Antistatic filter fabric for ATEX hazardous areas

Common Problem

Antistatic / ATEX Compliance

Electrostatic charge buildup in filter fabrics can ignite explosive dust atmospheres and solvent vapours. Antistatic fabrics with conductive fibres provide permanent ESD protection for ATEX-classified environments.

The Problem

Filter fabrics are made from synthetic polymers — polypropylene, polyester, polyamide — which are excellent electrical insulators. During filtration, the movement of slurry, dry powder, or air across the fabric surface generates triboelectric charge. This charge accumulates on the fabric surface with no path to ground.

In environments with combustible dust (cement, flour, sugar, pharmaceutical powders) or flammable vapours (solvents, alcohols), this accumulated static charge can discharge as a spark — providing the ignition source for a dust explosion or flash fire. ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU requires that all equipment in classified hazardous zones, including filter fabrics, must be designed to prevent electrostatic ignition.

Standard antistatic sprays or surface treatments wear off during operation and washing. A permanent solution requires conductive elements integrated into the fabric structure itself.

Risk Scenarios

Dust explosions in cement, flour, sugar, and starch processing
Solvent vapour ignition in pharmaceutical and chemical filtration
Flash fires in powder conveying (air slides, fluid bed systems)
Static discharge during dry filter cake handling and bagging
Brush discharge from charged fabric surfaces in enclosed vessels
Propagating brush discharge on large-area filter cloths (>0.1 m²)

R+F Antistatic Solutions

Permanent electrostatic protection integrated into the fabric structure — not a surface coating that washes off.

Conductive Fibre Grid

Stainless steel or carbon fibres woven into the fabric in a regular grid pattern. Provides continuous charge dissipation across the entire cloth surface to ground.

ATEX Zone 1/21 Compliance

Fabrics tested and certified for use in ATEX Zone 1 (gas) and Zone 21 (dust) environments. Surface resistance < 10⁹ Ω per EN 1149-1.

Permanent Protection

Conductive fibres are an integral part of the weave — they cannot wash off, wear away, or lose effectiveness. Protection for the full lifetime of the cloth.

Grounding Integration

We specify grounding tab positions and connection methods for your specific machine. Ensures the conductive grid is properly earthed in operation.

Full Filtration Performance

Antistatic properties do not compromise filtration performance. Permeability, retention, and cake release remain identical to non-antistatic versions.