StuvEx are an international manufacturer of a complete range of Static Earthing, Grounding & Bonding Solutions with ATEX & IECEx Certification for use in hazardous areas; this includes static bonding, grounding and earthing clamps, cables and reels for the safe control of electrostatic hazards and risks in Zone 1 / Zone 2 (Flammable Gas) and Zone 21 / Zone 22 (Combustible Dust) locations.
Thorne & Derrick visited StuvEx this week to get involved in technical product training in Belgium.
Anyone who drives a car is familiar with the phenomenon of an electric shock when touching the metal of the car when getting in. Or the crackling sound when taking off a fleece sweater.
These phenomena are called “electrostatic discharges”. These are clearly felt and audible and at first sight, seem harmless. But are they always?
A discharge can only occur after an object or surface has been charged. This (triboelectric) charging can only take place in the event of intensive contact between two substances.
A discharge of a few joules is a big blow and can be dangerous for people. Think of the operator, who is often the first to come into contact with a tanker. Earthing can therefore be seen as personal protection.
Electrons on the contact surface always have a preference for one of the two substances. If one of them is poorly conductive, it is possible to fix this difference in charge, originating from the transfer of electrons between the two substances when in contact.
Due to the presence of the poorly conductive material, the electrons cannot quickly return to their original location. After separating the substances sufficiently quickly, two charged “objects” remain.
During the loading or unloading of a tanker with poorly conductive liquids or powders, the same phenomenon takes place. The product particles come into contact with the wall of the transport pipe and come loose again. The contact with the wall thus creates the static charge. Electrons are exchanged but cannot be returned.
The tanker is therefore filled with charged particles, as it were, and it will therefore also charge itself. Also, by driving, the truck can be charged by the contact of the rubber with the road surface and thus arrive charged at the loading or unloading point.
A charged and conductive object can thus give rise to an electrostatic discharge, or spark discharge. The larger the object, the greater its capacity and the more charge it can hold. A truck discharge can have an energy content ranging from 100 ml to a few joules. The ignition energy of flammable liquids and powders is the MIE of some common products:
| PRODUCT | MIE (mJ) |
| H2 | 0.019 |
| OAT FLOUR | 10 – 100 |
| MILK POWDER | 30 |
| SUGAR – DUST | 5 – 10 |
| METHANOL | 0.14 |
Earthing an object simply means establishing a conductive connection between a possible charge carrier and the earth.
The connection will ensure that any charge flows directly to the earth. This prevents the charging of an object, so that any discharges will not occur.
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| ATEX Cable Reel – StuvEx Safe-Ground CR165 | ATEX Stainless Steel Earthing Clamp – StuvEx Safe-Ground CMS1 | ATEX Spiral Earthing & Grounding Cables – StuvEx Safe-Ground SP1 |
When the operator approaches the tanker truck with a flexible hose, a possible discharge may also occur there. Hoses and flexibles are often dedicated, i.e., product-specific, and are therefore not always cleaned. The risk of an explosive atmosphere due to remnants of flammable liquid in these hoses is certainly realistic.
In the best-case scenario, this will lead to a flame from the flexible or hose; in the worst-case scenario, it is already connected to the installation, and the explosion may propagate to the installation.
During the top filling of a bulk truck, an explosive dust-air mixture is to be expected in the bulk truck. The filling arm is often hung loose in the manhole or covered with a non-conductive plastic cover to limit dust emissions.
When the truck reaches a certain level of charging, it can discharge to, for example, the metal of the filling arm, where the explosive dust-air mixture is present, resulting in an explosion. Explosive dust-air mixtures will also occur at various times during pneumatic unloading.
In short, when working with explosion-sensitive products, an explosive atmosphere cannot always be ruled out with sufficient certainty during loading and unloading, as the above examples demonstrate.
The exclusion of ignition sources is therefore an important preventive measure. Earthing the tanker is considered good practice and should therefore always be done when working with products that pose a gas or dust explosion hazard.
In the case of a mobile installation such as a tanker, bulk truck, or railcar, no permanent earthing can be used; before loading or unloading, the installation must first be earthed via an earthing clamp. However, such earthing is prone to errors, is therefore easily forgotten and can be applied incorrectly.
In the first place, think of attaching it to the wheel clamp or a non-conductive part of the tanker. But also, if the tanker has just been repainted, and paint has been used a bit too lavishly on the earthing point, the earth connection will not have been established. In the event of a wire break in the earthing line, this will often go unnoticed for a long time.
An earthing control system permanently monitors the correct earth connection, is easy to use, and excludes human error during installation. In addition, it also has a release signal to which certain interlocks can be linked, such as the possibility to start the product pump.
ISMA | Explosion Safety Consultancy
ISMA specialises in explosion safety, mainly of gas and dust, and static electricity and are the consultancy arm of StuvEx who designs, implements and engineers industrial fire and explosion protection systems.
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Specialist Distributors of Electrical Heating, Lighting, Power & Process Instrumentation Equipment with ATEX IECEx Certification and DSEAR Regulatory Compliance to deliver significant safety and reliability improvements in the Industrial, Explosive Atmosphere & Energy sectors. Based in the UK, we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
Since 1985, we have provided expert technical support and express delivery from extensive UK stocks to world-wide destinations.
Thorne & Derrick | Approved Supplier of Static Earthing, Grounding & Bonding Systems | ATEX Certified Products & SolutionsÂ
Pictured L To R Front – Karen Van Aelst Product Manager at StuvEx | Dylan White Technical Sales Engineer at T&D | Terry McDonald Sales & BDM at T&D | Laura Mccabe Technical Sales Engineer at T&D | Chris Carpentier Production & Supply Chain Manager at StuvEx | Sam Ayres Sales Engineer at StuvEx
Back – Emilien Griffon Sales Engineer at StuvEx | Arto Van Bauwel Service Manager at StuvEx | Kevin De Lauw Product Developer at StuvEx | Peter Van Perre Team Supervisor at StuvEx | Karl Debilde Sales Engineer at StuvEx | Lee Dance Service Engineer at StuvEx
15th April 2024Â
Thorne & Derrick | Approved UK Partner and Distributor for StuvEx InternationalÂ
We would like to thank the team at StuvEx for hosting Thorne & Derrick at their headquarters in Belgium, Germany. This visit expanded our knowledge with the hands on technical training used in Static Earthing, Grounding & Bonding Systems.
Risk of Static Electricity in Explosive Atmospheres – Combustible dust can pose serious risks in several industries. It is crucial to implement measures to mitigate the risk of explosions. Thorne & Derrick witnessed firsthand, in a live controlled environment, the dangers that static electricity imposes in explosive atmospheres.
Preventing a Uncontrolled Electrostatic Discharge – Uncontrolled electrostatic discharges can be prevented by the installation of earthing and bonding systems – as a potential ignition source the safe and reliable control of static electricity is important in the safe operation of industry processes and manufacturing applications with potentially explosive atmospheres.
Thorne & Derrick visited StuvEx this week to get involved in technical product training in Belgium.
StuvEx is an international market leader in the manufacture of fire & explosion protection systems to protect people and plants against gas or dust explosions.
The video below demonstrates the result of an explosion caused by static electricity. The fuel for this explosion, you ask? 1 teaspoon of sugar! Knowledge of the risks associated with dust atmospheres is poor in comparison to gas atmospheres.
“Static electricity is often dangerously overlooked and misunderstood as a potential ignition source in gas/dust hazardous areas – it does much more than make your hair stand on end, electrostatic explosions and fires are fatal to life.”
Thorne & Derrick support the technical specification and competitive supply from stock of standard and customised static earthing solutions for the explosion protection of process operations and manufacturing applications when bulk handling combustible or flammable gases, liquids or powders.
Thank You for the warmest of welcomes to the excellent team at StuvEx for inviting us to Belgium for 2 days.
Thorne & Derrick | Approved Supplier of Static Earthing, Grounding & Bonding Systems | ATEX Certified Products & SolutionsÂ
Should you require any customer support or service to enable the selection or specification of the correct Static Earthing Systems for use in explosive atmosphere locations in the hazardous area industries please do not hesitate to contact us.
StuvEx are an international manufacturer of a complete range of Static Earthing, Grounding & Bonding Solutions with ATEX & IECEx Certification for use in hazardous areas; this includes static bonding, grounding and earthing clamps, cables and reels for the safe control of electrostatic hazards and risks in Zone 1 / Zone 2 (Flammable Gas) and Zone 21 / Zone 22 (Combustible Dust) locations.
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| Static Grounding System For Tank Trucks – StuvEx Safe-Ground TES01-V2 | Multipoint Earthing Control System – StuvEx Safe-Ground MGS01 | Earthing & Bonding Systems Test Device – StuvEx Safe-Ground ReConn01 |
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| ATEX Stainless Steel Earthing Clamp – StuvEx Safe-Ground CMS1 | ATEX Cable Reel –Â StuvEx Safe-Ground CR1/65 | ATEX Spiral Earthing & Grounding Cables – StuvEx Safe-Ground SP1 |
Specialist Distributors of Electrical Heating, Lighting, Power & Process Instrumentation Equipment with ATEX IECEx Certification and DSEAR Regulatory Compliance to deliver significant safety and reliability improvements in the Industrial, Explosive Atmosphere & Energy sectors. Based in the UK, we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
Since 1985, we have provided expert technical support and express delivery from extensive UK stocks to world-wide destinations.
Authored by Michel Vandeweyer | Explosion Safety Consultant from ISMA Explosion Safety Consultancy
ISMA specialises in explosion safety, mainly of gas and dust, and static electricity and are the consultancy arm of StuvEx who designs, implements and engineers industrial fire and explosion protection systems.
An electrostatic discharge can occur in different locations and at different times: Think of the sweater you take off in the winter, or the shock you feel when you touch the car, sometimes you get a shock when you shake someone’s hand.
Why is it that we so often have to deal with electrostatic discharges, without even realising it? A discharge can only occur after an object or surface has been charged.
Charging of an Object or Surface
A charged object can be created in three different ways:
The last two phenomena can only occur in the presence of an already charged object. The first phenomenon, triboelectric charging, takes place in the event of loss of contact between two surfaces. The most known source of triboelectric charging is friction, but also in absence of intense friction, charged surfaces can arise (e.g. removing a plastic foil from a metal plate).
âž¡ Thorne & Derrick are the Exclusive UK Partner for the StuvEx range of Static Earthing & Bonding Systems – our Trained Sales Engineers provide customer service excellence to clients working in hazardous area locations.
The team visited the StuvEx HQ in Belgium to undertake advanced Technical Product Training. During the training they had front row seats to a live demo conducted by Michel Vandeweyer. The below video shows the result of an explosion caused by static.
The fuel for this explosion you ask? 1 Teaspoon of sugar! Knowledge on risks associated with dust atmospheres is poor in comparison to gas atmospheres. Couple that with a poor understanding of risks associated with static electricity and you have a recipe for disaster.
This discharge occurs with highly charged and pointed objects. The charge is concentrated at the tip, resulting in a minor electric field. This electric field causes an ionization of the air.
Corona discharges have a very low energy content: less than 0.1 mJ. This ensures that Corona discharges are almost never a significant ignition source.
These discharges occur with highly charged, poorly conductive surfaces: think of ordinary clothing, a carpet, a plastic bag, … The charge stored on the poorly conductive surface can only discharge at the point where another object at a different potential comes close.
The energy of this discharge is therefore limited, but significantly greater than the Corona discharge: a maximum of 4 mJ.
This ensures that brush discharges are almost never the ignition source of a dust explosion. However, explosive gas/air mixtures are much more susceptible to ignition. A brush discharge is dangerous for almost all flammable gas/air mixtures.
Brush discharges can also be caused by the movement of non-conductive clothing (the classic example is a fleece sweater). Examples regarding measures to prevent the risk of brush discharges are
When two conductive objects, with a different charge level, come close to each other, this charge will equalise across both objects by means of a spark discharge. The energy of this spark is therefore dependent on the charge level, and the possible charge present depends on the size of both objects (the smallest object is decisive). The larger the object, the greater the possible energy content of the resulting spark.
Thus, the typical energy content varies greatly. For example, a charged tanker truck can create spark discharges up to 100 mJ.
To prevent this, conductors must be connected, either to each other (equipotential connections over flanges, for example), or to the earth.
Operators also act as conductors. For this reason, it is required to use anti-static footwear, in addition to the use of anti-static clothing. The floors should consist either out of metal gratings or of other materials like concrete that are sufficiently dissipative to discharge the load. The use of non-conductive floor coatings (e.g. Epoxy) or working on a plastic sheet is generally not permitted in ATEX-areas.
If a type-C FIBC (bigbag) is used, it must be earthed to avoid spark discharges, since the FIBC is a conductor.
Propagating Brush Discharges are the most dangerous and powerful discharges that can take place in installations. The energy content of this phenomenon can be > 1000 mJ. These occur when a layered structure of conductors and insulators is created, for example by coating metal or a metal reinforcement in a plastic flexible, and is most easily conceived as a capacitor: The charge continues until it has enough energy to shoot through the insulator towards the conductor.
An important measure in this respect is the use of antistatic hoses in a pneumatic conveyor. Grounding the metal reinforcement is insufficient, and will even facilitate the propagating brush discharge.
A type B-FIBC (bigbag) is used to avoid the formation of propagating brush discharges due to fast emptying/filling. (However, a type B is still able to form a brush discharge, so it should only be used in dust-zones, not in gas zones).
A relatively newly discovered phenomenon is a cone discharge. When a poorly conductive powder is blown neumatically to a silo, a cone will form here. Since the electrical charge is always concentrated on the on the surface on the bulk material, a magnetic field arises above the product cone, which may consequently lead to discharges towards the silo wall. The energy content of this depends on the silo diameter and the average particle size of the powder.
The greatest danger occurs with a large silo diameter and a mixture of large and fine particles, or even worst when flammable gases are present. In order to make a correct assessment of the risk, it is first important to know the specific conductivity of the product. Further preventive measures include, for example, working with earthing rods to virtually reduce the silo diameter. Cone discharges may equally arise in silos filled by gravity.
The formula to calculate the maximum of a cone discharge is given as follows:
E = 5.22 • D3.36 • d1.462
with
D = the diameter of the silo in metres (m) (valid until D = 3 m, the maximum value in the testing). If the silo is made of non-conductive material, (e.g. composite), the silo diameter must be doubled in this formula.
d = the (average) particle size of the particles conveyed into the silo in mm) (valid until d = 3 mm, the maximum value in the testing).
As long as the resulting E is higher than the MIE, ignition due to cone discharges can be excluded. IEC/TS60079-32-1 includes decision trees to evaluate whether the cone discharge is potentially dangerous.
If the silo is made out of non-conductive material, the silo diameter used in the formula must be doubled.
ISMA specialises in process explosion safety consulting. Activities include risk assessment of dust and gas explosive atmospheres, predicting explosion effects, and post-incident analysis in a wide variety of industries. ISMA also shares its expertise in various expert groups. Over 5,000 installations in various industries have been assessed by ISMA since the start of its activities in 1984.
Explosion Protection | Control of Electrostatic Ignition Risks in Hazardous Areas
Should you require any customer support or service to enable the selection or specification of the correct Static Earthing Systems for use in explosive atmospheres please do not hesitate to contact us.
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Specialist Distributors of Electrical Heating, Lighting, Power & Process Instrumentation Equipment with ATEX IECEx Certification and DSEAR Regulatory Compliance to deliver significant safety and reliability improvements in the Industrial, Explosive Atmosphere & Energy sectors. Based in the UK, we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
Since 1985, we have provided expert technical support and express delivery from extensive UK stocks to world-wide destinations.
Electrical Trace Heating Solutions For The Chocolate Industry
Keeping the perfect temperature is not just a matter of taste but a crucial element that defines the quality of the end product. The journey from raw cocoa to the silky-smooth chocolate bar requires temperature control, and this is where electrical heat tracing (EHT) systems step in.
Importance of Temperature Control: Chocolate is a delicate creation that demands precise temperature control throughout its production process. Any fluctuation in temperature can lead to undesirable outcomes such as crystallisation, texture variations, or compromised taste. To ensure the chocolate flows seamlessly through every stage of production, from pipes to dosing machines, a constant and fluidic state is paramount.
Role of Electrical Heat Tracing Systems: Electrical heat tracing systems play a pivotal role in maintaining the optimal temperature required for chocolate production. These systems are responsible for ensuring that the chocolate remains fluid and consistent as it moves through various stages, including pipes, valves, pumps, vessels, silos, processing plants, extraction points, dosing, and filling machines.
Single-Source Solution: Choosing the right partner for implementing electrical heat tracing systems is crucial for the chocolate industry. Eltherm stands out as a reliable single-source solution for the engineering, planning, installation, and commissioning of complete EHT systems. What sets Eltherm apart is its in-house engineering and production facilities for EHT products and systems.
Reliability and Uninterrupted Performance: The integration of Eltherm’s EHT systems ensures a seamless chain of heating performance, guaranteeing the chocolate’s uninterrupted flow and consistency. The reliability of these systems is crucial in avoiding downtimes in production, as any interruption can lead to not only financial losses but also a compromise in the quality of the final product.
In the world of chocolate production, where precision and consistency are paramount, Eltherm’s electrical heat tracing solutions emerge as the golden ticket to success.
However, by entrusting the entire process to a single-source solution, chocolate manufacturers can ensure that their product is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a testament to the reliability and efficiency of modern electrical heating technology.
Thorne & Derrick provide a complete portfolio of Electric Process & Trace Heating Solutions for Industrial, Hazardous Area & Explosive Atmospheres,
Specialist Distributors of Electrical Heating, Lighting, Power & Process Instrumentation Equipment to deliver significant safety and reliability improvements in the Industrial, Explosive Atmosphere & Energy sectors.
Your proactive problem solvers experienced in succession planning for the replacement of obsolete, non-conformant and legacy equipment in hazardous areas with ATEX & IECEx Certification & DSEAR Regulatory Compliance.
Industries Supplied | Process, Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Utility (Water, Gas & Electricity), Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Renewable, Rail, Datacentre, Battery Storage
Product Categories | Electric Heating | Lighting | Control Panels | Confined Space Safety | Plugs & Sockets | Isolators | Enclosures & Junction Boxes | Control Stations | Motor Starters Gas Detection | Security Access Control | Duct Seals | Cable Accessories LV HV | Earthing & Lightning Protection | Feeder Pillars | High Voltage Electrical Equipment | Joints Terminations Connectors MV HV
Power Station Trace Heating
Thorne & Derrick together with Eltherm UK are able to provide custom-engineered trace heating solutions and systems to power stations worldwide. This includes aiding with maintenance work and providing site health services to ensure each power station is operating effectively and efficiently. Together we are able to provide a maintenance, repair and operations programme offering a comprehensive range of trace heating products and electric control and monitoring equipment to global trace heating projects,
In an industrial setting, maintaining the efficiency and reliability of heat tracing systems is crucial for smooth operations, especially during critical periods like winter. Furthermore, Eltherm helps in recognising the significance of proactive maintenance to prevent downtime and ensure optimal performance.
Power station trace heating systems prevent freezing, maintain viscosity, and ensure product quality. However, without proper maintenance, they can become inefficient or fail, leading to costly downtime and potential safety hazards.
Thorne & Derrick specialise in providing specialist heating for industrial and hazardous areas including Eltherm’s heat tracing cables and heated hoses.
As Eltherm UK Ltd’s Master Distributor of Heat Tracing Cables & Systems  for the commercial, industrial, and hazardous area industries, Thorne & Derrick can deliver significant industry benefits and value-added service to you and your company. Our Strategic Partnership can help to maximise uptime and optimise revenue of your business.
Together. we have vast experience maintaining and upgrading heat tracing systems covering all applications and industries, and by listening to our customers’ requirements and concerns, we are able to offer a tailor-made approach that leads to system effectiveness. With the UK’s largest stock holding, we can supply trace heating solutions to quickly to keep you operational all year round.
Understanding the condition of the heat tracing system installed on site is vital. If any remedial work is required it can be planned and budgeted for in an organised manner, helping you to be cost effective and preventing unforeseen issues during critical winter months.
Overall, the utilisation of trace heating cables in power stations offers a comprehensive solution to address concerns related to power shutdown prevention, maintenance, and security, ultimately improving the reliability and resilience of the power plant operation.
Custom Engineered Trace Heating Systems and Solutions
Thorne & Derrick provide a complete portfolio of Electric Process & Trace Heating Solutions for Industrial, Hazardous Area & Explosive Atmospheres,
Specialist Distributors of Electrical Heating, Lighting, Power & Process Instrumentation Equipment to deliver significant safety and reliability improvements in the Industrial, Explosive Atmosphere & Energy sectors.
Your proactive problem solvers experienced in succession planning for the replacement of obsolete, non-conformant and legacy equipment in hazardous areas with ATEX & IECEx Certification & DSEAR Regulatory Compliance.
Industries Supplied | Process, Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Utility (Water, Gas & Electricity), Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Renewable, Rail, Datacentre, Battery Storage
Product Categories | Electric Heating | Lighting | Control Panels | Confined Space Safety | Plugs & Sockets | Isolators | Enclosures & Junction Boxes | Control Stations | Motor Starters Gas Detection | Security Access Control | Duct Seals | Cable Accessories LV HV | Earthing & Lightning Protection | Feeder Pillars | High Voltage Electrical Equipment | Joints Terminations Connectors MV HV
Published 13 Mar 2020
Press Release Date: 02.04.2020 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) World’s First Fully Certified ATEX Doors Thorne & Derrick International, the Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres, today announce the signing of a Commercial Distribution Agreement...
Published 04 Jul 2019
Press Release Date: 04.07.2019 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) Category: Stockist Distributor Agreement Announcement Thorne & Derrick International announce that they have signed a Preferred Distributor Agreement with Raytec, the world leading manufacturer of LED...
