(125b) FIVE MYTHS ON ELECTROSTATIC IGNITION SOURCES

Electrostatic ignition sources have long been a concern in industries, with potential risks ranging from fires to explosions. However, there are numerous myths and misconceptions around this topic that can hinder effective management and prevention of incident. This article aims to clarify five common myths related to electrostatic ignition sources in process safety, which include:

• Can bonding and grounding solve all electrostatic ignition issues?
• Can lab measured MIE of dust directly be applied to industrial scenarios (T effect on MIE of dust)?
• Is dust explosion protection required for a dust with MIE > 1000 mJ?
• Can brush discharge ignite a dust with a MIE < 4mJ?
• Can gas flow alone generate static charges like solid and liquid flow that constitute an electrostatic ignition source?

By clarifying these five myths of electrostatic ignition sources in process safety, this article aims to provide a clearer understanding of the risks and necessary mitigation strategies, ultimately aiding in the development of effective safety protocols across industries.