PTFE-lined steel pipelines carrying
flammable liquids are protected from static
electricity build-up and discharge by a new
economical grounding paddle available from
Newson Gale Inc. Due to the large effective
capacitance of the PTFE or similar plastic
lining against a steel housing, large charges
can build up in an active pipeline over a
period of several hours, even days.
Static build-up in lined pipe gives rise to propagating brush charges, highly energetic lightning-like sparks firing in rapid
succession. They have the capability of igniting most flammable atmospheres and even some of the more sensitive dusts.
Such high-energy sparks can also produce pinholes in the plastic lining, leading to early corrosion failure of the metal pipe.
Unlike more costly fabricated or alloy-based
protection, these paddles are produced
through a proprietary process using static-dissipative
PTFE resin. The resin is compression-moulded around and through a 304 stainless steel, perforated metal insert.
After oven sintering the resin completely encapsulates the stainless steel, isolating it from fluid contact
while providing a low-resistance, dissipation path for static electricity. Independent laboratory testing has proven that the paddles are non-contaminating and non-leaching, which means that there is no possibility of process contamination. (Test data available upon request.)
Assembly is simple, the paddles are self-aligning and seat easily on any 150# ANSI lined pipe flange, with
no gasketing required. Standard paddles are available for lined pipe sizes from 1-inch to 6-inches with
larger sizes available upon request, all just 1/8
th
inch thick. The paddle “handle” extends 2 inches above the body of the unit and is predrilled for the attachment of the grounding hardware provided with each unit.
Lined-pipe grounding paddles join the comprehensive range of static grounding and bonding equipment,
including Cenelectrex® Approved Clamps and Assemblies, available from Newson Gale Inc., the
Lakewood, NJ based specialists in static control for hazardous areas.
For additional information, contact: Newson Gale Inc., 1072 Madison Ave., Lakewood, NJ
08701. Phone: 732-987-7715. E-Mail: info@newson-gale.com. Website: www.newson-gale.com
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