Measures to Prevent Interference and Harm Caused by Static Electricity
Static electricity does not refer to the generation of static electricity itself, but rather to the state manifested by the difference between the generation of static electricity and its leakage (mitigation). Since it is generally difficult to suppress the generation of static electricity, the key to preventing static electricity charge lies in how to quickly leak or neutralize the generated static electricity. Various anti-static devices and products have been developed around this topic. The main anti-static measures are as follows:
Grounding (only applicable to conductors)
Increasing conductivity (humidification, antistatic agents)
Call neutralization (effective for all substances)
Grounding is the most basic method of anti-static measures for metals (conductors). Since the human body is also a conductor, grounding is an effective measure. In particular, the human body can rapidly generate static electricity due to friction with clothing, or the static capacitance can change rapidly due to walking, causing a rapid rise in potential. To prevent this type of charge, it is necessary to wear a grounded wrist strap or conductive shoes. While grounding is the most basic measure for conductors, it is ineffective in preventing insulators (dielectrics) from becoming charged. Therefore, common methods include humidification, the use of antistatic agents, or the use of ionizers to eliminate static electricity, thereby increasing permittivity. For insulators, one specific measure is to increase conductivity, especially by reducing surface resistance. A simple method is to increase the humidity in the air. Maintaining a relative humidity above 50-60% will produce an effect. However, high humidity environments inevitably lead to condensation, rust, and mold growth. High humidity can also affect products, cause discomfort to operators, and reduce operational efficiency. Furthermore, the use of non-pure water can introduce impurities. Other methods include mixing antistatic agents into the insulator or applying them to the surface to make it conductive; this method is already in use. However, these methods are not applicable under all conditions, and in most cases, charge neutralization is still necessary. Using air ions for charge neutralization (utilizing ionizers) is the most effective measure and is widely used for eliminating static electricity in insulators. For areas where ionizers have been unable to reach, our "ZAPPII" product can be used to deliver ions for static elimination. Ionizers are used in static elimination measures across all industries and are highly effective. While there are other methods besides ionizers, using them in conjunction with other methods yields better results. Following the recommendations of an ESD coordinator will ensure optimal anti-static measures are implemented. Other anti-static measures are summarized below:
Self-discharge static eliminators (generally called static brushes)
Installation of industrial humidifiers
Personal grounding (wrist straps, etc.)
Changing to conductive flooring or using conductive shoes
In addition, we offer the following measuring instruments for managing anti-static measures. ※The following are measuring instruments manufactured by our company.
Static Electricity Measurement
To prevent interference and damage caused by static electricity, it is essential to understand the charged state of static electricity. Therefore, static electricity measurement is particularly important. For the following reasons, static electricity measurement is not as simple as ordinary current measurement.
Electrostatics meter (FMX-004)
Surface resistivity meter (SL)
Shoe resistivity meter (SL-031)