Elimination of Electrostatic Charging in Punctured Aerosol Cans

A hazard situation during normal can-filling operations on pressure-packed container products is described. Under certain conditions and with certain products, accidental damage to the container resulted in charge separation between the container and the product being expelled under pressure. The cause of electrostatic charge separation was investigated, together with identification of the product component responsible for the charging. Methods of eliminating the charging are detailed, and various additives which were capable of maintaining the charging to acceptable levels were isolated. Recommendations for safe plant operation, in terms of electrostatic charging of damaged cans, completes the investigation.