Conductive Big-BagsFlexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC) are widely used for the storage, transportation and handling of powdered, flaked or granular material. Untreated polypropylene is a good electrical insulator, as is often the case with the products placed in FIBC. There is ample opportunity for the generation of electrostatic charge during filling and emptying operations and in unprotected FIBC high levels of charge can quickly build up. In such cases electrostatic discharges are inevitable and can be a severe problem when FIBC are used in flammable environments. A flammable environment can be generated when handling fine powders that create dust clouds or thin layers of powder, both of which can be ignited by electrostatic discharges. A flammable environment can also be generated when using gases or volatile solvents. In these industrial situations there is clearly a need to eliminate incentive electrostatic discharges.We have the solution, you have the choice. We have developed various FIBC designs to reduce electrostatic hazards. Depending on the application 5 categories can be offered: Type A Constructed from non treated insulating fabric. No requirements are specified for Type A FIBC′s, as they are not intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.Type B Constructed from insulating fabric but has a breakdown voltage less than 4kV. This provision prevents the risk of energetic propagating brush discharges which can ignite dust−air mixture. Type B bags may be used in the presence of combustible dusts with MIE of greater than 3 mJ but in the absence of flammable vapours or gases.Type C or conductive bag Constructed from fabrics having inter−connected conductive threads, the result of that is the Faraday Cage. This unique design is a patented system.Resistance from any location on FIBC to ground <108 ohmMust be electrically grounded during filling and emptyingMay be used where combustible dusts and flammable atmosphere with MIE of 3 mJ or less is present.No propagating brush discharge, no brush discharges and no spark discharges are to be expected, if it is properly grounded. Type D Constructed from antistatic fabric that includes static dissipative, antistatic threads (yellow threads), this unique system is patented worldwide.This specific discharge by yellow threads is called the Corona−effect, grounding is not necessary.May be used where combustible dusts and flammable atmosphere with MIE of 3 mJ or less is present.The minimum distance to conductive, not grounded objects (also persons) has to be 1 meter (charging by induction is possible). Type STORSTAT CD Constructed from fabrics which are coated with special long lasting antistatic coating.Storstat CD designed bags are the only bags worldwide which offer type C and type D propertiesIf the bag is grounded it works as a type C bagIf the bag is not grounded it works as a type D bagIgnition tests by Swiss Safety Institute and Chilworth show that Storstat CD bags can be used safe as type D bag without grounding in environments with MIE of > 0.07mJThe bag is only to be used in areas where there is no flowing water in contact with the bag.