There are several aunty static products that have a lot of applications not only in the industry but also in our daily lives. Take antistatic flooring, for instance.
To read more about anti-static flooring, head over to this article that I previously published.
Today, however, I will be talking about anti-static hoses. What are they? How do they work? And why do you need to use them?
What are Anti Static Hoses?
Anti static hoses are lightweight pipes that are designed to resist the buildup of static charge.
As fluids of any kind, gas or liquid, move through pipes, the particles slide against each other as well as against the walls of the pipe.
This friction can cause the transfer of electrons which would produce static electricity. Anti-static hoses are made of such material that they safely dissipate this accumulated charge before it causes any trouble, or simply resist the formation of the charges in the first place.
What are the Types of Anti Static Hoses?
There are two different kinds of anti static hoses that you can choose between. You have a static dissipative hose and a static conductive hose.
How Does an Anti Static Hose Work?
Static Dissipative Hose
This is the more classic type of anti static hose. Typically made out of rubber, the static dissipative anti static hose is responsible for dissipating any accumulating static charge on its body to the ends of the hose using the rubber material.
Static dissipative hoses are commonly used in industrial vacuum cleaners, for dust collection and cleaning purposes, powder and pellet transfer, food-grade transportation, pharmaceuticals, as well as floor cleaning.
Static Conductive Hose
Static conductive hoses are commonly used for ventilation purposes, concrete cleaning, conduits, sprayers, as well as static control in critical areas where dust and fumes are a pertinent issue.
In addition to having walls that resist static buildup, most anti-static hoses also have other extremely useful properties.
For example, most of them are made of a polyurethane material that is extremely lightweight as well as flexible. This makes the pipe suitable for a vast variety of applications.
These pipes also tend to be resistant to friction, abrasion, as well as microbes. They can tolerate high temperatures depending on the type of hose you get, and may even be able to resist open flames.
Where Can I Use an Anti Static Hose?
Hoses in general have a lot of uses all across the board, whether you are at home or at work.
They have especially pertinent applications in many industrial environments, where they may be used to store and transfer various kinds of fluids.
In such an environment, it is extremely important to ensure that there is no buildup of static charge. That is why most high-end industries, companies, and facilities employ the use of anti-static hoses as a safety measure.
Similarly, you can also use these anti static hoses at home for various applications. Anti static hoses can be used for vacuuming, ventilation, fluid transfer, as well as dust collection among other things.
Why Should I Be Using an Anti Static Hose?
If you are working in an environment that is filled with explosive and inflammable material, then the use of anti static hoses is a must.
The transfer and movement of material through pipes produces a lot of friction which can give birth to a tonne of unwanted static charge.
When this static charge looks for a way out and doesn’t have a safe way to dissipate, it can cause ignition and explosions. That is why static control is so important in most industries that are dealing with chemicals, metals, plastics, and agricultural products.
These environments are typically rife with all kinds of dust and fumes which can predispose to unnatural and dangerous levels of static buildup. The use of anti-static hoses prevents such accidents and saves you from a lot of potential bodily and monetary harm.
Can I Get an Anti Static Hose in My Preferred Length?
Absolutely. You do not have to get 50 meters of anti static hose if you only need to use 10 meters of it. Most companies ask you how much length of the hose you need and they will provide you that amount only.
It is advisable to get a little more length than what you exactly require in case your measurements are a bit off so you do not end up with a short hose that is completely useless.
How Do I Clean an Anti Static Hose?
In case you are suspecting something is stuck inside your anti static hose that is preventing the optimum flow of fluids through it, then you can consider cleaning it out.
To clean it, take a narrow, blunt-ended object and gently pry it into the hose to clear out any potential blocking material.
Make sure to be as gentle as possible and avoid touching the walls of the hose to prevent damage.
How Do I Choose an Anti Static Hose?
When it comes to choosing and using the best-suited anti-static hose for yourself, there are several things that you need to take into consideration.
With the help of an expert, it is important for you to determine beforehand what the requirements of your setting are.
You must identify the danger points and the risks that are associated with your setting in particular. Then the expert will help you discover the best, most flexible anti-static solution that fulfills all of your static control needs, rendering your options safe.
