What is electrostatic discharge?
When you walk on a carpet, rub your clothes or touch a metal object, you may suddenly feel a slight jolt. This is a phenomenon called electrostatic discharge, which occurs when static charges that have built up on the surface of a material are quickly transferred to another object with a lower charge.
This charge can be compared to a small capacitor that contains high energy. When left unchecked, electrostatic discharge can create small lightning or sparks that can damage electronic components or cause accidents in explosive environments.
Harmful effects in production and life
- Electrostatic discharge causes serious consequences such as:
- Damage to sensitive electronic components, such as integrated circuits, semiconductor chips, leading to loss of materials and increased repair costs.
- Causing disruption of machinery and electrical equipment.
- Risk of fire and explosion due to electric sparks in environments containing flammable gases, gasoline.
- Causing discomfort, even minor injuries to humans upon contact.
Effective measures to prevent electrostatic discharge
1, Grounding
Grounding is the most common and effective method of electrostatic discharge prevention. Grounding creates a safe path that quickly conducts static charges to the ground, avoiding accumulation and unexpected discharge.
2, Control air humidity
Air humidity is an important factor affecting the level of static charge accumulation. Air that is too dry will make static charge accumulate and discharge more strongly. Maintain a relative humidity of about 40% to 60% in the area where equipment is manufactured or stored. Use a humidifier or a humidity-controlled air conditioning system to avoid other negative effects of high humidity such as direct corrosion of metals.
3, Use anti-static materials and equipment
Anti-static clothing: Employees working in sensitive areas should wear clothing made from anti-static materials to limit the build-up of static electricity on their bodies.
Electrostatic discharge simulator: EMIN provides electrostatic discharge simulators such as Pintech TEH-10020 to help test equipment in cleanrooms accurately.
Kết luận:
Phóng tĩnh điện là hiện tượng phổ biến và có thể gây ra nhiều thiệt hại nghiêm trọng nếu không được phòng ngừa đúng cách. Việc áp dụng các biện pháp như nối đất, kiểm soát độ ẩm, sử dụng vật liệu chống tĩnh điện và giảm ma sát di chuyển là điều tối quan trọng để bảo vệ thiết bị và an toàn con người.
