Why does metal spark?
Why does metal spark?
(OP)
If I am handling tools in a potentially explosive atmosphere, I must use tools that don't spark.
1) Why does metal spark? S
2) What metals are known for not sparking?
3) How do I test the sparking tendency of a new tool?
Thanks.
1) Why does metal spark? S
2) What metals are known for not sparking?
3) How do I test the sparking tendency of a new tool?
Thanks.





RE: Why does metal spark?
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The spark is mainly due to oxidation of a metal or one of it's constituents. There are relatively minor reasons for generating a spark when two materials come together with a little force.
RE: Why does metal spark?
I have a set of tools sitting on my desk. They are blue Crastsman combination wrenches. According to web, they are physical vapor depositied of some titanium. I have to run tests for safety in potentially hazardous environment, one of which would be sparking.
RE: Why does metal spark?
RE: Why does metal spark?
In my experience sparking occures where there is a static electric discharge or when two materials come togeather hard enough for a chip to be produced. If the resulting chip then contains enough energy that the chip eill react with the oxygen in the air and burn>
You might want to talk to the people at the fire department for some nuts and bolts help.
the devil is often in the details!
RE: Why does metal spark?
RE: Why does metal spark?
are available thru suppliers such as mcmaster-carr and grainger
RE: Why does metal spark?
One case is where something is painted with Aluminum and has been hot. An example that I used many times are where Cast iron steam traps and strainers are painted with Al paint. If you strike the surface of the painted component a glancing blow with a "non-sparking" tool the majority of the time it will create a spark due to the thermite reaction.
For a tool to be certified "spark resistant" it has to be approved by the Factory Mutual Research Corporation and marked as such. No other testing mitigates this approval. This is the only specific/approval (FM 7910) that satisfies all insurance requirements.
There are other specifications if the tool has to be "non-magnetic"
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RE: Why does metal spark?
Tools for your application must have FM approval.
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Plymouth Tube
RE: Why does metal spark?
RE: Why does metal spark?
RE: Why does metal spark?
The term "European ATEX Directive" I don't recognize. I work in the space exploration industry. The "potentially explosive atmosphere" in this case is if a hypergolic fluid leaks out to the air. If fuel/air mixture is right, it can ignite from a spark (mechanical impact, abrasive wear, static electricity).
RE: Why does metal spark?
RE: Why does metal spark?
RE: Why does metal spark?
RE: Why does metal spark?
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maybe it helps
Luis Marques
RE: Why does metal spark?
In applying it you will need to consider the differences in the ignition energy requirements between the fuels your dealing with and typical hydrocarbons. At the end of the day they found that non-sparking HANDTOOLS (Does not apply to handheld power tools) were unnecessary for most hydrocarbon applications, as the human body could not generate a spark of suffciient energy.
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