and a rating for materials potential handling problems.

Download .pdf
 
 
STATIC ELECTRICITY & RELATIVE HUMIDITY DATASHEET
If static is believed or suspected to be a hazard it is crucial to understand the effect of Relative Humidity on the electrostatic properties of the material involved. Only then will it be possible to propose effective measures for the avoidance of static hazards and solving electrostatic problems.

Available for download to Subscribers
 
 
STATIC ELECTRICITY AND ATEX / DSEAR DATASHEET
In June 2003, it became a legal requirement throughout Europe that new and modified plant must comply with the requirements of the European Directive ATEX 137, which in the U.K. is implemented as part of the DSEAR 2002 regulations. Of all sources of ignition that must be considered under this legislation, the ATEX Directive draws explicit attention to only one – STATIC ELECTRICITY

Download .pdf
 
 
STATIC ELECTRICITY AND FIBCs DATASHEET
Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) are used for the storage, packaging and transportation of powders and granules in many industries. What is not always appreciated is that basic FIBCs can produce electrostatic discharges capable of igniting flammable gases, vapours and dust clouds.

Download .pdf
 
 
STATIC ELECTRICITY AND POWDERS DATASHEET
This document provides some background information on powder handling problems from static and the risk of fire and explosions from electrostatic ignition sources. It offers a structured approach to assessing the problems and hazards for a particular process.

Download .pdf
 
 
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Process Safety issues? Call +44 (0)23 8076 0722 or email info@chilworth.co.uk
Chilworth Global is a trading name of Chilworth Technology Limited.
Registered office: Beta House, Southampton Science Park, Southampton. SO16 7NS. United Kingdom. Registered in England & Wales number 2000153.