Normally atoms have equal numbers of Protons with positive charge and Electrons with negative charge. This parity is upset when an electron sometimes moves to another atom because of friction, pressure or induction, and leaves the parent atom with a positive charge, or ‘ionized’. The energy that emerges thus remains stagnant until it is earthed or otherwise neutralized or an electrostatic discharge (ESD) takes place. If the charge builds up and the ESD is severe, it could have serious consequences like a person receiving a shock, which can sometimes be fatal, or equipment getting damaged, or even fire and explosion. The annual loss brought on by this phenomenon in the United States run into billions of dollars. Naturally, the problem has to be tackled effectively.
To start with, static electricity has to be located, say in a manufacturing plant, and its magnitude assessed, preferably by experts. Precision instruments for this task are available. The next step is to decide on the most suitable equipment or system to provide the required protection. Here a significant point is that the rate, or speed, at which the neutralizing should take place. Sudden drainage of the charge may damage some delicate equipment.
Since the problem starts with the loss of Electron in an atom, the logical method is to restore the balance by providing that particle. Spreading compressed ionized air with the help of blowers or pulsed DC bars is an effective system to neutralize static electricity. Antistatic tablemats and floor mats are also used. Another method is the use of an antistatic brush or nozzle. Neutralizing static electricity by conducting the charge to the ground can be achieved by proper earthing. Eliminators that can be strapped to the shoes also ground the charge. Some people use adjustable wristbands. There are also antistatic sprays and antistatic coatings for surfaces. Other instruments to eliminate static electricity include antistatic bars and air knives.
Major manufacturers of static eliminators would assess the threat perception and recommend the ideal protective system.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
Static Eliminators
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Static electricity develops when the balance between Protons, which have positive (+) charges, and Electrons, which have negative (-) charges (normally they are equal in numbers) in atoms, is disturbed. This can happen because of induction, friction and separation. What actually happens is that sometimes...
-
Static Shock
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
When some one mentions static shock, you may think of the popular cartoons or TV show slapstick. But here we are dealing with the shock that is caused by static electricity. Shock is a trauma resulting from electricity passing through ones body to another object....
-
Anti Static Bars
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
In simple words static electricity can be defined as an electrical imbalance of a material that can interrelate with other materials. An atom has the positively (+) charged Protons and negatively (-) charged Electrons in equal numbers and force. This equilibrium is vitiated when an...
-
Anti Static Mats
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Static electricity develops when there is an imbalance in the negative and positive charges in an atom. This happens because of friction between two surfaces. Even walking on a carpet – when the sole of the shoe rubs against the rug – can generate this...
-
Static Electricity
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
To understand static electricity, one has to know the basics of atoms. An atom has a nucleus consisting of Protons and Neutrons, and Electrons, which move around that core. Protons have positive (+) charge; Neutrons are neutral; and Electrons have negative (-) charge. Normally an...
-
Static Cling
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Have you experienced dry clothes curling up, particularly in winter? If the answer is yes, then you have something in common with the early Apollo astronauts who landed on the moon. Their problem was more serious. Moon dust clung to their spacesuits and tools and...
-
Static Control
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Let us take a look at the two faces of static electricity. One is destructive, like lightning. What happens in this phenomenon is that when the voltage gradient of static electricity in clouds reaches a certain point, the energy is unleashed through what is called...
-
Water Filters
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Do you know that 99% of the contaminants from your water can be eliminated through the use of water filters? If you do, then you definitely know that purified water is always better to drink because it looks, smells and tastes better. That is why...
-
How Electron Microscopes Work
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Electron microscopes are among the most powerful magnifying tools on the planet. They use beams of electrons rather than conventional light to illuminate objects. The two main types of electron microscopes are transmission electron microscopes and scanning electron microscopes. Ernst Ruska and Max Knoll constructed...
-
Electronic Air Cleaners
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Electronic air cleaners are another form of air filters. These filters use electrostatic precipitation, static charge, or particle ionization to remove particles that have been sapped in by a fan through a foam pre-filter. What happens at this point is that larger particles are caught...