Newson Gale

New stainless steel Hand-wound reel with current range of Self-retracting static grounding reels with stainless steel X45 and X90 static grounding clamps.

Newson Gale, the global leaders in static earthing protection for hazardous areas, has added a new reel to its range of static grounding reel solutions. This new Hand-wound, stainless steel reel, complements Newson Gale’s range of Self-retracting static grounding reels and has been designed to meet the requirements of processing areas that require installed equipment to be non-contaminating or corrosion resistant.

The reel is supplied with 3mm diameter stainless steel multi-stranded cable and can also be specified with a see-through flexible nylon coating. Cable lengths of 7.5 metres (25 feet), 15 metres (50 feet) and 30 metres (100 feet) can be ordered with stainless steel & ATEX/FM approved X45 and X90 static grounding clamps.
Additional features include a stowage pin for stowing static grounding clamps when they are not in use and a locking mechanism to prevent unspooling of the cable from the reel.

For more information click here.

Newson Gale’s new road tanker static grounding system, the Earth-Rite RTR, was runner up in the “Technical Innovation” category at this year’s Hazardex 2010 awards. Each year the Hazardex conference hosts a prestigious awards ceremony to celebrate people and companies who have made significant contributions to innovation and safety within the hazardous process industries.

Ernest Kochmann, CEO of Newson Gale, said “this award reflects the leadership position of Newson Gale within static control for hazardous areas worldwide and we will continue to innovate and engineer reliable and high performance products for our customers well into the future.”

Earth-Rite RTR - runner up in the "Technical Innovation" of the year award 2010

The Earth-Rite RTR performs three checks that verify if a road tanker is grounded prior to, and during, product transfer processes into and out of  the tanker.

The grounding system verifies:

1. when it is connected to a road tanker (tank truck) based on the unique electrical characteristics of road tankers.
2. verfies the quality of the sytem’s static dissipative earth (ground) connection.
3. ensures the connection resistance to the truck and the circuit back through the earthing system is 10 ohms or less.

Additional unique features aid electrical installers through a single power supply that can be powered off either 230 V or 115 V ac mains supply. Installers also benefit from a flexible means of providing a static ground connection for the system. The system can be connected to any metalwork that has a proven path to ground (e.g. loading gantry support beams entering the ground). Every time the RTR is operated it will confirm that this ground connection is of a sufficient quality to dissipate  static charges that would otherwise accummulate on the truck during product transfer operations. 

The system is IECEx and ATEX certfied and carries a SIL2 rating in accordance with IEC 61508. CSA approvals for the U.S. and Canada are expected within the next few months. Additionally, the system has been designed so that operators can demonstrate full compliance with international recommended practice for static control in hazardous areas, most notably NFPA 77, CLC TR: 50404 and API RP 2003.

Click here to learn more about the new Earth-Rite RTR from Newson Gale.

An investigation carried out by the UK’s Health & Safety Executive has concluded that a static spark discharge ignited a cloud of aluminum dust powder, severely burning and injuring an operator as he was pouring aluminum powder into a blender.

It is thought that the source of the incendive static spark discharge was caused by an electrically isolated hose that was being used to fill the blender with powder.

Workers had reported that they received shocks from the plastic hose, which replaced a previous hose that had a conductive metal strip attached to it.

The company admitted to three breaches of the DSEAR 2002 Act and was fined £50,000 by Derby Crown court.

Source: BBC News

Read our article on recommended Best Practice solutions for the safe static earthing (grounding) of powder processing equipment.

Mr. David Stubbings, SIRA certification manager, with Mr. Ernest Kochmann, CEO of Newson Gale, cutting the ribbon at the official launch of Newson Gale's next generation of Earth-Rite static grounding systems.

Newson Gale has released their next generation of ATEX and IECEx certified Earth-Rite® hazardous area static grounding systems. The new systems feature a cluster of bright pulsing green LEDs which provide attention grabbing indication to personnel that a positive ground condition is established for the duration of the transfer process. The new system electronics, which are housed in a IIC EX(d) enclosure as standard, have a certified operating temperature range of -40°C to + 55°C which means the new systems can be installed in the harshest operating environmental conditions without any additional protection or modification. In the world-wide chemical and process industries, Earth-Rite® static grounding systems are a well established key protocol for preventing fires and explosions occurring from electrostatic (spark) discharges during the transfer, processing and handling of flammable or combustible liquids, gases and powders. The upgraded and enhanced features of the new Earth-Rite RTR™ and Earth-Rite PLUS models herald the first wave of a radical advancement in static grounding technology designed to provide the user with multiple benefits in operation, safety and maintenance.

IECEx / ATEX / SIL 2 certified static grounding systems

Designed specifically for minimising the hazards of static ignitions during Road Tanker Truck loading and unloading, the patented Earth-Rite® RTR provides operators with automatic and failsafe static ground verification and tanker truck recognition checks, ensuring product transfers cannot take place unless these parameters are tested and verified. The Earth-Rite PLUS provides protection for all conductive (metal) items, including drums, vessels, IBCs, mobile tanks and railcars. In addition, both systems include a pair of voltage free contacts that engage only when the resistance to ground is tested and verified to be less than 10 ohms, a feature which enables customers and specifiers demonstrate compliance with globally recognised standards for static control, including Cenelec CLC/TR: 50404 and NFPA 77.

Both systems are certified to IECEx and ATEX standards for installation and use in all common hazardous areas, including the very highest gas group approvals (EEx d (ia) IIC T6). Power supply units may be selected from 220/240VAC or 110/120VAC and are suitable for operating temperatures from – 40 deg C to + 55 deg C. The Earth-Rite PLUS and Earth-Rite RTR have been assessed for functional safety and received a SIL 2 rating according to IEC 61508.

All units are compact and easy to install and maintain, and are shipped complete with a detailed installation manual together with optional installer’s kit containing cable glands, wiring and other useful items, while on-board diagnostic “self-checking” electronics makes initial set-up and commission straightforward. The Intrinsically Safe Ground Connection Junction Box, together with “Quick Connect” feature on the cable and clamp enhances safety and simplifies on-going maintenance in hazardous areas.

Newson Gale manufactures an innovative and comprehensive range of static grounding equipment for hazardous areas, which is available worldwide via a network of specialist distributors and representatives. To learn more about the Earth-Rite PLUS and Earth-Rite RTR, visit the Newson Gale website www.newson-gale.com or contact your local office.

A U.S Chemical Safety Board investigation into a catastrophic fire, causing the destruction of a chemical distributor’s storage and packaging facility in Des Moines, Iowa, identified the uncontrolled release of an incendive static spark discharge as the source of ignition. The fire resulted in the evacuation of local businesses and significant business interuption costs for the company involved.

The fire originated in the packaging area of the facility and was caused by an uncontrolled discharge of static electricity when a 300 gallon (1100 litre) intermediate bulk container (IBC) was being filled with ethyl acetate.

The CSB’s investigation concluded that an incendive static spark ignited the vapours emanating from the IBC.

The investigation report stated that the IBC, the pump and the weighing scales on which the IBC had been situated were all grounded, however, the nozzle filling the IBC contained isolated conductive parts.

Static electricity accumulated on the isolated component and when enough potential difference occured between the nozzle and IBC, the static electricity discharged to the ground connected IBC, igniting the flammable ethyl ether atmosphere.

The ignition of the flammable atmosphere caused the filling nozzle to dislodge itself from the IBC and it continued discharging the ethyl ether into the fire, spreading to the rest of the storage area which contained flammable and combustible materials.

Click on link to view the CSB Report.

Controlling Static Hazards:
To prevent uncontrolled discharges of static electricty all conductive parts of the system, including the container being filled, pipes, pumps and nozzles, should be properly grounded to international guidelines (NFPA 77 and CENELEC CLC/TR:50404).

Material defined as conductive or static dissipative within potentially flammable or explosive atmospheres should be used wherever possible.

Filling flow rates should be controlled and splash filling should be avoided (guidance notice 51a issued by the Solvent Industry Association provides advice on this).

Only equipment certified for use within flammable/explosive atmospheres (for example equipment approved by ATEX/FM/CSA) should be used.

The free Newson Gale Grounding and Bonding Applications Handbook provides illustrations of best practice solutions to a broad range of static hazards.

Bond-Rite REMOTE GRP indicator station

The Bond-Rite REMOTE range has been enhanced with the addition of wall-mounted glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) indicator stations, for installation in hazardous processing areas.

The GRP indicator station is suitable for mounting in processing areas that do not require anti-contamination or anti-corrosion capability. The well established stainless steel indicator stations will continue to be available to cater for hygenic and corrosive environments.

The new GRP indicator station carries the same circuit-monitoring electronics and green flashing LED of the current Bond-Rite range, informing operators when a safe ground connection has been established with process equipment at risk of accumulating hazardous levels of electrostatic charge.

With the recently enhanced PCB boosting the useful lifetime of the battery, the battery-powered unit provides a good alternative to intrinsically safe (IS) mains-powered units requiring only two changes a year when used for up to six hours a day and can be installed and operational in less than 1 hour.

Both the battery-powered and IS/mains-powered Bond-Rite Remote with GRP indicator station are ATEX certified and can be mounted in Zone 0, 20, 1, 21, 2, 22 areas and IIC gas environments.

All Bond-Rite REMOTES are supplied with ATEX and FM approved two-pole clamps and Hytrel cable.

The heavy duty clamp is fitted with a special jaw grip able to clamp onto virtually any surface, including field-installed grounding rods.

Bond-Rite EZ with medium duty X45-IP

The Bond-Rite EZ portable static grounding and bonding assembly is now available equipped with the option of Heavy Duty and Medium Duty Stainless steel clamps.

This robust clamping mechanism, combined with sharp tungsten carbide teeth, penetrates through even the heaviest build-up of paint, coatings, corrosion, or other insulating deposits.

The EZ clamp  is a self-contained, easy-to-use device that provides, and continuously verifies, a low-resistance bonding connection.

In service it signals the existence of a safe connection to ground - less than 10 ohms - through a flashing green LED indicator on the handle of the monitoring clamp.

There are numerous operations in industry, transportation and emergency response where it is necessary to establish a low-resistance bond or connection to a local ground point, especially where vehicles such as vacuum trucks or a variety of other mobile or portable equipment are employed.

The self-contained Bond-Rite EZ is available in a range of options, with 5m or 10m retractable Cen-Stat cables, or with portable cable reels with up to 100ft capacity.

The Bond-Rite EZ is ATEX  certified as intrinsically safe and suitable for use in all flammable gas, vapour and combustible dust atmospheres. It also carries the equivalent FM and CSA approvals for all hazardous locations.

The recently enhanced PCB now enables the battery to power the EZ for up to a year (based on typical cycle of 3hrs use per day over a five-day week).

The new code-compliant Earth-Rite RTR(TM) system from Newson Gale is based on triple technology to ensure safe static grounding during transfer of flammable products to or from a tanker truck.

Earth-Rite RTR

Called TRI-Mode(TM) technology, the new system electronics confirms a positive connection between the truck and the RTR system and confirms a positive connection between the truck and ground, then constantly monitors both connections throughout the transfer process. Transfer cannot begin until all three modes have confirmed the safety of the connections and transfer will be interrupted should the system sense a connection resistance of more than 10 ohms.

Unlike conventional grounding apparatus, the Earth-Rite RTR system provides true failsafe grounding confirmation using patented intrinsically safe electronics and a universal ground clamp. Importantly, the assurance of a low-resistance connection specifically from truck to ground eliminates the bypassing of a grounding system by an accidental connection to the loading gantry or other metallic elements of the facility.

The system has been tested by independent examiners and is approved for mounting in SIL2 rated environments. Code compliance includes an Ex acceptance, FM and ATEX approval while conforming to best practice guidelines of NFPA 77 and CENELEC 50504, ensuring that rubber-tire transport trucks are properly grounded before and during transfer of flammable liquids. Also, an RTR system can be mounted at remote loading stations and connected to local verified ground point, making significant savings possible in terms of both installation and maintenance costs.

The Earth-Rite RTR(TM) static grounding system for tanker trucks is just part of the Cenelectrex® range of static grounding and bonding equipment available from Newson Gale Inc., the Lakewood, NJ based specialists in static control for hazardous areas. To see a demonstration of the new systems, visit our booth at ILTA 2008 (booth # 550)

For additional information, contact: Newson Gale Inc., 1072 Madison Ave., Lakewood, NJ 08701. Phone: 732-987-7715.
E-Mail: info@newson-gale.com. Website: www.newson-gale.com

New VESF Series stainless steel Quick Connectors are the latest addition to the Cenelectrex range of static earthing equipment specifically designed to meet the demanding standards of cleanliness and corrosion resistance within hazardous area operations in the pharmaceutical industry.

The VESF Series stainless 2 pole plug and socket connectors allow easy, positive and secure connections to be made to removable plant items that need to be earthed and monitored during operations. They are ideal for use with plant items that need to have a temporary or semi-permanent connection to earth, such as mobile vessels, product bowls, pump carts and other removable plant sections.

The distinctive three pin configuration of the unit ensures that they cannot be confused with or connected to plant electrical circuits, and the matching male/female connection means the static earth can only be applied to the intended plant item. Using screw terminals, no hot working is required for initial installation or maintenance. Both plug and socket come with covers to ensure that when not in use they can be sealed off to prevent liquid, dirt or product ingress.

Designed to compliment the extensive range of stainless accessories that make up the Cenelectrex Earth-Rite Multipoint range of monitoring units, the stainless connectors have been assessed by a notified body as suitable for connection to Intrinsically Safe monitoring circuits, in compliance with the ATEX directive.

Other stainless accessories recently added to the range include an indicator LED light which can be mounted in the hazardous area to give local notification of a positive earth connection. These new items compliment the range of stainless junction boxes and clamps, which make for a comprehensive range to suit the needs of the pharmaceutical industry.

The new Stainless Steel Quick Connectors are ideal for use with the Earth-Rite Mulitpoint, which is specially designed to monitor earth connection and bonds on mills, spray dryers, filters, mixing and similar items such as associated conveying lines where static build up in combustible or flammable areas may lead to catastrophic fires or explosions.

For additional information, contact: Newson Gale Inc., 1072 Madison Ave., Lakewood, NJ 08701.

Phone: 732-987-7715. E-Mail: info@newson-gale.com