Electrostatic Charge Generation During Handling

This section deals with mechanisms of electrostatic charging and charge relaxation in powders and with the important variables, such as powder size, quantity, temperature, humidity, etc., which affect these phenomena. Also considered are experimental techniques for investigating the electrostatic characteristics of sensitive materials, with particular reference to lead azide. Finally, the application of such information to the safe handling of sensitive substances is discussed. 

Although the section is directed to the technology of azides primarily, nothing unique electrostatically arises from the fact that they are explosives. Accordingly, reference will be made to other explosive and inert substances, where appropriate, to illustrate a point or to provide supplementary information. Charges 

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Plastic surfaces can become electrostatically charged through friction, either during processing or post-fabrication handling. This generates several disadvantages ... 

The electrical conductivity of liquid hydrocarbons can be measured by a precision meter. The method is used to evaluate aviation fuels and oflier low-conductivity hydrocarbons. The generation and dissipation of electrostatic charges in liquids during handling depends on ionic species which may be characterized by electrical conductivity at rest. The dissipation time of the charges is inversely proportional to the conductivity. The measurement is done by a conductivity meter. 

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