Shimadzu IonFocus Instruction Manual page 8

Introduction
Static Electricity Precautions
A liquid chromatograph (LC) uses flammable organic solvent(s) as the mobile phase. LC
systems are also often used where large amount of flammable substances are present.
Thus, an accident can produce large scale damage. Operators must be constantly on guard
against accidents involving fire or explosion.
The major cause of these accidents is static electricity. Devising preventative measures for
static can be difficult, because the symptoms before an accident vary and can be hard
to detect, since such accidents occur as a result of several simultaneous coincidences.
Recommended methods for preventing static electricity accidents are provided below.
Take thorough safety measures based on this information.
n Typical Cause of Static Electricity Accidents
Static electricity accidents are generally caused by this sequence of events:
Generation of static
Accumulation of static
Release of energy through
electrical discharge
Ignition of flammable
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When liquid is passed through thin tubing at high flow
rates, as in liquid chromatograph, the electrostatic charges
of the flowing matter generate static electricity.
If electrostatically charged liquid is allowed to accumulate
in an electrically insulated container, the charge will
gradually increase, and can eventually reach several
thousand volts.
If this happens and an electrical conductor is brought
within a certain distance of the container, an electrical
discharge will occur, releasing thermal energy.
If any flammable gas of sufficient density is present in the
vicinity, such gas will ignite.