How to control static charge buildup in a plant

Static electricity and electrostatic discharge can be a major nuisance in manufacturing facilities. It can affect the finish and quality of the products being produced, impact the speed of the operation, and cause workers to experience uncomfortable static shocks. But it doesn’t have to be this way. There are steps that can be taken to eliminate or control static within a facility, and EXAIR can help.

The company has released a white paper, entitled Basics of Static Electricity, that is designed to help readers learn about the causes of static electricity, the steps that can be taken to eliminate static, and the products available to help control it.

Locate, eliminate and control

In order to control the buildup of static in a facility, there are several steps that must be taken. First, you must determine the source of the static. A simple diagnostic tool, like EXAIR’s digital static meter, for example, can help determine if static is present, as well as the polarity and strength of the static charges. If static is present in several areas, neutralize the areas with the highest charges first.

The next step is to eliminate or minimize the source causing a static charge. This can be done by replacing non-conductive points of contact with conductive materials connected to earth ground, taking steps to prevent parts from rubbing against themselves or other non-conductive surfaces, or increasing relative humidity in the plant. Products like EXAIR’s atomizing nozzles can help provide humidification over a broad area.

In cases where static buildup can’t be eliminated, it must be treated through ionization, the process of converting an atom or molecule into an ion by adding or removing electrons. This is done by applying high voltage onto sharp emitter points. Shockless ionizers from EXAIR are designed to treat static buildup.

EXAIR’s expertise

As a leading manufacturer of compressed air-operated products, EXAIR has a full line of static eliminators that will service almost any application. The company also has a 30-day guarantee for its customers in Canada and the U.S., which means manufacturers can get the system in house to test it out. In addition, EXAIR’s expert application engineers are trained to help customers select the most appropriate model for the application.

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