Determination by standardized test methods of electrostatic discharge sensitivity of electric igniters in order to prevent their unexpected initiation

¹ The National Institute of Research and Development for Safety in Mines and Explosion Protection, 32-34 G-ral Vasile Milea, Petroșani, România
² University of Petroșani, 20 Universității, Petroșani, România

^* Corresponding author: florin.paun@insemex.ro

Abstract

In the case of use of the electric igniters, in various applications, depending on their field of use, there may be a risk of unexpected initiation by means of electrostatic discharges from persons, their clothing and / or objects isolated from the ground. Electrification and consequently the accumulation of dangerous electrostatic potentials on people and on their outerwear, generally takes place during the performance of work tasks, a situation in which due to the movements performed by the persons involved, there is the phenomenon of friction between different parts of clothing or between clothing and the person wearing the clothing. The presence of the risk of unexpected initiation of electric igniters by electrostatic discharge requires the adoption and implementation of measures to minimize their effects on the safety and health of workers and others. In view of the above, determining the performance of sensitivity of electric igniters to unexpected initiation by electrostatic discharge is very important as this depends on the safety and security of workers / persons involved in activities that require the use of these elements / products.