Static elimination

Static electricity can be troublesome in many production processes where non-conductive materials such as plastic, paper, wood and textile are processed.

How do you know if in your situation static electricity plays a role?

Most common problems are easy to recognise:

What causes static charge?

Static charge is mainly caused by friction and separation of poorly conducting materials.

Static charge can be demonstrated by measuring with an electrostatic fieldmeter.

See the section measuring instruments for possibilities or get advice from a Simco-Ion represenatative.

Which method is the most effective to reduce static charge?

Non-conductive materials (insulators) cannot be discharged by grounding.

The most effective and durable solution to reduce the static charge is by active ionisation. Active ionisation is created by the use of air ionisers. These generate large numbers of positive and negative ions in the surrounding atmosphere, which serve as mobile carriers of charges in the air. As ions flow through the air, they are attracted to oppositely charged particles and surfaces. Neutralization of charged surfaces is rapidly achieved through this process.

What do ionisers looks like and which one is right for my application?

Ionisers are available in different sizes and shapes. The choice depends on the application and a number of distinguishing features:

• Technology (external power supply , or integrated high voltage 24V)
• Working distance
• Material velocity 
• Object To be neutralised, 3D product or flat material web
• Environmental conditions, temperature, humidity, Atex zone
• Inspections