Radioactive-Free Static Control Systems Safer

The radioactive substance Polonium 210 has been prominent in the news recently following reports that it was used to poison the Russian ex- spy Alexander Litvinenko.

The radioactive substance Polonium 210 has been prominent in the news recently following reports that it was used to poison the Russian ex- spy Alexander Litvinenko.

According to static electricity control systems supplier Meech International, the naturally occurring radioactive material emits highly hazardous alpha particles and in high doses can damage human tissues and organs.

In industry, Polonium 210 can be found in such applications as heat sources for satellite power supplies and also in some types of static control systems.

Whilst Polonium 210-based systems can provide effective neutralisation of static charge, their hazardous nature is such that special precautions must be taken, which can be onerous and costly, added Meech.

Meech International said it has developed its technology based on active electrical systems, rather than radioactive materials.

Those systems are installed worldwide and are well proven in resolving problems of poor quality and productivity associated with uncontrolled static charge, added the company.

Steve Pheasant, Meech's sales and marketing director, said: "Over the years we have been very successful in replacing existing radioactive ionisation systems installed in factories throughout the world.

Many companies have found that the controls necessary to use radioactive systems safely have become too prohibitive and the effectiveness of modern non-radioactive systems can make the change- over an easy process.".

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