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| Static-dissipative paddles protect lined steel pipelines  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. 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.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. 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 1/8th inch thick. The paddle 'handle' extends 2" above the body of the unit and is predrilled for the attachment of the grounding hardware provided with each unit. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Construction News :: home page |