SWNT-based fillers can prevent tank explosions without limiting product performance.

  TUBALL graphene nanotubes are single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) developed by OCSiAl (Ledelange, Luxembourg and Columbus, Ohio, USA), which can dissipate static charges inside and outside such FRP tanks To provide ESD protection to prevent this possibility of explosions related to static electricity. Source | Silicon Aluminum

As the owners of industrial chemical facilities know, about 10% of accidents involving storage tanks are caused by static charges generated when different materials move relative to each other. When the tank is filled or emptied or mixed or agitated, any movement of the product (especially when petroleum-based liquids are involved) creates an electrostatic charge between the liquid and the tank wall. The fiberglass tank wall acts as an insulator, allowing static charges to accumulate in the liquid. Then, the "correct" atmospheric conditions can produce combustion sparks that cause an explosion.

In order to solve this well-documented risk, glass fiber tank manufacturers have traditionally relied on the use of antistatic fillers in the resin, usually carbon black or conductive mica, or a carbon curtain in the inner wall of the tank, combined with a stainless steel ground wire, to dissipate Any electrostatic charge. However, the use of such fillers is problematic. Filler ratios of up to 30% may be required, which makes glass fiber infiltration more difficult and slows down the curing speed of the resin. In addition, for best results, the carbon filler must be evenly dispersed throughout the part to ensure that there is no electrical interruption. Cracks on the surface of the finished laminate may also cause electrical interruptions.

OCSiAl (LeDrange, Luxembourg and Columbus, Ohio, USA) offers a different approach. The company's TUBALL graphene nanotubes are single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) that provide ESD protection by dissipating static charges inside and outside the tank. An OCSiAl partner customer previously used 15% conductive carbon black, but now only replaces it with 0.5% TUBALL MATRIX 204 (a pre-dispersed graphene nanotube concentrate). A permanent and stable volume resistivity of less than 106 Ω·cm (ohm-centimeter) has been achieved, which is not affected by humidity, and there is no "hot spot" that may occur with poorly dispersed fillers. In addition, since there is no carbon black, customers can expand the color range of their products.

Another partner of OCSiAl has launched the TUBALL epoxy coating system with static dissipation function, which is designed for tanks lined with highly flammable substances. The manufacturer has replaced 30% of the conductive mica in the epoxy resin system with only 0.3% of TUBALL MATRIX 201 concentrate. The result is that the volume resistivity is stable between 106 and 107 Ω·cm.

The matrix combines with fiber-reinforced materials to give the composite part shape and determine its surface quality. The composite matrix can be polymer, ceramic, metal or carbon. This is a selection guide.

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