For solvents we offer Static Dissipating PTFE lined piping| CRP US
CRP manufactures lined pipe and fittings with static dissipating liners, commonly referred to as having ‘Anti-static’ properties. By combining the PTFE or PFA fluoropolymers with a small amount of carbon filler the liners are able to safely conduct any build-up of static electricity from the surface of the bore of the pipe to the exterior steelwork.
Why use Static Dissipating Lined Piping?
There are many ways that electrostatic charge can be generated and accumulate. Static electricity develops when two different materials are brought together and then separated, one of the materials acquires electrons from the other material and becomes positively charged. We have all experienced this when walking across carpet and subsequently receiving a mild shock when touching a metal filing cabinet. Whilst this is harmless enough within an office environment, on a site with flammable substances, even the smallest of spark can ignite the explosive mixture with catastrophic results.
In pipe lines carrying low conductivity fluids, the fluid can lose some of its electrons and these can accumulate or ‘charge’ the pipework. This process is known as flow electrification, the build up of charge increases as flow velocity and pipe nominal bore increase.
CRPs standard virgin fluoropolymers have excellent electrical insulating properties typically 1016 ohms, so in certain situations charge can accumulate on the liner surface through flow electrification. CRPs static dissipating liners allow any build-up of charge to safely dissipate through the liner to the steel pipe. For the electrical charge to dissipate to earth the steel pipe must be sufficiently earthed, typically using earth bonding clamps, spikie washers, star washers on bolts, earthing studs or lugs etc.
Spikies
To aid with earth bonding of the steel pipe and in particular the rotating flanges, CRP has specially developed our own Spikey™ washer which is a very cost effective alternative to earth bonding straps and is a very neat minimal design.
CRP are able to supply lined piping with earth studs / earthing lugs or Spikie earthing washers already welded or fitted in position.
The carbon fillers used to provide the electrical continuity do not impair in any way the mechanical and chemical resistance of the liners. They exhibit the same performance as virgin liners, the conducting agent used within the liners are stable and are not subjected to chemical attack.
All of our lined pipe and fittings range can be supplied with static dissipating liners, we can also supply ball valves, check valves, sight glasses etc. with static dissipating liners.
Please give our sales office a call on 01706 756 400 for more information or download a copy of our 16 page databook on the subject.
