Measurement technologies from MBA Instruments
to prevent electrostatic charging
Whether at airports, refineries or tank farms, mineral oils and paraffin are distributed through pipelines. All these fuels have one thing in common - their low conductivity and the associated risk of electrostatic charging in the pipework. Additives are therefore added to prevent a potential explosion hazard.
At MBA, we recognise the critical importance of safety and efficiency when handling these materials. Our product solutions are designed with technology to prevent electrostatic charging, ensuring the proverbial smooth distribution of light mineral oils and paraffin.
Areas of application for conductivity measurement
The Measuring devices are designed for conductivity measurement in light mineral oils such as paraffin or rolling oil. Whether as manual or continuous in-line measurement in the pipeline - the technology of our devices and systems has proven itself in worldwide use for several decades.
Aluminium rolling mills
Under certain conditions, lubricants such as rolling oil can become electrostatically charged. This can lead to strong discharges, which can cause possible damage to components and an increased accumulation of oil sludge. By measuring the conductivity of the lubricant, machine damage and ageing of the oil can be avoided.
Paint production
Solvents have an important function in industrial production. As mineral oils such as these have low conductivity, the risk of electrostatic charging is very high. This can result in material damage to the pipes and, in the worst case, there is a risk of explosions. Accurate and reliable conductivity measurement is therefore necessary.
Challenges for conductivity measurement
Pipelines and tanks often work under the influence of high pressure. Liquids with insufficient electrical conductivity can become electrostatically charged. In the case of flammable liquids, there is a risk of ignition due to sparking. In petroleum products such as paraffin and light mineral oils, the conductivity is therefore increased by additives - the electrostatic charging is dissipated to the tank or pipeline wall.
At MBA, we recognise these challenges and develop solutions to ensure that conductivity measurement works reliably in such demanding environments. The measuring instruments are designed to accurately measure conductivity in pipelines and tanks, even under high pressure and in the presence of additives, to prevent electrostatic charging. This helps to significantly minimise the risk of sparking and ignition and ensure safety in the petroleum industry.
