Testing Facilities

 

PROCESS AND APPLICATION SIMULATION

 

Static Electricity Control (SEC) testing philosophy is as follows, " MEASURE >TEST > RECORD". Whilst this may seem simplistic, this philosophy has on countless occasions highlighted how static electricity control and lightning protection equipment has been successful in reducing static accumulation & potential discharge, damage due to lightning or has highlighted that incorrectly specified static electricity control or lightning protection equipment is ineffective .

 

We believe that it is important to understand, record the level of static or risk associated with lightning so that you can determine what effect the static electricity control or lightning protection equipment is having on that process or site. Recording the level of static electricity or risk associated with lightning prior to installation of static electricity control or lightning protection equipment forms a baseline, providing a measure by which installed static electricity control or lightning protection equipment can be tested as part of an ongoing plan.

 

In the pursuit of trying to "fix the problem" and get production or the site back on line, testing is often overlooked or disregarded. Often resulting in misdiagnosis or specification of incorrect equipment.

  

SEC have a purpose built facility to conduct testing, maintenance and simulation. Our clients are able to provide samples for testing or if required set up machinery & equipment or simulate a specific environment for testing purposes. SEC have a mobile testing program for those clients that require on site assistance in relation to static electricity testing and simulation. ​

 

***IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO MEASURING STATIC ELECTRICITY IN LOCATION

 

When measuring static in location most meters will only read from -20KV to +20KV. This is a problem when measurements are above or below the 20KV max. It is important to understand that a measurement of 20KV and a measurement of 120KV are very different and have different effects on process, plant and personnel. The higher the level of static in location the bigger the risk in relation to spark ignition in flammable or combustible environments. The higher the level of static in location the higher the level of product or process misbehaviour. That is why it is important to be able to accurately read the level of static in location. Meters able to read measurements above 20KV are essential. An accurate diagnosis also results in the specification of the most appropriate equipment or fit for purpose equipment.

 

"DEMAND TESTING EQUIPMENT THAT CAN MEASURE STATIC ELECTRICITY IN LOCATION FROM -200KV to +200KV" Meech 983V2 Static Locator

​

ANNUAL CHECKS

​

Most France Paratonnerres, Meech and Newson Gale Equipment

is required to be checked/tested once a year as a minimum.

However some sites where the equipment is installed, requires

that the equipment is checked on a more regular basis. In some

instances the specific process, associated hazard and risk,  

may require that the equipment is checked and tested as often

as "at the start and end of a shift".

 

Please be aware that whilst manufacturers of static control and lightning protection equipment may request that the equipment is checked at least once a year, SEC, France Paratonnerres, Meech and Newson Gale Equipment should be checked and tested as per the requirements of the static electricity control plan or lightning protection plan.

​​