Purpose
The purpose of the electrical resistance of dust deposits test is to assess whether there is a possibility for cone discharges in hoppers and silos after a process where the dust entering the hopper or silos may have been charged electrostatically.
A specific resistance (resistivity) of the dust higher than 1010 Ω·m is stated as the limit for the resistivity of bulk material above which cone discharges are likely to occur.
Method
We perform this test according to EN ISO/EIC 80079-20-2:2016 “Explosive atmospheres – Part 20-2: Material Characteristics – Combustible dust test methods“.
The electrical resistance of a dust layer is measured using a circuit with a current-to-voltage converter. The voltage output is measured from which the resistance is calculated using Ohm’s law.
Benefit
The resistivity of the dust can be used to assess whether electrostatic charging of the dust by, for example, pneumatic transport can lead to cone discharges in silos or hoppers.
Electrical resistance of dust deposits test enquiries
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