Gelsenkirchen, January 2006
Safe protection against electrostatic chargeswhen working with hoses on ATEX-approved equipment
For solids transport, Masterflex AG produces, in addition to the highly abrasion-resistant standard PUR hoses, also electrically conductive polyurethane hoses (Ro < 104 Ohm) in diameters from DN 25 to DN 500. Suction hoses with electrically conductive Teflon linings (Ro < 106 Ohm) in diameter ranges from DN 40 to DN 900 are suitable for extracting aggressive gases. Both hose designs meet the conditions formulated in the new ATEX directive, taking into account the specifications set out in BGR 132.
All hoses are made of materials in which permanent conductivity is achieved by adding carbon black additives.
Wherever materials are transported, electrostatic charges are generated by contact, friction and flow velocities. Primarily, these result from the exchange of electrons and can lead to the formation of extremely high electrostatic potentials. The resulting spark discharges pose the greatest risk of accidents.
For many applications where "antistatic" hoses are required, Master-PUR standard hoses are already quite sufficient.
The trick: The pitch of the wire spiral must be less than 30 mm and the spiral ends must be exposed and grounded.
More detailed information on this is provided in BGR 132. The spiral distances and wall thicknesses of Master-PUR hoses meet the requirements of BGR 132 in all respects. In this context, we must expressly warn against the use of "antistatic" hoses with PVC spirals. So-called "antistatic agents" have in some cases only a limited duration of action and can thus cause ignition hazards after a relatively short time.
Further information and detailed technical data can be requested from us.