Timm Technology GmbH

MONITORED GROUNDING WITH OBJECT DETECTION FOR BIG BAGS

DO YOU FILL OR EMPTY BIG BAGS? Then you should remember that many dusts in conjunction with air have a high risk of explosion. Flours, sugars or aluminum dusts are well known as an explosion hazard. But even the dust of products such as fertilizers, rubber, tobacco, spices and many other substances can cause explosions. Therefore, when processing such products, conductive big bags must be used. Grounding is required for these types of big bags to prevent ignition due to electrostatic charges.

FUNCTIONAL PRINCIPLE

The Grounding Control Device EKX-FIBC provides and monitors a safe grounding connection between the big bag and the designated ground point via two active clamps. The digital measuring technology prevents misuse or bypassing of the device by means of automatic object recognition. A fi lling release via the electronic control outputs and the highly visible LED indicator is only given if the connected big bag is properly recognized and safely grounded via both clamps. In case of an interruption of the ground connection, the control outputs lock and the optical LED indicator changes from green to red.

HANDLING

The EKX-FIBC can be used in gas and dust explosive atmospheres up to Zone 1/21. The main unit can be mounted at a distance of up to 20m to the workplace. The cable quick couplings at the optional external measuring module and the plain text diagnostic display in the main unit allow easy initial installation, handling and maintenance.

PRODUCT BENEFITS

■ For all FIBC Type C according to IEC 61340-4-4 (107 Ω and 108 Ω)

■ Tamper-proof through digital measurement technology and reliable object detection (5-check-principle)

■ Simultaneous monitoring of two big bags is possible

■ Relay and NAMUR control outputs

■ Autodiagnosis system for permanent self-monitoring of all safety-related functions

■ Easy handling thanks to cable quick couplings and the integrated plain text OLED display

■ Mounting the main unit at a distance of up to 20m from the workplace is possible

For further information about our grounding device, please visit:

https://www.timm-technology.com/en/products/ekx-fibc/

During loading and unloading of tank trucks, silo trucks and railway wagons with flammable liquids or bulk solids, an explosive gas and dust atmosphere may arise – a single spark can be sufficient to initiate an explosion. To prevent this, the occurring electrostatic charges must be discharged safely

FUNCTIONAL PRINCIPLE

Before each loading or unloading, the Grounding Control Device EKX-4 gets connected to the transport vehicle using the grounding cable and clamp. EKX-4 ensures static electricity is discharged safely to Earth and continuously monitors the grounding connection. Only if the connected object is detected and grounded properly, the electronic control outputs will switch to permissive and filling release will be signaled by green, widely visible LEDs. If there is an interruption of the grounding connection, this will be shown by red LEDs and the filling process will be stopped immediately

APPLICATION AREAS

EKX-4 provides monitored electrostatic grounding at loading/unloading stations and gets installed directlyin gas and dust hazardous areas of zone 1, 2 and 21, 22. Its control outputs allow connection to the loading control system. Typical applications are top loading of fuel tank trucks, gas carrying trucks (compressed, cryogenic, high pressure tubes), tank vehicles for petrochemical/chemical products or when handling flammable bulk materials, such as coal dust, starch, sugar or flour.

PRODUCT BENEFITS

■ Protection against electrostatic discharges in hazardous areas

■ Designed to purpose intelligent explosion protection (IEPC)

■ Prevents manipulation by object detection (measuring impedance)

■ Simple application configuration (e.g. “tank truck“, “rail way wagon“)

■ Automatic diagnosis and continuously self-monitoring of device

functions

■ Opening the housing for quick change of cables or configuration is permissible under power

■ Possibility to connect longer grounding cables due to cable compensation

For further information about our 1-pole grounding device, please visit:

https://www.timm-technology.com/en/products/ekx-4/

SPECIALIZED VERSION FOR CONTAINERS, IBCS AND BARRELS

The danger of electrostatic charges must always be observed when loading, unloading or handling bulk solids or inflammable liquids in the petrochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, as well as in the food and feed industry. For application with containers, IBCs, barrels or trays, that may be insulated from ground potential, the EKX-4 (2-pole) is the Grounding Control Device to choose.

FUNCTIONAL PRINCIPLE

EKX-4 (2-pole) ensures that static electricity is safely discharged to the ground. It continuously monitors the electrical resistance of the grounding connection including the connection points at the grounding clamp. Only if the connected object is detected and grounded properly, the fi lling release will be signaled by green LEDs and the control outputs will switch. If there are any breaks in the grounding connection, the LEDs change to red and the fi lling will be interrupted immediately.

APPLICATION AREAS

EKX-4 (2-pole) is mounted stationary, close to the loading/unloading gantry. It is used in gas and dust hazardous areas of zone 1 and 21 for objects to be grounded, that cannot be detected by the standard 1-pole Grounding Control Device EKX-4 such as containers, IBCs or barrels. Further areas of application are the grounding of materials handled with trays on conveyors in automated industrial processes.

PRODUCT BENEFITS

 ■ Controlled low resistance grounding connection especially for containers, IBCs and barrels

■ Automatic diagnosis system continuously self-monitors all safety-related functions

■ Possibility to connect longer cables (up to 50 m)

■ NAMUR-compatible Ex i control output

■ Opening the housing under voltage is permissible - thanks to intelligent explosion protection (IEPC)

For further information about our 2-pole grounding device, please visit:

https://www.timm-technology.com/en/products/ekx-4-2-pole/

HIGHER WORKING SAFETY THROUGH CABLE REELS
 

Ground cables are a common cause of accidents (such as tripping) in industrial plants. The use of cable reels can effectively reduce these risks. They unroll unused cables and remove them from user's range of motion. As a result, they make a major contribution  to occupational safety.

FUNCTIONAL PRINCIPLE

Our cable reels are explosion-proof and designed for direct connection to TIMM grounding control devices as EKX-4. They are equipped with appropriate connection cables and available in different lenghts and configurations (e.g. with 1-pole grounding clamp or grounding socket).

APPLICATION AREAS

TIMM cable reels are suitable for various applications in hazardous areas of zone 1 (gas) and zone 21 (dust) and in accordance to the latest ATEX directive.
 

PRODUCT BENEFITS
■ Slip-ring-free technology without contact resistance within the earthing cable
■ Self-winding
■ Mechnical stability

■ Can be used in a temperature range from -25 °C up to +60 °C

■ Suitable for outdoor use
■ Restressability of the spring force
 

For further information please visit:

https://www.timm-technology.com/en/produkt-kategorie/cable-reels/

SIMPLE GROUNDING SOLUTIONS WITH A BITE

■ ATEX approved safety

■ Chemical resistant material

■ Strenghthended pliers spring

■ For Ex zones 1 | 2 and 21 | 22

■ Grounding teeth with extra hardened tips

■ Integrated strain relief

For further information about our grounding clamps, please visit:

https://www.timm-technology.com/en/produkt-kategorie/timm-bite-grounding-clamps/