Electrostatic charging is one of the least understood and most difficult-to-control ignition sources in industrial processes involving powders and liquids. During pneumatic conveying, fueling, or other transport operations, static electricity can accumulate unexpectedly and trigger explosions, leading to injuries, fatalities, and major economic losses. Existing measurement technologies can only determine the average charge of a flowing powder and therefore fail to detect dangerous local charge concentrations.
The objective of the MefiX project was to advance a novel laser-based measurement technology developed in ERC-funded frontier research towards commercial application. MefiX is the first system capable of measuring the spatial distribution of electrostatic charge in turbulent powder flows under industrially relevant conditions. By identifying hidden regions of high electrostatic charge, the technology enables early detection of potential ignition sources and provides the basis for improved explosion prevention and safer industrial processes.
The project aimed to validate the technology under realistic operating conditions, increase its level of automation, strengthen its intellectual property position, and engage with industrial stakeholders to prepare future commercialization. In the long term, MefiX is expected to improve process safety across sectors such as the chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and energy industries while supporting the safe deployment of new industrial processes and energy technologies.
