Many industrial processes are hampered by the presence of static electricity.
Problems range from poor powder flow to surface contamination and shocks to personnel.
Electrostatic discharges can also trigger fires and explosions in industry endangering life and causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. Some companies are not even aware that these problems are due to static. However, once the cause is identified, a workable solution can be provided. Ian Pavey is head of electrostatics at Chilworth Technology. He was the leader of a multinational research programme worth 1.5 million ECU investigating powder handling and processing problems caused by static electricity in industrial processes.