Russia Develops Static Electricity Monitoring System

Engineers from Novosibirsk and Perm have unveiled an innovative system for measuring static electricity at industrial facilities. Its main advantages are unprecedented safety, high measurement accuracy, and a much lower cost compared with existing solutions.

Fiber-Optic Sensors Require No Electric Current

Static electricity poses a serious risk across many industries. Electrostatic discharges can trigger ignition, leading to fires and explosions. They account for up to half of all explosions in the petrochemical sector and for the vast majority of incidents in rubber manufacturing. The new system enables continuous monitoring of static voltage levels, helping prevent accidents and protect sensitive equipment.

At the core of the development is the use of fiber-optic sensors. Unlike conventional electrical sensors, they do not require electric current to be supplied to the monitoring zone, according to TASS.

This design makes the system well suited for use in explosive environments. In addition, fiber optics are immune to electromagnetic interference, a critical advantage in industrial workshops filled with high-powered machinery.

Moving Toward Mass Production

The system’s low cost opens the door to large-scale deployment.

While comparable systems can cost up to 10 million rubles (about $120,000), the Russian solution makes the technology affordable even for small manufacturing facilities and municipal housing and utilities operators.

Deploying such intelligent monitoring systems enables a shift toward predictive maintenance, allowing operators to prevent failures before they occur. This approach not only improves safety but also reduces operational costs and resource consumption.

The development is expected to attract interest from global industry, offering a cost-effective and reliable approach to improving industrial safety.