Multiple elements earthing control system
Newson Gale Earth-Rite MULTIPOINT II
The MULTIPOINT II system is a device designed to control the earthing of up to 8 self-acting or interconnected system components at the same time. According to the guidelines of international standards for the control of unwanted static discharges, the correctness of earthing will only be confirmed by the system if the resistance of the earthing node on each channel is less than 10 Ω. If this condition is not met, the system will block the technological process.
Principle of operation of the system
The correctness of earthing is checked by the monitoring unit, with which each component connected to the system is equipped. A light signal (green or red LEDs) communicates the correctness of earthing. If it is incorrect, the system blocks the technological process.
A non-contact switch, with which the system is fitted, can be used to stop the process or switch off the audible signalling (in case of loss of earthing of one of the components).
Case study – earthing control systems for process installations, road tankers and drums and tanks
In the alkyd resin production plant where explosion hazard zones are defined, the conducted technological processes are subject to the risk of electrostatic discharges. These, in turn, are a potential ignition source that could result in serious consequences from an explosion or fire. The manufacturer, wishing to increase the level of safety in its plant and at the same time meet the insurer’s requirements for effective grounding of installations and process equipment, asked our company to select the appropriate technical solutions. The task included the selection and delivery of several types of earthing systems for various purposes for a total of 22 workstations.
Important
Earthing monitoring of individual parts of the plant is common, as the connected components of the process plant must have the same electrical potential and be connected to a designated earthing connection. Unearthed transport pipelines and ducts are susceptible to electrostatic charges and their earthing is often monitored, especially when they are periodically disconnected for ongoing maintenance. It is very important that the selected monitoring devices do not allow the sum of currents from different channels to exceed the limit value for intrinsic safety.ła wartość dopuszczalną dla bezpieczeństwa samoistnego.
