Earth-Rite® FIBC
The Earth-Rite® FIBC system validates and monitors the resistance of Type C FIBC bags ensuring that the conductive elements of the bag are capable of dissipating electrostatic charges in compliance with IEC 61340-4-4 “Standard test methods for specific applications – Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC)” and NFPA 77 “Recommended Practice on Static Electricity”.
The Earth-Rite FIBC system can be installed and setup to ensure that operators ground the bag before filling or emptying operations are started. During the bag filling / emptying process the Earth-Rite FIBC system continuously monitors the resistance of the bag so that if it rises above the recommended level of 1 x 107 ohms (10 meg-ohm) this dangerous situation can be indicated to operators and the process halted, either manually or via the system’s pair of NO/NC volt free contacts.
This feature ensures the generation and accumulation of static charges on the bag is stopped eliminating the risk of an incendive electrostatic spark discharge.
To compensate for normal wear and tear on Type C bags it is important to ensure the bag maintains its capacity to dissipate charge and also ensure the ground connection between the bag and plant earth grounding point is functioning correctly.
Newson Gale can also provide FIBC grounding systems that can validate and monitor Type C bags designed with an upper resistance threshold of 1 x 108 ohms (100 meg-ohm).
Benefits
Attention grabbing LEDs
Three green LEDs continuously pulse informing operators that the FIBC bag to be protected from static discharges is correctly grounded. When the system is not in use, or when it detects the resistance in the static dissipative loop is higher than 1 x 107 ohms, a red LED illuminates the indicator panel located in the static dissipative GRP indicator station.
Continuous Ground Loop Monitoring
Monitors the resistance of the static dissipative loop through the FIBC bag back to the Earth-Rite FIBC via the plant earth grounding point. If the system detects that resistance in the loop is higher than 1 x 107 ohms, it engages a pair of output contacts.
Two volt free output contacts
The primary contact can interlock with electro-mechanical devices or PLC systems to shutdown the flow of product. The secondary contact can interface with attention grabbing audible alarms or strobe lights to provide an extra degree of safety over the hazard.
Easy Installation
Simple to mount GRP enclosures complemented by straightforward cabling and PCB system wiring. Flexible hazardous area enclosure location options with separate IS monitoring / indicator and Power supply PCBs. Power supply PCB can run off both 240 V and 110 V mains / line supply and 24 V / 12 V DC voltage supply.
System Options
Earth-Rite FIBC Options
- Universal Resistance Tester.
- Grounding Clamp/Cable assembly for (2-clamp installation).
Certification / Technical
Ingress Protection
IP 66 / Type 4X
Operating Temperature Range
-13°F to +131°F – CSA
-40°C to + 50°C – ATEX / IECEx
Power Supply
Selectable 110/120 V or 220/240 V AC, 50-60 Hz.