Intermediate bulk containers (IBC’s) and multiple equipment Earthing confirmation system

 

Introduction:

 

ECR -1 Earthing confirmation system is used for safely discharging the static charge from Intermediate bulk containers (IBC’s), FIBC C type bags. Multiple equipment at points like multi drum loading stations, IBC loading stations and railcar loading gantries would require large number of conventional static earthing systems to provide protection against incendive electrostatic sparks. With ECR-1 multi-channel earthing confirmation system, it is possible to monitor multiple earthing earthing systems simultaneously.

 

ECR – 1 – Earthing confirmation system for FIBC C type bag

 

The Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container (FIBC) are large sized bags which are made of woven polypropylene. FIBC bags are used for transportation or storage of dry products mainly used in food production and pharmaceutical industries. The type C bags are produced from conductive thread interwoven with nonconductive fabric and are safe to use in environments which have explosive gases or dust around, however the main concerns in using these bags is the control/ discharge of static electricity developed when electric charges are imbalanced with certain materials. When these bags are filled to capacity or rapidly discharged with fine powders, it can lead to static electricity build up. It is crucial to remove electrical charges while packing any combustible materials or combustible dust is likely to be present in the atmosphere. Hence, these bags must be kept earthed electrically, during the filling or emptying them.

ECR-1 provides the solution to effectively provide earthing to the FIBC C type bags. The device continuously monitors static dissipative path through the bag’s conductive filaments via a verified earthing point. Two LED lamps (Red and Green) are given on the device. In open condition the red light will be on. When the FIBC bag has proper ground connection which is verified and continuously monitored by ECR-1, the green light will be on. Two change over relays are energized and the output can be used for interlocking the control of loading or unloading of material in the bag and provide the audible alarm, if required.

Several packaging manufacturers are manufacturing IBC’s with various quoted maximum values of resistance ranging from 1×108 Ohms to 1×105 Ohms. However, as per IEC 61340-4-4:2014, the resistance to ground limit for type C FIBC is 1×107 Ohms or 10 M Ohms with the minimum ignition energy of the surrounding atmosphere being 3mJ or less.

 

Technical Specification :

 

Rated Power Supply        :               230VAC or 110VAC -10%+15%, 45-65Hz, 24V AC/DC Optional

Range                                   :               Earth loop resistance, 0 to 10 M Ohm/0 to 1 M Ohm/0 to 10 Ohms,

adjustable through external display console at factory on demand.

 

Relay output rating          :               Two change over 250V/ 5A (Resistive load)

Cable type                           :               Two nos. single core cable of 5m with option of straight or spiral cable

Clamp design                     :               SS 304 type suitable for FIBC bag

Enclosure                            :               Flame proof Cast Aluminum Alloy or Stainless steel (optional)

 

ECR – 1 – Multi Channel Static Earthing confirmation system

 

The multichannel earthing system monitors multiple equipment at points like multiple drum loading stations and mixing stations, IBC loading stations and rail car loading gantries. Similarly, multiple earthing systems are required for power processing equipment that typically includes interconnected pipes, fluid bed dryers, hoppers and micro ionizers. In conventional earthing system, individual earthing system would be required to provide protection against incendive electrostatic sparks.

However, with multi-channel ECR -1 earthing confirmation system, monitoring of earth connection for 2, 4, 6, 8 individual isolated point of equipment can be provided through individual channel of single earthing confirmation device.

 

Application:

 

  • Multiple rail car loading points
  • Multiple drum/ tote loading points
  • Liquid/ powder mixing and blending
  • Powder conveying equipment
  • Reactor vessels/ chemical process equipment
  • Fluid bed drying
  • Container filling and emptying
  • Hoppers and dust collectors
  • Powder micro ionizing, pulverizing and grinding equipment

 

Technical Specification :

 

Rated Power Supply        :               230VAC or 110VAC -10%+15%, 45-65Hz, 24V AC/DC Optional

Range                                   :               Earth loop resistance, 0 to 10 Ohms, adjustable through external

display console at factory on demand.

 

Relay output rating          :               One change over 250V/ 5A (Resistive load) for each channel,

upto eight relays for eight channels

 

Cable type                           :               Single core cable of 5m with option of straight or spiral cable for each

of the channels and common cable for earthing connection

 

Clamp design                     :               SS 304 type

Enclosure                            :               Flame proof Cast Aluminum Alloy or Stainless steel (optional)