GB/T 37977.44-2026Electrostatics - Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC) (English PDF)

Foreword

This document complies with the provisions of GB/T 1.1-2020 "Standardization Work Guidelines Part 1: Structure and Drafting Rules of Standardization Documents".

Drafting.

This document is Part 4-4 of GB/T 37977 "Electrostatics". GB/T 37977 has the following parts published.

---Part 2-1.Test methods for the static charge dissipation capability of materials and products;

---Parts 2-3.Test methods for resistance and resistivity of antistatic solid planar materials;

---Part 3-2.Simulation Methods for Electrostatic Effects. Electrostatic Discharge Test Waveforms of Machine Models (MM);

---Part 4-1.Standard Test Methods for Specific Applications. Resistance of Floor Coverings and Assembled Floors;

---Part 4-3.Standard Test Methods for Footwear in Specific Applications;

---Part 4-4.Standard Test Methods for Specific Applications - Electrostatic Classification of Flexible Medium Bulk Containers (FIBCs);

---Parts 4-5.Standard test methods for specific applications; characterization methods for electrostatic protection properties of human/shoe/ground systems;

---Parts 4-6.Standard test method wristbands for specific applications;

---Parts 4-8.Standard Test Methods for Electrostatic Discharge Shielding Bags in Specific Applications;

---Parts 4-9.Standard test methods for clothing in specific applications;

---Part 5-1.General requirements for electrostatic discharge protection of electronic devices;

---Part 5-4.Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Protection Compliance Verification of Electronic Devices;

---Part 6-1.Static Electricity Control in Medical, Commercial and Public Places (Medical and Health) this document is modified to adopt IEC 61340-4-4:2018 "Electrostatics - Part 4-4.Standard test methods for protection in specific applications".

Classification of Flexible Medium Bulk Containers (FIBCs).

The technical differences between this document and IEC 61340-4-4:2018, and the reasons therefor, are as follows.

---Regarding undated normative references, those already adopted in my country should be replaced by Chinese standards to adapt to my country's technical conditions.

The following editorial changes have been made to this document.

---The term "surface resistivity" has been removed from the heading 8.2 because the surface resistivity test is now listed separately in the heading 8.3.

Please note that some content in this document may involve patents. The issuing organization of this document assumes no responsibility for identifying patents.

This document was proposed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China.

This document is under the jurisdiction of the National Electrostatic Standardization Technical Committee (SAC/TC597).

Introduction

GB/T 37977 "Electrostatics" is a fundamental standard for electrostatics, adopting all IEC 61340 series standards, and aims to define the modes of electrostatic effects.

Methods for testing the antistatic parameters of antistatic materials and products, standard test methods for specific applications, and electrostatic protection of electronic devices.

As well as static electricity control in medical, commercial and public areas, etc. GB/T 37977 is proposed to consist of 17 parts.

---Part 1: Principles and Measurement of Static Electricity. The purpose is to explain the basic principles of static electricity and its potential hazards.

This paper describes electrostatic measurement methods and provides technical guidance.

---Part 2-1.Test Methods for the Static Charge Dissipation Capacity of Materials and Products. The purpose is to specify test methods for testing insulation.

The ability of static charge dissipation in static dissipation materials and products.

---Part 2-3.Test methods for the resistance and resistivity of antistatic solid planar materials. The purpose is to specify test methods for measuring...

Test the resistance and resistivity of an antistatic solid planar material. The applicable resistance range is 104 ohm to 101² ohm.

---Part 3-2.Simulation Methods for Electrostatic Effects. Electrostatic discharge test waveforms using a machine model (MM). The purpose is to specify the use of...

The basic requirements for simulating electrostatic discharge current waveforms in MM and for the equipment used to generate and verify these waveforms.

---Part 4-1.Standard Test Methods for Floor Coverings and Assembled Floors in Specific Applications. The purpose is to specify test...

Test methods are used to test the resistance of floor coverings and installed flooring, including resistance to ground, point-to-point resistance, and vertical resistance.

The applicable resistance measurement range is 104ohm to 101³ohm.

---Part 4-3.Standard Test Methods for Footwear in Specific Applications. The purpose is to specify test methods for testing antistatic footwear.

The resistance.

---Part 4-4.Standard Test Methods for Specific Applications - Electrostatic Classification of Flexible Medium Bulk Containers (FIBCs). The purpose is to...

Regulations specify the use of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) with a volume of 0.25 m³ to 3.0 m³ in hazardous explosive atmospheres.

Require.

---Parts 4-5.Standard Test Methods for Specific Applications. Characterization of Electrostatic Protection Properties of Human/Shoe/Ground Systems. The purpose is to...

The specified test method is used to evaluate the antistatic performance of human/shoe/ground systems.

---Parts 4-6.Standard Test Methods for Wristbands in Specific Applications. The aim is to clarify the electrical and mechanical properties of the wristband.

The requirements are as follows, along with experimental methods for testing these performance characteristics.

---Parts 4-8.Standard Test Methods for Electrostatic Discharge Shielding Bags in Specific Applications. The purpose is to provide evaluation methods for electrostatic discharge shielding bags.

Test methods for the performance of the bag covering.

---Parts 4-9.Standard Test Methods for Specific Applications of Clothing. The purpose is to specify test methods for testing antistatic clothing.

The installed resistor.

---Part 5-1.General Requirements for Electrostatic Discharge Protection of Electronic Devices. The purpose is to establish electrostatic discharge management and technical requirements to avoid or prevent electrostatic discharge.

Reduce damage to electronic products caused by electrostatic discharge.

---Part 5-2.User Guide for Electrostatic Discharge Protection of Electronic Devices. The purpose is to provide user guidance for developing, implementing, and monitoring devices that comply with [the relevant regulations/standards].

Guidelines for electrostatic discharge control procedures, Part 5-1.

---Part 5-3.Electrostatic Protection of Electronic Devices - Packaging Performance and Requirements for Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Devices. The purpose is to clarify...

The classification of antistatic packaging materials is accurate, protecting electrostatic discharge sensitive devices from damage caused by static electricity.

---Part 5-4.Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Protection Compliance Verification of Electronic Devices. The aim is to outline the technologies involved in ESD control procedures.

Project compliance verification testing methods.

---Part 6-1.Static Electricity Control in Medical, Commercial, and Public Places. The purpose is to regulate static electricity control in medical facilities.

Requirements for electrically controlled equipment, materials, and products.

---Part 6-2.Static Electricity Control in Medical, Commercial, and Public Places. The purpose is to regulate public and office spaces.

Requirements for equipment, materials, and products for static electricity control in workplaces.

Flexible medium bulk containers (FIBCs) are widely used for storing, transporting, and handling powdery, flaky, or granular materials, and are typically made of polypropylene fabric.

The bags are made of woven materials and have a volume of approximately 1.0 m³. However, there are also bags of different shapes and sizes, with volumes ranging from 0.25 m³ to 3.0 m³.

The fabric used can be single-layer, multi-laminated, or coated. Untreated polypropylene is an insulator, and products placed in FIBCs...

The material is typically an insulator. Static electricity is easily generated during filling and emptying operations; in an unprotected FIBC, a large amount of charge can rapidly accumulate.

Accumulation. In this situation, electrostatic discharge is unavoidable. When FIBCs are used in hazardous explosive atmospheres, this can be a serious [problem].

A serious problem.

Handling fine powders may create a hazardous explosive atmosphere; the resulting dust cloud or thin layer of powder can be ignited by electrostatic discharge. Use Hazardous explosive atmospheres can also be created when gases or volatile solvents are present. In these industrial situations, it is obviously necessary to avoid electrostatic discharge of flammable materials.

As with any industrial equipment, a comprehensive risk assessment is recommended before using FIBC in potentially hazardous situations. This document contains...

The system's classification, test methods, performance and design requirements, and safe operating procedures are provided for any FIBC used in hazardous explosive atmospheres.

This product is intended for use by manufacturers, regulators, and end users. However, it does not include assessments of specific risks of electrostatic discharge arising from products used within FIBCs.

The procedure does not include procedures for assessing the specific risks of electrostatic discharge generated by personnel or equipment used in the vicinity of the FIBC (e.g., cone discharge), nor does it include assessment procedures for the specific risks of electrostatic discharge generated by personnel or equipment used in the vicinity of the FIBC.

The risks associated with cone discharge are detailed in Appendix E.

Note. The test methods specified in this document involve the use of high-voltage power supplies and flammable gases. Improper handling, especially by those who fail to meet the requirements, can lead to serious consequences.

Handling this document by unqualified or inexperienced personnel may be dangerous. Users of this document are encouraged to undergo appropriate training before conducting any experimental procedures.

Risk assessment, with full consideration of local regulations.

Electrostatics Part 4-4.In Specific Applications Standard test method for flexible medium bulk containers (FIBC) Static Electricity Classification

1 Scope

This document specifies the requirements for flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) with volumes of 0.25 m³ to 3.0 m³ used in hazardous explosive atmospheres.

Requirements. Explosive atmospheres can be generated by substances within the FIBC (Intense Flammable Container Chamber) or exist outside the FIBC.

Requirements include.

---FIBC classification and tags;

---Classification of linings;

---Test method specifications for each type of FIBC, liner, label, and document bag;

---Design and performance requirements for FIBCs, liners, labels, and document bags;

---In different areas of a hazardous explosive atmosphere, areas where combustible dust exists or may exist (GB/T 3836.35-2021) and Safe use in explosive gas atmospheres (GB 3836.14-2014), FIBC (including lined ones);

---FIBC's type identification and certification procedures, including the safe use of linings.

Note 1.Appendix C provides guidelines for manufacturing quality control testing methods.

This document applies to all types of [products/services] that have been tested during production and are intended for use in hazardous explosive atmospheres.

FIBC and lining. Hazardous explosive atmospheres refer to. Zone 1, Zone 2 (Groups IIA and IIB only) and Zones 21 and 22 (hazardous areas and explosive groups).

(See Appendix D for classification). For certain types of FIBCs, this document applies only to applications with a minimum ignition energy of not less than 0.14 mJ and a charging current of...

Use in hazardous explosive atmospheres not exceeding 3.0 µA.

Note 2.0.14 mJ represents the actual minimum ignition energy in a Class IIB gas or vapor environment. Although more sensitive materials exist, 0.14 mJ is the minimum ignition energy for Class IIB gases or vapors.

The minimum ignition energy of all materials that may be present during evacuation. 3.0 µA is the highest charging current likely to be found in typical industrial processes. This minimum...

Ignition energy and maximum charging current represent the most demanding conditions that may occur in practice.

FIBC is not suitable for use in zones 0 or 20.If FIBC is to be used in zones 0 or 20, additional requirements beyond the scope of this document are required.

The volume space within the FIBC can be defined as 20 zones, in which case this document applies.

Solids containing residual solvent may create a hazardous explosive atmosphere within the FIBC, potentially affecting the defined internal volume space of the FIBC.

This document applies to Zone 1 or Zone 2; in this case, the document is applicable.

Compliance with the requirements specified in this document does not necessarily guarantee that no dangerous electrostatic discharge will occur. For example, it cannot be guaranteed that substances within the FIBC will not be subject to electrostatic discharge.

This can result in a cone-shaped discharge. The risks associated with cone-shaped discharges are detailed in Appendix E.

The requirements of this document do not reduce the need for a comprehensive risk assessment. For example, metals and other conductive powders and toners may require...

Additional precautions are taken to prevent the risk of discharge from the powder.

Note 3.The examples mentioned in the above paragraphs may require additional precautions. In cases where the metal or other conductive powder is isolated and charged, [further precautions may be taken].

It can produce an ignition spark; rapid filling and handling of toner may result in an ignition discharge. GB/T 3836.26 specifies the possible causes.

Guidance on additional preventative measures.

The test methods in this document can be used in conjunction with other performance requirements, for example, when a risk assessment indicates that the minimum ignition energy of concern is less than [a certain value].

When the charge is 0.14 mJ, or the charging current is greater than 3.0 µA, or the environmental conditions exceed the range specified in this document.

Even if the requirements specified in this document are met, there is still a possibility of personnel being subjected to FIBC electric shock during normal use.

2 Normative references

The contents of the following documents, through normative references within the text, constitute essential provisions of this document. Dated citations are not included.