How to discharge static electricity in enamel-lined equipment
Thread Content
There are many practical cases of using flammable and explosive materials such as benzene and alkanes in enamel reaction vessels. As liquid is fed in and stirring takes place, static electricity may be generated within the vessel and accumulate over time; if not discharged promptly, this could pose a risk of explosion. But in the face of the insulating properties of enamel, static electricity dissipation seems a bit difficult. I consulted many experts in enamel technology and obtained the following methods: 1. Reduce the feed flow rate to a safe level, or increase the diameter of the feed pipe – which is essentially another way of reducing the flow rate ; 2. Change the feeding method: switch from gas-phase feeding to liquid-phase feeding ; 3. Reduce the stirring speed ; 4. Add pipe openings in both the gas and liquid phases, and use metals such as titanium, tantalum, and zirconium inserted into the pipes to discharge the static electricity generated ; 5. Use a metal temperature measuring tube or tube tip as a sensing point, and conduct static electricity through the temperature measuring tube ; 6. Wind metal wires around the stirring or temperature measurement tube – preferably titanium, tantalum, zirconium, etc. – to conduct static electricity through these wires ; 7. Additionally, I’ve heard of a top-tier version: it uses platinum wires sintered within the enamel glaze to directly discharge static electricity from the tank body. However, this method is quite advanced; it requires very high standards for enamel sintering. No company in China is capable of using it, and few companies abroad can do so either, with prices that are extremely high. I’d like to hear from the experts for any suggestions they might have. Are there any other simpler and more reliable methods? It would be great if practical examples could be provided as well.
I heard that some foreign manufacturers are taking over the use of gasket clamps with tantalum rings to eliminate static electricity