SIST EN 61340-4-4:2012

Electrostatics - Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC)

This part of IEC 61340 specifies requirements for flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC) between 0,25 m3 and 3 m3 in volume, intended for use in hazardous explosive atmospheres. The explosive atmosphere may be created by the contents in the FIBC or may exist outside the FIBC. The requirements include: - classification and labelling of FIBC; - classification of inner liners; - specification of test methods for each type of FIBC and inner liner; - design and performance requirements for FIBC and inner liners; - safe use of FIBC (including those with inner liners) within different zones defined for explosion endangered environments, described for areas where combustible dusts are, or may be, present (IEC 60079-10-2), and for explosive gas atmospheres (IEC 60079-10-1); - procedures for type qualification and certification of FIBC, including the safe use of inner liners. The requirements of this standard are applicable to all types of FIBC and inner liners, tested as manufactured, prior to use and intended for use in hazardous explosive atmospheres: Zones 1 and 2 (Groups IIA and IIB only) and Zones 21 and 22 (see Annex D for classification of hazardous areas and explosion groups). For some types of FIBC, the requirements of this standard apply only to use in hazardous explosive atmospheres with minimum ignition energy of 0,14 mJ or greater and where charging currents do not exceed 3,0 μA. Compliance with the requirements specified in this standard does not necessarily ensure that hazardous electrostatic discharges, e.g. cone discharges, will not be generated by the contents in FIBC. Information on the risks associated with cone discharges is given in Annex E. Compliance with the requirements of this standard does not mitigate the need for full risk assessment. For example, metal and other conductive powders and toner powders may require additional precautions to prevent hazardous discharges from the powders. Test methods included in this standard may be used in association with other performance requirements, for example when a risk assessment has shown the minimum ignition energy of concern is less than 0,14 mJ, charging currents are greater than 3,0 μA, or the ambient conditions are outside of the range specified in this standard. Compliance with the requirements specified in this standard does not necessarily ensure that electric shocks to personnel will not occur from FIBC during normal use.

Elektrostatik - Teil 4-4: Normprüfverfahren für spezielle Anwendungen - Einordnung flexibler Schüttgutbehälter (FIBC) in elektrostatischer Hinsicht

Electrostatique - Partie 4-4: Méthodes d'essai normalisées pour des applications spécifiques - Classification électrostatique des grands récipients pour vrac souples (GRVS)

La CEI 61340-4-4:2012 spécifie les exigences relatives aux grands récipients pour vrac souples (GRVS) dont le volume est compris entre 0,25 m³ et 3 m³, destinés à être utilisés dans des atmosphères explosives dangereuses. L'atmosphère explosive peut être créée par le contenu du GRVS ou peut exister à l'extérieur du GRVS. Les exigences comportent:
- la classification et l'étiquetage des GRVS;
- la classification des revêtements protecteurs intérieurs;
- la spécification des méthodes d'essai pour chaque type de GRVS et de revêtement protecteur intérieur;
- les exigences de conception et de performance des GRVS et des revêtements protecteurs intérieurs;
- l'utilisation sûre des GRVS (incluant ceux qui comportent des revêtements protecteurs intérieurs) dans des zones différentes définies pour des environnements présentant un danger d'explosion, décrite pour des zones où des poussières combustibles sont présentes  ou peuvent être présentes (CEI 60079-10-2) et pour des atmosphères explosives gazeuses (CEI 60079-10-1);
- les procédures de qualification de type et de certification des GRVS, incluant l'utilisation sûre des revêtements protecteurs intérieurs.
Les exigences de la présente norme sont applicables à tous les types de GRVS et de revêtements protecteurs intérieurs, testés dans leurs conditions de fabrication, avant utilisation, et destinés à être utilisés dans des atmosphères explosives dangereuses: zones 1 et 2 (Groupes IIA & IIB seulement) et zones 21 & 22. Pour certains types de GRVS, les exigences de la présente norme s'appliquent uniquement à une utilisation dans des atmosphères explosives dangereuses avec une énergie d'allumage minimale de 0,14 mJ ou plus et où les courants de charge ne dépassent pas 3,0 μA. La conformité avec les exigences spécifiées dans la présente norme ne garantit pas nécessairement que des décharges électrostatiques dangereuses, par exemple des décharges de cônes, ne seront pas générées par le contenu des GRVS. La conformité avec les exigences de la présente norme ne réduit pas la nécessité d'une évaluation complète des risques. Par exemple les poudres conductrices et les poudres de toner peuvent nécessiter des précautions supplémentaires pour empêcher des décharges dangereuses des poudres. Les méthodes d'essai comprises dans la présente norme peuvent être utilisées en association avec d'autres exigences de performance; par exemple lorsqu'une évaluation des risques a montré que l'énergie d'allumage minimale concernée est inférieure à 0,14 mJ, que des courants de charge sont supérieurs à 3,0 μA ou que les conditions ambiantes sont à l'extérieur de la plage spécifiée par la présente norme. La conformité avec les exigences spécifiées dans la présente norme ne garantit pas nécessairement que des chocs électriques sur le personnel ne se produiront pas à partir du GRVS au cours d'une utilisation normale. Cette seconde édition annule et remplace la première édition, publiée en 2005, et elle en constitue une révision technique. Les principales modifications par rapport à la première édition sont énumérées ci-dessous:
a) Adoption du système de classification des GRVS basé sur quatre types: A, B, C et D.
b) Des conseils sont ajoutés pour l'utilisation sûre de GRVS par rapport aux secteurs dangereux et des zones dangereuses définies dans la CEI 60079-10-1 et IEC 60079-10-2.
c) La résistance aux points de mise à la terre et des mesures de tension de claquage électrique sur GRVS sera mesurée seulement lors de f

Elektrostatika - 4-4. del: Standardne preskusne metode za posebne aplikacije - Elektrostatična razvrstitev prožnih vmesnih vsebnikov (FIBC)

Ta del standarda IEC 61340 določa zahteve za prožne vmesne vsebnike (FIBC) s prostornino med 0,25 m3 in 3 m3 za uporabo v nevarnih eksplozivnih atmosferah. Eksplozivna atmosfera lahko nastane zaradi vsebine v prožnih vmesnih vsebnikih ali pa obstaja zunaj prožnih vmesnih vsebnikov. Zahteve vključujejo: – razvrstitev in označevanje prožnih vmesnih vsebnikov; – razvrstitev notranjih oblog; – specifikacijo preskusnih metod za vsako vrsto prožnih vmesnih vsebnikov in notranjih oblog; – varno uporabo prožnih vmesnih vsebnikov (tudi tistih z notranjimi oblogami) v različnih conah, opredeljenih za eksplozijsko ogroženo okolje, za območja, kjer je ali je lahko prisoten gorljiv prah (IEC 60079-10-2), ter za eksplozivne plinske atmosfere (IEC 60079-10-1); – postopke za kvalifikacijo in certificiranje vrst prožnih vmesnih vsebnikov, vključno z varno uporabo notranjih oblog. Zahteve tega standarda se uporabljajo za vse vrste prožnih vmesnih vsebnikov in notranjih oblog, ki so bili pred uporabo preizkušeni v takšni obliki, kot so bili izdelani, za uporabo v nevarnih eksplozivnih atmosferah: coni 1 in 2 (samo skupini IIA in IIB) ter coni 21 in 22 (glejte dodatek D za razvrstitev nevarnih območij in eksplozijskih skupin). Za nekatere vrste prožnih vmesnih vsebnikov se zahteve tega standarda nanašajo le na uporabo v nevarnih eksplozivnih atmosferah z najmanjšo vžigno energijo 0,14 mJ ali več, v katerih napajalni tokovi ne presegajo 3,0 μA. Skladnost z zahtevami iz tega standarda morda ne zagotavlja, da vsebina v prožnih vmesnih vsebnikih ne bo povzročila nevarnih elektrostatičnih razelektritev, npr. razelektritve nakopičenega prahu. Informacije o tveganjih, povezanih z razelektritvijo nakopičenega prahu, so v dodatku E. Skladnost z zahtevami tega standarda ne zmanjšuje potrebe po oceni celotnega tveganja. Kovinski in drug prevodni prah ter prah za tonerje lahko na primer zahteva dodatne preventivne ukrepe za preprečevanje nevarnih razelektritev prahu. Preskusne metode iz tega standarda se lahko uporabljajo z drugimi zahtevami glede zmogljivosti, na primer če v okviru ocene tveganja dobimo najmanjšo energijo vžiga, nižjo od 0,14 mJ, če so napajalni tokovi višji od 3,0 μA ali okoljski pogoji niso zajeti v tem standardu. Skladnost z zahtevami iz tega standarda morda ne zagotavlja, da med običajno uporabo prožnih vmesnih vsebnikov ne bo prišlo do električnih udarov osebja.

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 10-Apr-2012
• Withdrawal Date: 12-Apr-2021
• ICS: 17.220.99 - Other standards related to electricity and magnetism
• ICS: 55.180.99 - Other standards related to freight distribution of goods
• Technical Committee: I09 - Imaginarni 09
• Current Stage: 9900 - Withdrawal (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 26-Mar-2021
• Due Date: 18-Apr-2021
• Completion Date: 13-Apr-2021
• Ref Project: EN 61340-4-4:2012 - Electrostatics - Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC)

Relations

• Revised: SIST EN 61340-4-4:2006 - Electrostatics -- Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC)
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2010
• Amended By: SIST EN 61340-4-4:2012/A1:2015 - Electrostatics -- Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC) (IEC 61340-4-4:2012/A1:2014)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2023
• Replaced By: SIST EN IEC 61340-4-4:2018 - Electrostatics - Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC) (IEC 61340-4-4:2018)
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2018
• Amended By: SIST EN 61340-4-4:2012/A1:2015 - Electrostatics -- Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC) (IEC 61340-4-4:2012/A1:2014)
• Effective Date: 07-Jun-2022
• Replaced By: SIST EN IEC 61340-4-4:2018 - Electrostatics - Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC) (IEC 61340-4-4:2018)
• Effective Date: 07-Jun-2022
• Amended By: SIST EN 61340-4-4:2012/A1:2015 - Electrostatics -- Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC) (IEC 61340-4-4:2012/A1:2014)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Revised: SIST EN 61340-4-4:2006 - Electrostatics -- Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC)
• Effective Date: 06-May-2014
• Revised: SIST EN IEC 61340-4-4:2018 - Electrostatics - Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC) (IEC 61340-4-4:2018)
• Effective Date: 23-Aug-2016
• Replaces: SIST EN 61340-4-4:2006 - Electrostatics -- Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC)
• Effective Date: 29-Jan-2023
• Replaces: SIST EN 61340-4-4:2006 - Electrostatics -- Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC)
• Effective Date: 07-Jun-2022

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN 61340-4-4:2012
01-maj-2012
(OHNWURVWDWLNDGHO6WDQGDUGQHSUHVNXVQHPHWRGH]DSRVHEQHDSOLNDFLMH
(OHNWURVWDWLþQDUD]YUVWLWHYSURåQLKYPHVQLKYVHEQLNRY),%&
Electrostatics - Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrostatic
classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC)
Elektrostatik - Teil 4-4: Normprüfverfahren für spezielle Anwendungen - Einordnung
flexibler Schüttgutbehälter (FIBC) in elektrostatischer Hinsicht
Electrostatique - Partie 4-4: Méthodes d'essai normalisées pour des applications
spécifiques - Classification électrostatique des grands récipients pour vrac souples
(GRVS)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 61340-4-4:2012
ICS:
17.220.99 Drugi standardi v zvezi z Other standards related to
elektriko in magnetizmom electricity and magnetism
55.180.99 Drugi standardi v zvezi z Other standards related to
distribucijo blaga s prevozom freight distribution of goods
SIST EN 61340-4-4:2012 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST EN 61340-4-4:2012

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SIST EN 61340-4-4:2012

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 61340-4-4

NORME EUROPÉENNE
March 2012
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

ICS 17.220.99; 29.020; 55.080 Supersedes EN 61340-4-4:2005


English version


Electrostatics -
Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications -
Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC)
(IEC 61340-4-4:2012)


Electrostatique -  Elektrostatik -
Partie 4-4: Méthodes d'essai normalisées Teil 4-4: Normprüfverfahren für spezielle
pour des applications spécifiques - Anwendungen -
Classification électrostatique des grands Einordnung flexibler Schüttgutbehälter
récipients pour vrac souples (GRVS) (FIBC) in elektrostatischer Hinsicht
(CEI 61340-4-4:2012) (IEC 61340-4-4:2012)





This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2012-02-22. CENELEC members are bound to comply
with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard
the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified
to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus,
the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels


© 2012 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 61340-4-4:2012 E

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SIST EN 61340-4-4:2012
EN 61340-4-4:2012 - 2 -
Foreword
The text of document 101/346/FDIS, future edition 2 of IEC 61340-4-4, prepared by IEC TC 101,
"Electrostatics" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as
EN 61340-4-4:2012.

The following dates are fixed:
(dop) 2012-11-22
• latest date by which the document has
to be implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
(dow) 2015-02-22
• latest date by which the national
standards conflicting with the
document have to be withdrawn

This document supersedes EN 61340-4-4:2005.
EN 61340-4-4:2012 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to EN 61340-4-
4:2005:
a) Adoption of a type classification system for FIBC based on four types: A, B, C and D.
b) Guidance for safe use of FIBC in relation to hazardous areas and hazardous zones defined in
EN 60079-10-1 and EN 60079-10-2 is added.
c) Resistance to groundable points and electrical breakdown voltage measurements on FIBC shall be
measured at low humidity only.
d) Requirements for labelling FIBC are changed to improve clarity and ease of recognition by end users.
e) Classification, performance requirements and guidance for safe use of inner liners in combination with
FIBC are added.
f) An informative annex giving guidance on test methods for quality control and inspection testing is
added.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61340-4-4:2012 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following note has to be added for the standard indicated:
IEC 61340-2-1 NOTE  Harmonized as EN 61340-2-1.

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SIST EN 61340-4-4:2012
- 3 - EN 61340-4-4:2012
Annex ZA
(normative)

Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications

The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

NOTE  When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD
applies.

Publication Year Title EN/HD Year

IEC 60079-10-1 - Explosive atmospheres - EN 60079-10-1 -
Part 10-1: Classification of areas - Explosive
gas atmospheres


IEC 60079-10-2 - Explosive atmospheres - EN 60079-10-2 -
Part 10-2: Classification of areas -
Combustible dust atmospheres


IEC 60243-1 1998 Electrical strength of insulating materials - EN 60243-1 1998
Test methods -
Part 1: Tests at power frequencies


IEC 60243-2 - Electric strength of insulating materials - Test EN 60243-2 -
methods -
Part 2: Additional requirements for tests using
direct voltage


IEC 60417 Data- Graphical symbols for use on equipment - -
base


IEC 61241-2-3 - Electrical apparatus for use in the presence of - -
combustible dust -
Part 2: Test methods - Section 3: Method for
determining minimum ignition energy of
dust/air mixtures


IEC 61340-2-3 - Electrostatics - EN 61340-2-3 -
Part 2-3: Methods of test for determining the
resistance and resistivity of solid planar
materials used to avoid electrostatic charge
accumulation


ISO 7000 2004 Graphical symbols for use on equipment - - -
Index and synopsis


ISO 21898 - Packaging - Flexible intermediate bulk EN ISO 21898 -
containers (FIBCs) for non-dangerous goods


ASTM E582 - Standard test method for minimum ignition - -
energy and quenching distance in gaseous
mixtures

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SIST EN 61340-4-4:2012

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SIST EN 61340-4-4:2012




IEC 61340-4-4

®


Edition 2.0 2012-01




INTERNATIONAL



STANDARD




NORME



INTERNATIONALE
colour

inside










Electrostatics –

Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications – Electrostatic

classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC)




Électrostatique –

Partie 4-4: Méthodes d'essai normalisées pour des applications spécifiques –


Classification électrostatique des grands récipients pour vrac souples (GRVS)













INTERNATIONAL

ELECTROTECHNICAL

COMMISSION


COMMISSION

ELECTROTECHNIQUE

PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE

CODE PRIX X


ICS 17.220.99; 29.020; 55.080 ISBN 978-2-88912-851-8



Warning! Make sure that you obtained this publication from an authorized distributor.

Attention! Veuillez vous assurer que vous avez obtenu cette publication via un distributeur agréé.

® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission
Marque déposée de la Commission Electrotechnique Internationale

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SIST EN 61340-4-4:2012
– 2 – 61340-4-4  IEC:2012
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Classification . 10
4.1 Principles of classification for FIBC . 10
4.1.1 Type A . 10
4.1.2 Type B . 10
4.1.3 Type C . 10
4.1.4 Type D . 10
4.2 Principles of classification and requirements for inner liners . 11
4.2.1 Surface resistivity measurements for inner liners . 11
4.2.2 Special cases . 11
4.2.3 Type L1 . 11
4.2.4 Type L2 . 11
4.2.5 Type L3 . 12
4.3 Combination of FIBC and inner liners . 12
5 Safe use of FIBC . 13
6 Labelling . 14
7 Requirements for FIBC . 17
7.1 General remarks. 17
7.2 Requirements for dust environments with ignition energies greater than 3 mJ
(apply to Type B FIBC, Type C FIBC and Type D FIBC) . 17
7.3 Requirements for vapour and gas atmospheres and for dust environments
with ignition energies of 3 mJ or less . 17
7.3.1 Type C FIBC . 17
7.3.2 Type D FIBC . 18
8 Atmosphere for conditioning, calibrating and testing . 18
8.1 Conditioning time . 18
8.2 Electrical breakdown voltage and resistance to groundable point testing . 18
8.3 Ignition testing . 18
9 Test procedures . 18
9.1 Electrical breakdown voltage . 18
9.2 Ignition testing . 19
9.2.1 Apparatus . 19
9.2.2 Establishing correct charging current . 26
9.2.3 Ignition tests . 26
9.3 Resistance to groundable point . 28
9.3.1 Apparatus . 28
9.3.2 Test procedure . 29
10 Report . 30
10.1 For all types of testing . 30
10.2 For electrical breakdown voltage testing . 31
10.3 For ignition testing . 31

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SIST EN 61340-4-4:2012
61340-4-4  IEC:2012 – 3 –
10.4 For resistance to groundable point testing . 31
10.5 For surface resistivity testing of inner liners . 31
10.6 For test reports issued by accredited testing authorities . 31
Annex A (normative) Electrical breakdown voltage – Typical voltage/time graphs . 33
Annex B (normative) Polypropylene pellets for ignition testing . 34
Annex C (informative) Guidance on test methods for manufacturing quality control . 35
Annex D (normative) Classification of hazardous areas and zones. 37
Annex E (informative) Risks associated with cone discharges . 38
Annex F (informative) Explanation for resistance and resistivity limits . 39
Bibliography . 40

Figure 1 – Example of a label for Type B FIBC . 15
Figure 2 – Example of a label for Type C FIBC . 15
Figure 3 – Example of a label for Type D FIBC . 16
Figure 4 – Example of a label for Type C FIBC designated earth bonding points . 16
Figure 5 – Ignition probe . 20
Figure 6 – Perforated metal plate for use in ignition probe . 21
Figure 7 – Gas control and mixing apparatus (schematic) . 22
Figure 8 – FIBC filling rig (schematic) . 24
Figure 9 – Corona charging unit (schematic) . 25
Figure A.1 – Example of voltage/time graph for material showing distinct breakdown . 33
Figure A.2 – Example of voltage/time graph for material showing reduction in rate of
voltage rise because of conduction within the test material . 33

Table 1 – Permissible configurations and requirements for Type L1 inner liners . 11
Table 2 – Permissible configurations and requirements for Type L2 inner liners . 12
Table 3 – Permissible configurations and requirements for Type L3 inner liners . 12
Table 4 – Use of different types of FIBC . 13
Table 5 – Inner liners and FIBC: combinations that are permissible and not permissible
in hazardous explosive atmospheres . 13
Table 6 – Volume concentrations of flammable gas mixture . 21
Table 7 – Example of full sample description to be included in test report . 32
Table B.1 – Particle size distribution of polypropylene pellets . 34
Table D.1 – Classification of hazardous areas in IEC 60079-10-1 and IEC 60079-10-2 . 37
Table D.2 – Classification of zones in IEC 60079-10-1 and IEC 60079-10-2 . 37

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SIST EN 61340-4-4:2012
– 4 – 61340-4-4  IEC:2012
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________

ELECTROSTATICS –

Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications –
Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC)


FOREWORD
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indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61340-4-4 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 101:
Electrostatics, in cooperation with ISO subcommittee 3: Performance requirements and tests
for means of packaging, packages and unit loads, of ISO technical committee 122: Packaging.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2005, and constitutes
a technical revision.
The main changes with respect to the first edition are listed below:
a) Adoption of a type classification system for FIBC based on four types: A, B, C and D.
b) Guidance for safe use of FIBC in relation to hazardous areas and hazardous zones
defined in IEC 60079-10-1 and IEC 60079-10-2 is added.
c) Resistance to groundable points and electrical breakdown voltage measurements on FIBC
shall be measured at low humidity only.

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d) Requirements for labelling FIBC are changed to improve clarity and ease of recognition by
end users.
e) Classification, performance requirements and guidance for safe use of inner liners in
combination with FIBC are added.
f) An informative annex giving guidance on test methods for quality control and inspection
testing is added.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
101/346/FDIS 101/353/RVD

Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 61340 series, published under the general title Electrostatics,
can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.

IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.

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INTRODUCTION
Flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC) are widely used for the storage, transportation
and handling of powdered, flaked or granular material. Typically, they are constructed from
3
woven polypropylene fabric in the form of cubic bags of about 1 m volume, although they can
3 3
vary in shape and in size from 0,25 m to 3 m . The fabric used may be a single layer, a
multi-layer laminate, or a coated fabric. Untreated polypropylene is an electrical insulator, as
is often the case with the products placed in FIBC. There is ample opportunity for the
generation of electrostatic charge during filling and emptying operations and in unprotected
FIBC high levels of charge can quickly build up. In such cases, electrostatic discharges are
inevitable and can be a severe problem when FIBC are used in hazardous explosive
atmospheres.
A hazardous explosive atmosphere can be generated when handling fine powders that create
dust clouds or thin layers of powder, both of which can be ignited by electrostatic discharges.
A hazardous explosive atmosphere can also be generated when using gases or volatile
solvents. In these industrial situations there is clearly a need to eliminate incendive
electrostatic discharges.
As with any industrial equipment, a thorough risk assessment should always be conducted
before using FIBC in potentially hazardous situations. This part of IEC 61340 describes a
system of classification, test methods, performance and design requirements and safe use
procedures that can be used by manufacturers, specifiers and end-users as part of a risk
assessment of any FIBC intended for use within a hazardous explosive atmosphere. However,
it does not include procedures for evaluating the specific risks of electrostatic discharges
arising from products within FIBC, e.g. cone discharges, from personnel or from equipment
used near FIBC. Information on risks associated with cone discharges is given in Annex E.
CAUTION: The test methods specified in this standard involve the use of high voltage power
supplies and flammable gases that may present hazards if handled incorrectly, particularly by
unqualified or inexperienced personnel. Users of this standard are encouraged to carry out
proper risk assessments and pay due regard to local regulations before undertaking any of
the test procedures.

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SIST EN 61340-4-4:2012
61340-4-4  IEC:2012 – 7 –
ELECTROSTATICS –

Part 4-4: Standard test methods for specific applications –
Electrostatic classification of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC)



1 Scope
This part of IEC 61340 specifies requirements for flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC)
3 3
between 0,25 m and 3 m in volume, intended for use in hazardous explosive atmospheres.
The explosive atmosphere may be created by the contents in the FIBC or may exist outside
the FIBC.
The requirements include:
− classification and labelling of FIBC;
− classification of inner liners;
− specification of test methods for each type of FIBC and inner liner;
− design and performance requirements for FIBC and inner liners;
− safe use of FIBC (including those with inner liners) within different zones defined for
explosion endangered environments, described for areas where combustible dusts are, or
may be, present (IEC 60079-10-2), and for explosive gas atmospheres (IEC 60079-10-1);
− procedures for type qualification and certification of FIBC, including the safe use of inner
liners.
NOTE 1 Guidance on test methods that may be used for manufacturing quality control is given in Annex C.
The requirements of this standard are applicable to all types of FIBC and inner liners, tested
as manufactured, prior to use and intended for use in hazardous explosive atmospheres:
Zones 1 and 2 (Groups IIA and IIB only) and Zones 21 and 22 (see Annex D for classification
of hazardous areas and explosion groups). For some types of FIBC, the requirements of this
standard apply only to use in hazardous explosive atmospheres with minimum ignition energy
of 0,14 mJ or greater and where charging currents do not exceed 3,0 µA.
NOTE 2 0,14 mJ is the minimum ignition energy of a typical Group IIB gas or vapour. Although more sensitive
materials exist, 0,14 mJ is the lowest minimum ignition energy of any material that is likely to be present when
FIBC are emptied. 3,0 µA is the highest charging current likely to be found in common industrial processes. This
combination of minimum ignition energy and charging current represents the most severe conditions that might be
expected in practice.
Compliance with the requirements specified in this standard does not necessarily ensure that
hazardous electrostatic discharges, e.g. cone discharges, will not be generated by the
contents in FIBC. Information on the risks associated with cone discharges is given in Annex
E.
Compliance with the requirements of this standard does not mitigate the need for full risk
assessment. For example, metal and other conductive powders and toner powders may
require additional precautions to prevent hazardous discharges from the powders.
NOTE 3 In the examples mentioned in the paragraph above, additional precautions may be necessary in the case
of metal or other conductive powder because if the powder is isolated and becomes charged, incendiary sparks
may occur, and in the case of toner powders, incendiary discharges may occur during rapid filling and emptying
1
operations. Future IEC/TS 60079-32 [1] gives guidance on additional precautions that may be necessary.
———————
1
 Figures in square brackets refer to the bibliography.

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