(not applicable to systems type RSC “classic” up to machine number 18-1000, until year 2018)
Dear customers and partners,
We are increasingly confronted with the following questions/statements:
“The powdering unit/talc applicator can be set up to 100 kV and opened during operation.”
“There is a risk of a dust explosion in the powder chamber when using stearates.”
ROLF SCHLICHT powdering systems of the “RSC NG Series” are absolutely safe:
We expressly refer to our operating manual(s) and the corresponding notes therein.
The electrostatics (i.e. the control unit, the guns, and the high-voltage generator) of the “RSC NG Series” represent the most modern, safest, and most reliable electrostatics for powder coating on the market. They are equipped with many safety features, ensuring that there is absolutely no danger. This has been tested and confirmed by independent institutes.
According to applicable standards, a maximum energy limit of 350 mJ is defined for personal protection. This means it must be ensured that persons working with electrostatic systems cannot receive more than a shock of 350 mJ.
The powdering guns of ROLF SCHLICHT GmbH, type “RSC NG” are structurally designed so that the maximum extractable energy lies far below this limit.
During measurements at an independent institute, with maximum adjustable voltage, a maximum of 100 nC could be measured. For comparison: 200 nC corresponds to 2 mJ.
Thus, our systems of the current generation are clearly well below the maximum permissible limit.
This means that the powdering guns of the “RSC NG Series” comply with both contact protection (occupational safety) and explosion protection for coating with flammable coating powders.
The electrodes of the guns are therefore safe to touch even at maximum high voltage.
However, we strongly advise against deliberately touching the guns when high voltage is applied. While shocks from the powdering gun are not dangerous, they can feel extremely unpleasant and painful.
If a risk assessment by your internal occupational safety department concludes that operating such electrostatic systems in your specific production environment may pose a potential hazard, please contact us. We also offer, as an option, “RSC NG” systems in ATEX design or with fire suppression systems of the current fire protection class.
Note:
For systems type RSC “classic” up to machine number 18-1000 (until 2018), such tests have not been carried out. However, experience over the past nearly 30 years shows that no case of explosion or injury has occurred. At least, we are not aware of any. Some of these systems have been equipped with a fire suppression system (“extinguishing system”) at the request of customers.
This type of machine has been delivered thousands of times worldwide, and as a pioneer and innovator we have been supplying this design of machine since 1996.
Other types of powdering systems have been supplied by Schlicht since 1959.
Yours sincerely,
ROLF SCHLICHT GmbH