The term grounding can be found in many subject areas. In this case, however, it refers to the avoidance of ignition sources in explosive atmospheres (gas and dust). Mobile containers that are not connected to ground can become electrostatically charged during transport, filling and emptying. If these objects come into contact with a conductive object, an electrostatic discharge may occur which, depending on the strength of the charge, can reach an energy that equals the minimum ignition energy of the explosive atmosphere present.
To avoid charging, objects that contain flammable media must always be grounded during filling or emptying processes.
But how can a temporary and secure connection be established at short notice?
This is where the SYMEGA.PRO comes in. The SYMEGA.PRO has an grounding clamp that can be connected to an affected object. As soon as it is connected, the device checks the connection quality so that a potential-free contact can then be switched and grounded. This allows processes to be automated and pumps or valves to be enabled, for example. If the connection is interrupted, the SYMEGA.PRO immediately cancels the release. The decisive factor here is the resistance of the test lead that was established to the object using grounding clamps. These parameters can be freely set on the system.
How can it be ensured that the grounding clamp is securely connected to the correct object?
Depending on the object, different check modes can be activated. In addition to the familiar capacitance check for large objects that are not grounded, the system offers a timeout function that limits the process to a specific time. This is intended to prevent the grounding clamp from being clamped to another object for manipulation over a long period of time. To avoid loading faults, temporary loose contacts can be faded out in the check so that the process can continue undisturbed but safely.
The ground connection on the SYMEGA.PRO can also be traced back to the main ground. These freely selectable functions in one device make the SYMEGA.PRO an ‘All.Grounder’ to which any type of container or device can be connected.
The advantages at a glance:
- An intelligent system for all applications
- Capacity check of connected objects enables tamper protection
- 24 VDC and 230 VAC power supply
- Monitors the connection to the main ground
- No loading fault due to loose contact
- Safe grounding due to time limitation