It’s important to choose the best packaging materials for the job when transporting potentially hazardous or combustible materials in environments where flammable gases are present. FIBC bags, made out of polyethylene or polypropylene plastics, offer many anti static options. But how do anti static bags work?
Anti-static bags hinder electrostatic charge by helping to withstand and control static discharge – the sudden flow of charged electrons between different objects. There are various bags available with differing levels of protection. It is important to understand the differences and to choose a bag that will meet your needs.
What is anti static? Merriam-Webster’s anti static bag definition reads as “reducing, removing, or preventing the buildup of static electricity.” An anti static bag, by definition, is a bag that exhibits these properties. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) regulates the use of anti static properties and anti static bags must follow the protocols they have set.
When it comes to bulk bags, having the proper type of bag is very important to the safety of all involved with its handling and shipping. When FIBCs are filled and discharged, the material contained within them can cause a build up of static electricity by moving across the fabric of the bag. When dealing with flammable substances, the electrical sparks that can be created by this movement can be disastrous if proper safety measures are not adhered to. Anti static bulk bags are specifically designed to control the amount of static electricity present and prevent these type of adverse events from happening.
Type C FIBC bags are made with different types of fibers, chosen for their conductivity, that are woven together and meet up at a grounding point. The ESD Association defines conductive materials as “a material that has a surface resistance of less than 1.0 × 104 ohms or volume resistance of less than 1.0 × 104 ohms “. Bags made out of these materials must always be grounded first with an undamaged grounding point. It is similar to antistatic wrist straps used when handling electronic components like motherboards or circuit boards. Conductive bags are typically used to transport flammable powders or when in close proximity to flammable gases, vapors or combustible dusts.
Anti static bulk bags allow for proper handling of combustible or hazardous materials. They are also suited for environments where flammable gases are present. There are some pros and cons to consider when purchasing anti static bags.
Plastics designed to reduce static electricity in order to protect sensitive materials that may become flammable if not properly handled are very important in the bulk packaging world. Understanding anti static vs. static dissipative materials will help you to be better informed when it comes to your specific needs. Static dissipative materials allow the charges to flow to the ground at a slower rate and in a more controlled manner, thus preventing discharge from human interference. Anti static materials suppress the initial charges, prevent static electricity build-up, and allow for a very slow rate of decay of static charge.
Type D FIBC bags are static dissipative bags. By using CROHMIQ fabric, Type D bulk bags dissipate static charge and, unlike Type C FIBC bags, they do not require grounding which means they are less prone to human error. Dissipative bags are similar to static shielding bags, a type of ESD packaging made out of static dissipative polyethylene that creates a faraday cage. The ESD Association defines dissipative materials as “a material that has a surface resistance greater than or equal to 1.0 × 104 ohms but less than 1.0 × 1011 ohms or a volume resistance greater than or equal to 1.0 × 104 ohms but less than 1.0 × 1011 ohms. Like Type C bags, Type D bags are typically used to transport flammable powders or when in close proximity to flammable gases, vapors or combustible dusts.
In short, yes. When you are moving, you probably bubble wrap your more sensitive devices. Anti static bags keep not only the item you are transporting safe but also those transporting it safe as well. If the item you are transporting is susceptible to static electricity, you should be concerned about electrostatic discharge and anti static bags can help.
To help find the right anti static bag for your needs, you can contact Palmetto Industries to help guide you through the process. You can also check out our anti static bulk bags online and request a quote.
By Purvis King
Bringing over 35 years of textile and flexible packaging experience to Palmetto, Mr. King earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Physics from Augusta College in 1985. He is skilled in all aspects of manufacturing and engineering of flexible, woven polypropylene plastics. In his free time Mr. King enjoys playing disc golf with his two sons and enjoying the outdoors.
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