1 The FPA © Method for Analysis of Static Electricity Risks

Abstract — The FPA © (Failure Point Analysis) method, was developed to handle the static electricity phenomenon in various branches of industry. It is a multi-disciplinary work tool that is aimed at three levels: 1) “Future”, predicting ignition risks or disruption of electronic systems; 2) “Present”, Location & identification of situations and system elements that may potentially be harmed; 3) “Past”, failure analysis in equipment and systems. The method combines scientific knowledge & data with laboratory testing tools, and over 25 years of practical experience in handling risks and disruptions caused by static electricity in both R&D and pro-duction facilities. The application of the FPA © method in the process industry is presented for the “Present ” level, emphasizing the analysis and synthesis of data, leading from the very beginning step in existing chemical plant to the end step of the conclusions about the most appropriate measures to be implemented, in order to achieve elimination or minimization of the possibility for electrostatic ignition. I