Electrostatic precautions

D. P. Donegan, "Trends ia Electrostatic Precautions ia Filling Factories," ia Minutes of the 17th Explosives Safety Seminar, AD A036015, DDC, 1976. 

The use of radioactive ionization sources in areas subject to explosion or fire is undesirable because of the potential for area contamination with radioactive material which could be disseminated in the event of an explosion or fire. With proper precautions, however, electrical ionizing systems can be safely and effectively utilized while processing electrostatically sensitive energetic materials. Ions are generated electrically by corona discharge... 

For work with solutions, and in particular with solid materials, precautions against electrostatic charging and the effects of air currents have to be taken, and standard radiochemical techniques should be used. The handling techniques required for other technetium isotopes such as Tc are described below (Scheme 2). 

Liquid form Extra precautions with electrostatic paint applications systems Limited material compatibility for delivery systems Can exhibit high water permeability Pigment flocculation... 

Diffusion of the products of reaction away from the surface is slow enough to be important if there is attraction due either to electrostatic or to adsorption forces. The first observation of this effect seems to be that of Alexander and Rideal (30), who found that in the alkaline hydrolysis of trilaurin the soap produced was liable to remain in the film. This complicated the kinetics of the reaction to such an extent that it was found necessary to work under conditions such that the laurate ions were more rapidly expelled. Without this precaution, the negative potential which built up on the interface considerably retarded the reaction by offering a barrier to the approaching catalytically active hydroxyl ions. 

The assessment and control of electrostatic hazards associated with process or operation requires a systematic analysis. General precautions include ... 

Abiding with the above precautions, we can limit our consideration only to reactions (29) to (31). Reaction (31) is strongly modulated by electrostatic interactions. In a case where both 4>0 and HIn are negatively charged, the rate of the direct reaction is negligible with respect to reactions (29) and (30). We shall first deal with such a case, and then demonstrate the effect of reaction (31) on the dynamics. 

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