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Hi all,
I seem to have a problem with static electricity in my ingredients. When I fill a bag with dip mix, the parsley or whatever creeps up the bag. (I can`t use anti-static bags for food products.) It makes it hard to heat seal. I was talking with someone about a filling machine, and I asked about static. He said that people use steel wool to remove the charge, but he wasn`t sure how. I`m wondering how this might work. Any ideas?
Have you tried using a humidifyer in the room?
Have you tried using a humidifyer in the room?
Yes, I have. I even have static in the summer when it is humid. Thanks though!
etreprenerd,
Static electricity is all around us from what I see you are dealing with a huge problem. I used to work in a Class 100 clean room.
Here is what you need to do, avoid a room that is carpeted and warm. Keep your tempeture settings at atmosphere temperatures. about 60 degrees should be good enough or perhaps a little colder like in the 50s. Static electricity is caused by heat and friction and avoid wearing wool items.. Buy yourself an anti-static gown.. I used to use anti-static buny suits.. like the Intel guys..
Then, make sure you run a metal strip on the floor and ground the table that you are working on. by drilling a hole on the metal plate or pipe and use a small electric cord cable and make a loop on both ends or to make it look professional add screw loops at the ends and bolt it to the metal plate. Then when you are about to start filling your bags, instead of just taking them out of the package put them on an anti-static Kanban (plastic containers) you can purchase these at any store that sells electronics supplies like FRY`s or try our friend Tracy from continental printing here on Start up she sells office supplies.
That should solve your problem.. but remember to replenish your KANBANS.. every night so when you are ready to work they are anti-static.
This is a simple approach instead of purchasing expensive machinery..
A metal strip or plate should run you for about 20-30 bucks and then use anti-static shoes if you can... (redwing footwear carries them)..
Just simple advise tell me if it works
Thanks guys. I may try some of your ideas. The only thing is, when I buy the filling machine, the auger inside of it is going to be stirring the ingredients and it won`t have anything to do with me wearing a wrist strap or special clothes. Also, there`s no way I can keep my house below 70. The kids would freeze. lol
Can anyone see why steel wool would help in a machine situation? I type "steel wool" & "static electricity" into Google and saw there were a lot of science experiments, so it must do something. I just need to study it I guess.
Thanks so much and Happy Thanksgiving to those of you in the US.
Dippity,
Steel Wool is non-conductive Meaning it can`t be charged, or used to discharge electricity. Steel wool is a bundle of strands of very fine steel filaments. Mostly used in Carpentry, woodworks, laquer refinishing, and of course Clean the sink.. Are you sure you want to get those particles into your bags?
Oh come on... 70 is not cold... I come from NY where Temeratures go down to 20 or 10 Below Zero... 70 Is an Indian Summer...
Your best bet is to ground your equipment or use anti-staic spray... Or better they Here is a better idea ... Use Food Quality Silicone Spray to reduce friction. I seen people using it when cutting meat, poultry and vegetables.. perhaps you may want to wrap your table with an Anti-Static sheet or eve an WAX SHEET...
Thanks. I don`t think the steel wool comes in contact with the bags or ingredients, otherwise food manufacturers wouldn`t use it. Of course I don`t want steel wool in my product. It`s just that the guy who was teaching me about filling machines said that that is what a lot of the other manufacturers use, and I was hoping someone on here would know how.
You said keeping the environment in the 60`s or 50`s would be best. I was just saying that with 2 children under 5 who sleep without blankets, we can`t have the temp below 70. I know 70 isn`t cold. I live in NH.
Thanks for the tips. I`ll look into those ideas for sure. Happy Thanksgiving!
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