Product category:
Cleaning media and cleaning systems
News Release from: Octel Performance Chemicals | Subject: Octastat non-metallic static dissipator additive
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 26 November 2003
Static build-up in solvents and
chemicals solved
A low-cost, practical solution has been developed to solve the problem of static electricity build-up in solvents and other chemicals used in manufacturing.
Octel, the award winning speciality chemicals business, has developed a low-cost, practical solution to static build-up in solvents and other chemicals The development is a timely boost for UK companies currently under pressure from the EU to minimise the dangers of electrostatic discharge
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 9 Sep 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Additive eliminates static build-up
A few drops of an innovative additive designed to eliminate static build-up in fluids is saving a major utility provider tens of thousands of pounds in lost production and maintenance costs.
Be prepared for HCFC ban in 2002
With a ban on the general use of HCFC-solvents being implemented on January 1st next year, 3M will be exhibiting approved and effective specialty solvent replacements for HCFCs.
Co-solvent ousts 'trich' to clean aircraft parts
For the maintenance of precision aircraft components, British Airways Component Engineering at Hayes, has replaced trichloroethylene with a faster, more efficient co-solvent cleaning system.
The ATEX 137 directive came into force on 1 July this year and is intended to standardise, clarify, and improve the way in which equipment for use in explosive atmospheres is modified, used, and maintained across the EU.
The introduction of the ATEX directive makes it mandatory under European law to assess for an explosion risk and classify the area accordingly.
In particular there is a need to "consider and eliminate possible sources of static electricity.
There is, however, growing concern that many companies may be unaware of the new regulation or have not realised that potential hazards may exist in their processes.
The location of such processes is not limited to oil refineries or chemical plants, but extends to many different industrial manufacturing processes and ordinary warehouses and stores.
Wherever solvents and lubricants are used, static electricity can be generated.
In low conducting flammable solvents this can build up and a spark can occur leading to a fire or explosion that could ignite the entire stock and building.
The costs associated with an accident like this can run into many millions of pounds, not including the risk to life, and the safety of employees.
Octel Performance Chemicals, which won the UK Green Technology Award for 2003, has responded by launching Octastat, a non-metallic static dissipator additive that increases the conductivity of a fluid to a level where the static electricity can be safely controlled and discharged through a proper earthed connection.
Octastat can be used in relatively small doses of between 5-50 ppm depending on the type of fluid being treated.
This low dose rate not only ensures that the performance characteristics of the fluid are unaffected but also provides a straightforward and comparatively low-cost answer to a potentially dangerous hazard.
Octel say that where companies are unsure about their process and the possible presence of electrostatic build-up, they are able to offer a free advice service.
• Octel Performance Chemicals: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
