What Is An Antistatic FIBC And When To Use It?

FIBC fabrics are all about controlling static electricity, which is a disparity of electric charges within or on the surface of a material. When bulk bags are quickly filled and discharged, the graceful movement of finely powdered substances can cause an increase of static electricity. Eliminating or preventing an electrical charge is vital in the packaging of combustible or flammable materials or in an environment where combustible dust may be available.

FIBC Fabrics can be of Type A, B, C, and D

Type A FIBCs are made from basic woven polypropylene and other non-conductive fabrics. Type B FIBCs are made from plain woven polypropylene fabrics that have a low breakdown voltage. On the other hand, Type C FIBCs are made from non-conductive polypropylene fabrics interwoven with conducting threads, usually sewn in a grid pattern.

Type D FIBC bags are made from static and antistatic dissipative fabrics that are meant to safely prevent the incidence of inflammable sparks, brush releases and disseminate brush discharges without the requirement for a connection from the bulk bag to the ground. Type D FIBCs can be utilized to safely package combustible products and to deal with products in flammable and combustible environments.

These Bulk Bags can be treated with antistatic coating by FIBC bag manufacturer lessening the surface resistance of the fabric. As the electro-charge is debauched through corona discharge this type of bulk bag can charge conductive objects and operatives close by. These people or objects can then cause electrostatic sparks with contact with grounded objects that could light air dust mixtures or explosive or flammable gas atmospheres close by. Antistatic FIBC is also known as type D bags.

Safe use of Type D

• Can be used to transport flammable powders
• When flammable solvents or gases are present around the bag

Type D FIBC bulk bags are designed specially to function in dangerous situations. Type D FIBC bulk bags also function safely in the attendance of combustible dust. However, they are not usually recommended if there is a chance that the bag’s surface can become infected or speckled by conductive materials.

One of the key benefits of these Type D bags is that they do not need internal conductive yarns to be interconnected so they pose less of a risk of human error compared to some other FIBC bulk bags. Thus, it can be said that Type D bags are some of the most versatile options available.