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
Our 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.
Aviation
When handling petroleum products with low electrical conductivity, such as paraffin, high electrostatic charging can occur. To prevent the risk of ignition or explosion when discharged by sparks, the conductivity must be increased by additives.
Tank storage
Light mineral oils usually travel through pipelines on their way from the refinery via a tank farm to their final destination. 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 pipelines.
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. Our 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.
MBA is your partner for reliable results
Precision and reliability are the fundamental challenges of conductivity measurement, which MBA has been successfully solving for more than 50 years. Optimised for special requirements and applications, MBA's conductivity measuring devices are used in a wide variety of liquids and environments - for reliable measurement results and precise action triggers.
The basis for precise conductivity measurement: modern technology and many years of experience
Our systems for continuous and stationary conductivity measurement of flowing light oils can be used in a wide variety of areas - from rolling mills and tank farms to airports. 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.
Talk to us about your requirements!
