Elimination of static electricity in the kettle
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Our factory does a good job in static electricity grounding, but an accident still occurred: toluene exploded inside the reactor. There were no ignition sources inside the reactor, and the subsequent analysis showed that static electricity was the cause. Water was being added at that time and the mixer was running; the interaction between the two liquids led to a static electricity explosion. It’s terrifying. Please analyze and discuss – are there any other reasons?
Is it a glass-lined tank? If that’s the case, it’s due to static electricity. There is also the stirring speed.
Since there is toluene present, why not use nitrogen sealing?
Add water to toluene? Toluene isn’t soluble in water – what kind of process would require such a stupid approach? This post was last edited by sngqngx on 2008-11-30 22:09.]
Stirring of the insoluble phase can easily generate static electricity; it is best to fill the organic solvent with an inert gas first
A similar design I’ve seen is protected with nitrogen
Use inert gas protection, or see if antistatic additives can be used. I’m not sure if there are any other measures that can help dissipate static electricity
If static electricity removal was done properly, it can’t be due to static electricity; check the process conditions and reaction parameters at that time as well
I believe that whatever your goals may be, one thing is certain: in order to prevent the accumulation of static electricity, the static grounding connections need to be regularly tested to ensure they meet the required standards； For flammable and explosive materials, in order to avoid the creation of an explosive environment, inert gases must be used for protection whenever gases that could cause explosions may be generated ； Safety procedures must be strictly followed during chemical processing!
I believe it is due to the relative motion of the toluene fluid inside the tank with both the stirring rod and the tank walls; as a result of excessive movement or improper static grounding, static electricity cannot be dissipated in time, leading to electrostatic discharge when it comes into contact with water (a conductor of electricity)
The poster said that your factory does a good job in static electricity grounding – what is the evidence for this? Is it based on visual inspection or test results?