Reliable conductivity measurement in the paint industry
Solvents have an important function in industrial production. They are mainly used in the paint and varnish, printing ink and adhesives industries.
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 lines and, in the worst case, there is a risk of explosions. This is why precise and reliable conductivity measurement is necessary.
At MBA, we understand the essential role of conductivity measurement in the handling of light mineral oils, including solvents, as well as rolling and hydraulic fluids. MBA Instruments offers solutions that ensure the safety and efficiency of your processes.
Principle of measurement
Measurement of the electrical conductivity of solvents and solvent-based paint systems
Measuring electrical conductivity is an important method in the quality control of solvent-based systems, as it provides information about the concentration of ions and the purity of the liquid. This is particularly important in industrial processes such as paint production. The probe body used for conductivity measurements consists of a core electrode and a sheathed electrode at its end. Depending on the device version, the sheath electrode is provided with inlet and outlet holes of different sizes so that the oil to be measured can quickly pass between the two electrodes. A precisely regulated DC voltage is applied to the electrodes. The fuel between the electrodes transports the electric current from one electrode to the other. A resistor is used for the basic calibration of the devices, as the conductivity value is physically the inverse of the resistance value.
The MBA conductivity measuring instruments work reliably and accurately in a wide range of applications - even in potentially explosive atmospheres. They are designed for a long service life and offer an excellent price-performance ratio.
The MBA conductivity measuring instruments
Only at MBA will you find the optimum combination of accuracy, experience and versatility for various applications.
Continuous conductivity measurement in rolling oil
The measuring devices from MBA Instruments are designed, certified and approved for conductivity measurements in light mineral oils such as rolling oil. The technology of our continuous measuring devices has proven itself in this field of application worldwide for several decades.
Solvents in the paint industry
The global paint and coatings industry occupies a prominent position in the economy. Germany alone is home to around 250 paint and printing ink factories, which create a total of more than 25,000 jobs and generate an annual turnover of almost 8 billion euros. The range of products and services offered by this industry is extremely diverse and extends from traditional building paints and plasters to ultra-modern industrial coating materials and bright printing inks.
The tendency of a liquid to become electrostatically charged depends on its electrical conductivity.
A distinction is made between non-polar solvents with low conductivity and polar solvents with relatively good conductivity. The formation of electrostatic charges is mainly due to the friction between different non-conductive materials. Electrons are removed from one material and added to the other. The separation of the materials results in an imbalance of negatively and positively charged particles. This voltage field on the materials is maintained until the possibility of charge equalisation arises.
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. Reliable conductivity measurement is therefore necessary. MBA conductivity meters are a crucial part of our efforts to ensure safety and efficiency in the handling of petroleum products.
Tank storage
Light mineral oils, e.g. paraffin or solvents, usually travel through pipelines on their way from the refinery via tank storage facilities 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 and, in the worst case, there is a risk of explosions. A functioning and reliable conductivity monitoring system is correspondingly important.
Aluminium rolling mills
Filters are used in rolling mills to clean the oil, but this also contributes to a reduction in conductivity. Oil circulation systems are susceptible to electrostatic charging due to friction caused by the oil. If the electrical charge in an oil circulation system increases and eventually becomes too great, an electrostatic discharge takes place, which poses a potential explosion hazard with flammable liquids. Measuring the conductivity of the oil helps to prevent damage to the tank.