How does one measure and control static in an industrial environment?
Static electricity can be defined as an electrical imbalance of a material that can interrelate with other materials. An atom has the positively (+) charged Protons and negatively (-) charged Electrons in equal numbers and force. This equilibrium is vitiated when an Electron leaves the atom (Protons don’t migrate) and the atom becomes positive. The charge thus created is stagnant and can be either on the surface or volumetric. This condition often causes serious problems to men, machines and materials particularly in electronic, textile, plastic, paper and other industries that use or produce nonconductive materials. The loss resulting from static electricity is colossal in the United States. It includes injury, sometimes fatal, to workmen from shock, damage to machinery and equipments, and poor quality of the product. It is imperative to measure, control and diffuse this dangerous charge.
