THE 4 SIGNS OF STATIC ELECTRICITY IN YOUR INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES
Static electricity can be very difficult to detect. We’ll help you spot the signs that may indicate the presence of charges in your industrial processes.
1. Sticking and repulsion phenomena
Static electricity in your industrial processes can lead to excessive adhesion between materials, making handling more complex. In addition, impurities and particles can attach themselves to the internal and external surfaces of containers and packaging, complicating cleaning and dust removal operations. The opposite effect, known as “repulsion”, can also occur, with materials repelling each other. These negative effects not only reduce process efficiency, but can also compromise product quality. It is therefore essential to control the load level to avoid these inconveniences and maintain an optimal production environment.
2. Spark or electric discharge
In large quantities, static electricity can cause sparks or electrical discharges, which can be felt by your operators when they come into contact with equipment. These phenomena, although frequent, are difficult to identify because of their invisible nature. Static electricity is often the main culprit. This type of discharge can not only cause minor injuries to employees, but can also damage machinery, affecting safety and productivity on the production line. It is therefore essential to control and neutralize these charges to avoid these risks.
3. Increased scrap and losses
Static electricity can also cause significant manufacturing defects. For example, it can deflect the gluing of labels and attract dust onto packaging. This dust can compromise the sealing of food products, affecting their preservation and safety. In the textile industry, static electricity can also cause printing defects on DTF machines. These problems impact on product quality and conformity, requiring static electricity control solutions to avoid these inconveniences.
4. Frequent stoppages and malfunctions of machinery and equipment
Repeated stoppages and breakdowns of industrial machinery and equipment are often caused by a variety of technical factors. Among these, static electricity is a major problem. Indeed, the accumulation of electrostatic charges can cause serious malfunctions, resulting in prolonged equipment stoppages. In a textile factory, for example, static electricity can cause fibers to stick together, jamming the machines. This not only leads to frequent downtime, but also significantly reduces production efficiency. It is therefore essential to control the charge level.
