Selection of Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBC) and their relevance

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The next concept which I have seen people struggling with is the selection of FIBC.

FIBCs are flexible, rectilinear containers constructed of woven plastic with a suitable liner. The typical FIBC is made of woven polypropylene with a polyolefin liner. Various designs exist for the basic container and grounding arrangements (if any), and larger capacities are also available.

There are four types of FIBCs which are available, i.e. Type A, Type B, Type C and Type D. Each of these have different specifications and different utilization & relevance.

Can Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) from Non-Conductive Bags act as an Ignition Source?

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Now for this week blog, I am touching on a more sensitive question, which people have asked me in almost all Electrostatic Hazard Seminars. "Can Non-Conductive Bag act as an ignition source?"

A non-conductive bag, being an insulator can act as a source of Brush Discharge which has approximate energy of up to 3-4 mJ associated with it. Depending on the type of flammable atmosphere, brush discharge from the non-conductive bag may/ may not act as an ignition source.

Based on the equivalent energy of brush discharges, it must be assumed that most potentially explosive gas/air mixtures, solvent vapor/air mixtures and hybrid mixtures (vapor/gas and dust with air) can be ignited by brush discharges.