Static buildup in industrial and commercial applications is a critical safety factor for everyone involved.. Use of the right materials and accessories is of the utmost importance where anti-static features are a requirement.
In Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBC’s) or Bulk Bags there are three properties required to avoid propagating brush discharges (Type B, Type C and Type D).
A Very brief and general overview (contact Clean It Up for additional technical details)
FIBC Type A
Type A are made of non-conductive fabric and provide no protection against static electricity.
FIBC Type B
Are made from non-conductive fabric. They differ from FIBC Type A in that the breakdown voltage through the fabric, including any coating.vvSpark discharges may occur from the surface of FIBC Type B if they become contaminated or coated with conductive material (e.g. water, grease or oil). Precautions should be taken to avoid such contamination and to avoid conductive objects such as tools or metal clips being placed on the FIBC.
FIBC Type C
Are made entirely from conductive fabric or from a non-conductive fabric with interconnected conductive threads or filaments. The pattern of conductive threads or filaments is either:FIBC Type C must be provided with a grounding point to which all conductive panels, threads or filaments are electrically bonded. The resistance to the grounding point from anywhere on a conductive fabric and from conductive threads or filaments must be less than 108 ohm (updated to less than 107 ohm in the second edition of IEC 61340-4-4 – see below).The lift loops of FIBC Type C must also contain conductive threads or filaments with a resistance to the grounding point of less than 108ohm (updated to less than 107 ohm in the second edition of IEC 61340-4-4 – see below).FIBC Type C must also meet the breakdown voltage requirements of FIBC Type B.In order to prevent spark discharges that might ignite a flammable or explosive atmosphere, it is essential that FIBC Type C are always securely grounded. A label should be attached to the FIBC indicating the position of the grounding point(s) and clearly stating the requirement for grounding. Ungrounded people may become charged through normal activity and could then discharge to ground when touching Type C FIBC. It is essential to follow normal safe practice and ensure that all conductors, including people, are grounded in the presence of flammable or explosive atmospheres.FIBC Type C are made entirely from conductive fabric or from a non-conductive fabric with interconnected conductive threads or filaments. The pattern of conductive threads or filaments is either:
FIBC Type D
Are made from fabric that allows charge to be dissipated without being connected to ground. FIBC Type D fabrics usually contain conductive threads or filaments that dissipate charge safely into the atmosphere by low energy corona discharges. Some FIBC Type D have low resistivity coating that may reduce the risk of incendiary discharges.Grounding of FIBC Type D is not required.To be qualified as safe for use in the presence of flammable or explosive atmospheres it must be first demonstrated that FIBC Type D do not produce incendiary discharges under realistic conditions.FIBC Type D must also meet the breakdown voltage requirements of FIBC Type B.Ungrounded conductors such a metal drums or people may become charged when positioned close to some FIBC Type D. It is essential to follow normal safe practice and ensure that all conductors are grounded in the presence of flammable or explosive atmospheres.Spark discharges may occur from the surface of FIBC Type D if they become contaminated or coated with conductive material (e.g. water, grease or oil). Precautions should be taken to avoid such contamination and to avoid conductive objects such as tools or metal clips being placed on the FIBC.
CROMIQ Blue Type D Bulk Bags are an excellent choice for most anti-static for safety. Contact Clean It Up for complete details.
- Dissipates static electricity
- Prevents brush discharges
- Prevents sparks
- Prevent PBD
- Safe for use in presence of solvents
- Safe for use with flammable powders
- Safe for use with combustible powders
- Safe for use without grounding
We also offer an FIBC (Bulk Bag) Buyers Guide for an excellent step by step checklist to arrive at and identify the best size, feature and configuration of bulk bags in general for your application. These details will greatly assist your FIBC supplier professional in designing the right package for you.
