Static electricity is the phenomenon of accumulation of electric charges that can occur in several materials. It happens mainly in the process of contact/friction between materials and is manifested in several phenomena that occur in everyday life, often in a harmless way, but sometimes leading to catastrophic accidents in industrial facilities.
The manifestations of static electricity are observed, mainly, in places where the air humidity is very low, that is, dry places. When handling a synthetic wool coat, for example, you may hear small cracks occurring due to the electrical discharges that occur between the threads. In the dark it is possible to see small sparks between the threads that were electrified.
In order to avoid serious accidents in the industry, especially in places where there is a presence of powders, flammable vapours or energetic materials, it is fundamental to have a correct understanding of the processes that can generate the accumulation of static electricity, as well as the safe way to avoid and/or discharge accumulated charges through an appropriate earthing device.
This topic addresses, among other things:
- The formation of electrostatic charges.
- The formation of explosive clouds.
- Minimum Ignition Energy.
- Accumulation of electrostatic charge by man.
- Shoe tester.
- Safety in places where there is generation of powders.
- Safety in locations where Flammable Liquids are handled.
- Earthing basics.
