Abstract:
1. A DEVICE FOR TESTING THE ELECTRICAL CONTACT BETWEEN A METALLIC OBJECT AND A GROUNDED SUPPORT ON WHICH SAID OBJECT IS TO BE SUBJECTED TO AN ELECTROSTATIC COATING PROCESS, SAID DEVICE COMPRISING MEANS FOR IMPARTING AN ELECTRICAL CHARGE TO SAID OBJECT (AND MEANS FOR INDICATING WHETHER SAID CHARGE IS CONDUCTED AWAY FROM SAID OBJECT THROUGH SAID GROUNDED SUPPORT OR A SUFFICIENT CHARGE ACCUMULATES ON SAID OBJECT TO GENERATE A SPARK BETWEEN SAID OBJECT AND SUPPORT) JUST BEFORE IT IS TO BE SUBJECTED TO SAID COATING PROCESS, AND A SPARK DETECTOR POSITIONED TO DETECT ANY SPARK RESULTING FROM THE IMPARTING OF SAID ELECTRICAL CHARGE.
Abstract:
A device for preventing risks of fire or explosion due to electric sparks which may be produced at the attachment or suspension contacts of metal objects on which an electrostatic coating is intended to be applied, said device comprising means for inducing an electric charge on said metal object, and also means for giving an information when said electric charge reaches a pre-determined dangerous value. The charge-inducing means may utilize the existing high-tension source employed for the electrostatic coating, acting from a distance, and may comprise a variable-threshold charge-detection device adapted to trip a safety, alarm or indicator means. The device can be used in automatic electrostatic painting and powder-applying installations.