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Anti-Static Bulk Bags | Type D Bulk Bags
When handling rapidly flowing fine materials like powders, it’s essential to use Anti-Static bags to avoid potentially hazardous situations caused by electrostatic charge build-up.
These charges can lead to electric shocks or even explosions, especially in flammable or combustible environments.
Anti-Static Bulk Bags: Use Cases
You’ll need Anti-Static bags when you’re filling or discharging bulk bags (FIBC) with any rapidly flowing fine materials (like powders.)
This is because materials like this can often create a build-up of electrostatic charge which can be extremely dangerous – giving electric shocks or leading to accidents. And if there’s static in environments that are flammable or combustible, it can cause explosions. So it’s vital that you can manage and remove static charges at source.
To help make sure you’re choosing the right bag, there are the four types of fabrics they can be made from, along with the protection they offer.
Type A bulk bags
Type B bulk bags
Type C bulk bags
Type D bulk bags
Most bulk bags and FIBCs are produced from type A fabric, a standard woven polypropylene fabric that won’t give you static protection. You shouldn’t use this bag where there’s an air dust mixture, explosive gas or flammable solvent atmosphere.
Type B bulk bags are also produced from non-conductive woven polypropylene fabric and have a breakdown voltage of maximum 6kV.Like type A bulk bags, you can’t use them as anti-static bulk bags as they can’t remove electro charge. As the fabrics used in type B bulk bags have a low breakdown voltage, they will prevent propagating brush discharges which can ignite an air dust mixture – but explosive gas atmospheres could still be ignited. You can use type B bags to safely store and transport dry flammable powders.
Also produced from a non-conductive woven polypropylene fabric, but with interwoven conductive threads that form a connected grid. The grid is a maximum of 50mm mesh size with a maximum distance between each other of 200mm (if the threads only go in one direction). These conductive threads are grounded whenever your bulk bag is filled and discharged. If they’re grounded correctly, there’s no risk of incendive discharges. You can use Type C bulk bags in environments where there’s an air dust mixture, as well as in explosive gas atmospheres.
Type D bulk bags and FIBCs are made from non-conductive woven polypropylene fabric with conductive fibres that aren’t connected to each other. So this type of bulk bag isn’t conductive, but instead dissipates charge into the environment through corona discharge. You have the option of treating these bags with an antistatic coating that reduces the surface resistance of the fabric. Because the electro-charge is dissipated through corona discharge, this type of bulk bag can charge conductive objects and people nearby, which could then cause electrostatic sparks on contact with grounded objects, possibly igniting air dust mixtures, explosive or flammable gas atmospheres nearby. So it’s vital that whenever you’re filling or discharging a Type D bulk bag or FIBC in a hazardous area, all conductive objects or people nearby are grounded throughout. You’ll find full Instructions for grounding on the label of your Type D bulk bag.
What makes DaPak different than all other Anti-Static Bulk Bag suppliers?
- Product Availability: Our extensive inventory of anti-static bulk bags is readily available across three strategically located warehouses, ensuring prompt delivery without the extended lead times typically associated with bulk orders.
- Quality Assurance: Leveraging over two decades of partnerships with trusted suppliers, we guarantee that our bulk bags meet the highest industry standards, eliminating concerns about inferior quality or imitation products.
- Product Variety: We offer an unparalleled selection of over 3,000 specifications of bulk bags, encompassing both conventional and innovative designs to meet diverse industry needs.
- Customization Options: Tailor our anti-static bulk bags to suit your specific operational requirements and enhance your brand identity through bespoke design and branding solutions.
What Are The Advantages of Type D Bulk Bags?
- Dissipates Static Electricity
- Prevents Brush Discharges
- Prevents Sparks
- Prevents Propagating Brush Discharges
- Safe for use with solvents, flammable powders, and combustible materials
- Eliminates the risk of human error in grounding
- Safest bulk bag type for explosive environments
About DaPak: The Benchmark in Anti-Static Bulk Bags
DaPak is a British manufacturer and wholesale supplier of bulk bags based in Stoke and founded in 1997.
With our longstanding team of bulk bag experts, comprehensive knowledge of hundreds of products, thorough understanding of your sectors and commitment to sustainability, we’re perfectly placed to provide the solutions you need.
Contact us today – We’re ready to help with everything from small last-minute requests to large-scale, ongoing projects. Our multiple sites, large storage facilities, international suppliers and flexible turnarounds mean we’re the team you can count on when it matters most.
Anti-Static & Type D Bulk Bags FAQs
Why Choose Type D Bulk Bags?
Type D bulk bags, also known as FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers), are made from non-conductive woven polypropylene fabric incorporating conductive fibers.
These fibers are not interconnected, and the bags dissipate charge into the environment through a process known as corona discharge.
This feature allows Type D bulk bags to safely manage static electricity without needing to be grounded.
What Are The Applications for Type D Bulk Bags
These bags are ideal for transporting flammable powders and can be safely used in environments where flammable vapors, gases, or combustible dusts are present.
They are particularly beneficial in warehouses and industries handling materials like sugar, starch, copper sulfate, and zinc oxide
Type D vs. Type C Bulk Bags: What’s The Difference?
Type C bulk bags differ from Type D bags in that they require grounding at all times during filling and discharge.
Type C bags are produced with interconnected conductive threads forming a grid, which ensures protection against electrostatic hazards if grounded correctly.
While both types can be used in similar explosive environments, Type D bags offer the advantage of not requiring grounding.
