Electrostatic discharge mitigation device and fluid circuit

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an electrostatic discharge mitigation device and a fluid circuit. In one or more embodiments, the electrostatic discharge mitigation device is a conductive insert to transfer electrostatic charge from a conductive polymer tubing to a conductive polymer operational component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation devices that can be used in fluid handling systems (for example), and more specifically to electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation devices for use in ultrapure fluid handling systems that benefit from ESD mitigation. Background Technology

[0002] Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a significant technical issue for fluid handling systems in the semiconductor industry and other technological applications. Frictional contact between fluids in a fluid system and the surfaces of various operating components (e.g., pipes or tubing, valves, fittings, filters, etc.) can lead to the generation and accumulation of static charge. The extent of charge generation depends on various factors, including but not limited to the nature of the components and fluids, fluid velocity, fluid viscosity, fluid conductivity, path to ground, disturbances and shear in the liquid, the presence of air in the fluid, and surface area. These properties and methods for mitigating unwanted static charge resulting from them are discussed and reported in NFPA 77, “Recommended Practice on Static Electricity” (pp. 77-1 to 77-67, 2014).

[0003] Furthermore, as fluid flows through the system, charge can be carried downstream in a phenomenon known as flow charge transport, where charge can accumulate outside the point of origin. Sufficient charge accumulation at various process steps can lead to ESD (electrostatic discharge) at pipes or walls, component surfaces, or even on the substrate or wafer.

[0004] In some applications, semiconductor substrates or wafers are highly sensitive to static charge, and this ESD can cause damage or destruction to the substrate or wafer. For example, because ESD is uncontrolled, circuitry on the substrate may be damaged, and photosensitive compounds may be activated before scheduled exposure. Additionally, accumulated static charge can be released from the fluid handling system into the external environment, potentially damaging components within the system (e.g., pipes or tubing, fittings, components, containers, filters, etc.), leading to leaks, fluid spills, and reduced component performance. In these scenarios, this discharge can cause potential fires or explosions when flammable, toxic, and / or corrosive fluids are used in a damaged fluid handling system.

[0005] Typically, a weak point in an electrical system is the integrity of the grounding. In some fluid handling systems, specific metal or conductive components are grounded to mitigate static charge buildup, as static charge is constantly dispersed from these components to the ground. In some systems, conductive cable ties or "cable ties" made of conductive polymers are sometimes used to connect components to the ground. These polymer cable ties are susceptible to creep, movement, damage, environmental effects or susceptibility, degradation, abrasion, etc., and have many drawbacks in practice.

[0006] The aim is to improve ESD mitigation and grounding devices used in ultrapure fluid handling systems, thereby enhancing component reliability, stability, performance, and reducing the likelihood of damaging ESD events. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One or more embodiments of this disclosure relate to electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation devices. Specifically, embodiments are directed to an ESD mitigation device including a conductive insert to transfer static charge from a conductive polymer conduit to a conductive polymer operating assembly to facilitate grounding of the fluid loop.

[0008] Some embodiments of this disclosure include a pipe connector for connecting two or more conductive pipe segments in a fluid circuit, the pipe connector comprising: a conductive polymer connector body having two or more attachment portions; two or more attachment fittings; a conductive polymer insert electrically contacting the conductive connector body; and a conductive bracket configured to attach to and interface with the connector body to electrically connect the connector body to ground.

[0009] In various embodiments of the pipe connector, the pipe connector includes a straight connector, a T-connector, or an elbow connector. In a particular embodiment of the pipe connector, the pipe connector is a straight connector having a fluid passage for connecting two pipe segments. In a particular embodiment of the pipe connector, the pipe connector is an elbow connector having a fluid passage for connecting two pipe segments. In a particular embodiment of the pipe connector, the pipe connector is a T-connector having a fluid passage for connecting three pipe segments. In a particular embodiment of the pipe connector, the connector body attachment portion includes a threaded area and a connector area to receive pipe segments. In a particular embodiment of the pipe connector, the attachment fitting includes a clamping nut to attach the pipe segments to the threaded and connector areas of the pipe connector.

[0010] Some embodiments of this disclosure include a fluid loop for a predetermined fluid flow path having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the fluid loop comprising:

[0011] a. Multiple conductive polymer pipe segments;

[0012] b. A plurality of conductive polymer pipe connectors, each pipe connector comprising a connector body having an internal fluid flow path and a plurality of pipe connector fittings and conductive inserts, the pipe connectors connecting the plurality of pipe segments at selected pipe connector fittings and conductive inserts, the plurality of pipe segments and pipe connectors providing the fluid flow path through the fluid loop; and

[0013] c. At least one conductive bracket configured to hold the connector body and interface with the connector body to electrically connect the conduit connector to ground.

[0014] Another embodiment of this disclosure is an electrostatic discharge mitigation fluid path that includes a conductive polymer insert to transfer static charge from a conductive polymer conduit to a conductive polymer operating component.

[0015] Another embodiment of this disclosure is a conductive fluid circuit that includes a conductive polymer conduit for dissipating static charge to a grounded conductive polymer conduit, a conductive polymer operating assembly, a conductive polymer insert, and a conductive bracket.

[0016] This disclosure further describes embodiments of a method for fabricating an electrostatic discharge mitigation fluid path having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the method comprising: a) connecting a plurality of conductive polymer pipe segments to a plurality of operating components, each operating component including a conductive polymer body portion having an internal fluid flow path and a plurality of pipe connector fittings and conductive polymer inserts, the operating components connecting the plurality of conductive pipe segments at selected pipe connector fittings, the plurality of pipe segments and the operating components providing the fluid flow path through the fluid loop; wherein each conductive insert and conductive body portion comprises a conductive fluoropolymer, and wherein each of the pipe connector fittings conductively connects a corresponding conductor of the body portion to the conductive insert; and b) connecting the electrostatic discharge mitigation fluid loop to ground.

[0017] The above description of the invention is not intended to depict every illustrated embodiment or every implementation of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The drawings contained herein illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings are merely illustrative of specific embodiments and do not limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the conductive insert according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2This is a side view of a conductive insert according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 3a This is a cross-sectional view of a conductive connector having a conductive conduit and a conductive insert according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 3b This is a cross-sectional view of a conductive connector having a conductive conduit and a conductive insert according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a conductive connector having a conductive conduit and a conductive insert according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 5 This is an isometric view of an ESD mitigation conduit connector having a conductive insert (not shown) and a conductive bracket for grounding the polymer conductive body, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 6 According to various embodiments of this disclosure Figure 4 Exploded view of the alternative ESD mitigation pipe connector.

[0026] Figure 7 These are digital images of various ESD mitigation conduit connectors and conductive conduits that can be used with conductive inserts in various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 8 It is an alternative ESD mitigation conduit connector according to various embodiments that can be used with conductive inserts of various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 9 It is another alternative ESD mitigation conduit connector according to various embodiments, which can be used with the conductive inserts of various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 10 It is another alternative ESD mitigation device that can be used with the conductive inserts of the various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 11 It is a fluid handling system that can be used with the conductive inserts of various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0031] The embodiments of this disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternatives, and specific details have been shown (for example) in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described; it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The detailed description and drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The depicted illustrative embodiments are intended to be exemplary only. Selected features of any illustrative embodiment may be incorporated into additional embodiments unless clearly stated otherwise.

[0033] This disclosure provides embodiments of electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation devices for use with fluid handling systems having fluid flow paths from a fluid supply to one or more downstream process stages. Embodiments of this system include a fluid loop comprising electrically connected operating components and ESD mitigation piping sections. For example, conventional and several ESD mitigation fluid loops are reported in International Patent Application WO 2017 / 210293, which is incorporated herein by reference, except for the express definitions or patent claims contained therein. Other ESD mitigation fluid loops are reported, for example, in the Integrant Handbook's FLUOROLINE electrostatic (ESD) piping (2015–2017). Other U.S. patent applications owned by the applicant (both U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 287,847, filed February 27, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 851,667,783, filed May 23, 2019, are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0034] Figure 1 The illustration shows an embodiment of the conductive insert 1 of this disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a side view of the conductive insert 1. The conductive insert is formed by a collar 200 of conductive material. The collar 200 forming the conductive insert 1 has a length l, an inner surface 1b defining an inner diameter, and an outer surface 1a defining an outer diameter, such that the collar 200 can be coupled to a conductive conduit segment and then to a conductive operating component for an electrical connection therebetween, allowing charge to be transferred from the conduit segment to the conductive component and ultimately to ground. The collar 200 can have any suitable length to allow the conductive insert to be securely connected to both the conductive conduit segment and the conductive operating component. The outer diameter of the collar 200 forming the conductive insert 1 is sized such that a first portion of the conductive insert 1 frictionally engages with the interior of the conductive conduit, and a second portion of the conductive insert 1 interfaces with the conductive operating component, thereby providing a leak-proof connection when connecting the conductive conduit segment to the conductive operating component. In some cases, such as... Figure 1As depicted in the illustrative embodiments, the outer surface 1a of the collar forming the conductive insert 1 may include a plurality of raised ribs 2 evenly distributed around the outer circumference of the collar 200 forming the conductive insert 1. The ribs 2 provide concentrated contact points when at least a portion of the conductive insert is received within a conductive operating assembly. Additionally, as... Figure 1 As shown, the conductive insert 1 includes a ridge 3 externally attached to the outer surface 1a of the collar 200. The ridge 3 has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the conductive conduit to which it is connected. This ridge 3 helps facilitate the connection between the conductive insert 1 and the conduit (e.g., respectively in…). Figure 3a and 3b The diagram shows a robust frictional fit between pipes 50a and 50b. The inner surface 1b defines the inner diameter of the conductive insert 1, which is sized to engage with the connection portion of the conductive operating assembly. This connection portion also provides a leak-proof frictional fit when connecting the conductive pipes to the conductive operating assembly.

[0035] Figure 3a This is a cross-sectional view of a conductive connector 40a coupled to a conductive conduit segment 50a and a conductive insert 60a. The conductive insert 60a has many of the features described herein. Figure 1 and 2 It has the same features as the conductive insert 1 shown in the figure. Figure 3a The diagram illustrates the frictional fit between the conductive conduit segment 50a and the ridge 30a provided on the outer surface 70a of the conductive insert 60a, and the frictional fit between the inner surface 70b of the conductive insert and the connection portion of the conductive operating assembly. Additionally, in cases such as... Figure 3a In some embodiments shown, the conductive insert 60a may include a lip 90 that defines a space between the inner surface 90a of the lip 90 and the outer surface 70a of the conductive insert 60a, the space being sized to receive and hold the end 80a of the conductive conduit segment 50a coupled to the conductive insert 60a.

[0036] Figure 3b This is a cross-sectional view of the conductive connector 40b coupled to the conductive conduit segment 50b and the conductive insert 60b. The conductive insert 60b has many of the features described herein. Figure 1 and 2 It has the same features as the conductive insert 1 shown in the figure, which includes a ridge 30b. Figure 3bThe illustration depicts the desired frictional engagement between the conductive conduit segment 50b, facilitated by the ridge member 30b, and the outer surface 100a of the conductive insert 60b, as well as the desired frictional engagement between the inner surface 100b of the conductive insert 60b and the connection portion of the conductive operating assembly 40b. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner diameters of the conductive conduit 50b and the conductive insert 60b are approximately the same. Furthermore, the distal end 110 of the conductive insert 60b is sized and shaped such that a first leading edge 110a can be received within a recess 120 of the conductive connector 40b, and a second leading edge 110b abuts the proximal end 122 of the connector 40b, thereby forming a tongue-and-groove seal.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a conductive connector 7 having a conductive conduit 8 and a conductive insert 9, according to another embodiment. Figure 4 Further illustrations of systems including a connecting nut 10 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the connecting nut 10 providing a conductive conduit and a conductive insert and a desired secure, leak-proof connection to a conductive connector.

[0038] The materials used to fabricate the conductive inserts as described herein, according to various embodiments, are substantially inert to solvents, acid solutions, alkaline solutions, or mixtures thereof. These solvents include, but are not limited to, cyclohexanone, isopropanol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, n-butanol, octane, acetone, heptane, hexane, or mixtures thereof. Various materials can be used to fabricate conductive inserts comprising both inherently conductive polymers, conductive-filled polymers, and metallic materials. Exemplary conductive-filled polymers include conductive-filled fluoropolymers comprising perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA) and polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE). The fluoropolymer may be filled with carbon fibers, nickel-plated graphite, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, graphene, or mixtures thereof. In some cases, PFA may be filled with metal particles or steel fibers as a supplement to or alternative to carbon materials. In one embodiment, conductive insert 1 is made of PFA filled with carbon fibers.

[0039] For example, suitable conductive metallic materials include stainless steel, titanium, nickel, or alloys thereof, or mixtures thereof. Exemplary commercially available metallic materials include (for example) or Used to refer to various nickel-molybdenum alloys Used to refer to a series of austenitic nickel-chromium-based high-temperature alloys. It refers to a group of nickel alloys that are mainly composed of nickel and copper, as well as small amounts of iron, manganese, carbon and silicon.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various manufacturing processes that can be used to produce conductive inserts include, but are not limited to, molding, casting, or machining processes.

[0041] Figure 5 This is an isometric view of an ESD mitigation conduit connector 11 having a conductive insert (not shown) and a conductive bracket 12 for grounding the polymer conductive connector. The conductive bracket 12 in this figure is a substantially polygonal (e.g., multifaceted) conductive bracket. The conductive bracket 12 may also represent at least a portion of an ESD grounding strip. Figure 5 The illustration also shows a first clamping nut 13, which is a circular clamping nut. In this embodiment, the first clamping nut 13 may be a similar and / or mirror image of a second clamping nut 14, as shown. In various embodiments, clamping nuts 13, 14 may include an internal portion of a female thread configured to threadedly engage with a male thread (not shown).

[0042] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the ESD mitigation pipe connector 11. Figure 6 The illustration shows that the first clamping nut 13 is a circular clamping nut or an attachment for a threaded connector. In this embodiment, the first clamping nut 13 may be a similar and / or mirror image of the second clamping nut 14, as shown. In various embodiments, clamping nuts 13, 14 may each include an internal female thread portion configured to threadedly engage with male threads 15, 16. Figure 6 The illustration also illustrates that the first and second clamping nuts or attached threaded connector fittings 13, 14 include one or more hollow sections (which include "cores"). In various embodiments, core extraction of various components can be beneficial, especially in large-scale embodiments, and can improve molding characteristics and / or include material savings and the like. Figure 6 Further illustrations are provided for conductive inserts 17 and 18, conductive grounding bracket 19, and grounding screws and nuts 20a and 20b. The conductive bracket 19 includes a clamping portion that interfaces with and selectively tightens to attach the bracket to the connector body.

[0043] Figure 7 Is it possible to be like this? Figure 6 Digital images of different ESD mitigation conduit connectors and conductive conduits used with conductive inserts illustrated in various embodiments of this disclosure. These digital images illustrate three types of alternative connectors: a straight connector 21, a T-connector 22, and an elbow connector 23. Figure 7 This indicates only three possible connector instance shapes and types, although many other variations are also contemplated in this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 8 Is it possible to be like this? Figure 6 And alternative ESD mitigation conduit connectors used in conjunction with the conductive inserts illustrated in the various embodiments of this disclosure. For example... Figure 8As shown, the pipe connector is an elbow connector 24 with a fluid passage for connecting two pipe segments (not shown). The pipe connector 24 is similar in configuration and function to a straight pipe connector, but the polymer connector conductive body has a bend at a specific angle (e.g., 90°), as shown. As shown, one or more gate pads 25 are included on the polymer connector conductive body. The gate pads 25 can be used to trim the gates of various molded parts. Trimming can be done by hand cutting, by machine, or any other suitable technique.

[0045] Figure 9 Is it possible to be like this? Figure 6 This also includes an alternative ESD mitigation conduit connector used in conjunction with the conductive inserts illustrated in the various embodiments of this disclosure. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the pipe connector is a T-shaped connector 26 with fluid passages to connect three pipe segments (not shown). The pipe connector is similar in configuration and function to straight and elbow pipe connectors, but the polymer connector conductive body has a T-shaped tee connector with internal cross points, as shown. The third attachment portion includes a third attachment threaded connector. As shown, one or more gate washers 27 are included on the polymer connector conductive body. Gate washers 27 can be used to trim the gates of various molded parts. Trimming can be done by hand cutting, by machine, or any other suitable technique.

[0046] Figure 10 Is it possible to be like this? Figure 6 This is an alternative ESD mitigation device used in conjunction with the conductive inserts illustrated in the various embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 10 Valve 28 is depicted. Valve 28 includes a conductive body portion and two connector fittings extending outward from the body portion. In a particular embodiment, the outer surface of the clamping nut or the attached connector fitting includes a structural surface 29.

[0047] Several types of connector fittings are contemplated herein as being made of various polymers that are available and known, such as Accessories, Accessories, Accessories, flared accessories, and other accessories. For example, exemplary accessories are illustrated in U.S. Patents Nos. 5,154,453, 6,409,222, 6,412,832, 6,601,879, 6,758,104, and 6,776,440, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0048] Figure 11The diagram illustrates a fluid loop or fluid handling system disclosed for a predetermined fluid flow path having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. In this embodiment, the fluid handling system 150 provides a flow path for fluid to flow from a fluid supplier 152 to one or more process stages 156 located downstream of the fluid supply source. The system 150 includes a fluid loop 160, which comprises a portion of the flow path of the fluid handling system 150. The fluid loop 160 includes a piping segment 164 and a plurality of operating components 168 interconnected via the piping segment 164. Figure 11In this embodiment, the operating component 168 includes an elbow fitting 170, a T-fitting 172, a valve 174, a filter 176, a flow sensor 178, and a straight fitting 179. However, in various embodiments, the fluid circuit 160 may include additional operating components 168 or fewer operating components 168 in number and type. For example, the fluid circuit 160 may replace or additionally include pumps, mixers, applicators, nozzles, pressure regulators, flow controllers, or other types of operating components. During assembly, the operating components 168 are connected together by a plurality of pipe segments 164 connected to the component 168 at their respective pipe connector fittings 186. The plurality of pipe segments 164 and the operating components 168 are connected together to provide a fluid passage through the fluid circuit 160 from the fluid supplier 152 toward the process stage 156. In a particular embodiment, each operating component 168 includes a body portion 182 defining a fluid flow passage and one or more pipe connector fittings 186. In some embodiments, at least one of the pipe connector fittings 186 is an inlet portion for receiving fluid into the body portion 182, and at least another of the pipe connector fittings 186 is an outlet portion for discharging the fluid received via the inlet portion. For example, a T-fitting 172 includes one pipe connector fitting 186 (which is an inlet portion for receiving fluid from the fluid supply 152) and two pipe connector fittings 186 (which are outlet portions for discharging fluid toward process stage 156). In certain embodiments, the inlet and outlet portions are each connected to or connectable to a pipe segment 164. However, in some embodiments, where, for example, the operating component 168 in the fluid loop 160 includes a nozzle, only the inlet portion needs to be connectable to the pipe segment 164. In some embodiments, one or more of the operating components 168 include a single pipe connector or fitting 179. In this embodiment, each body portion 182 is additionally constructed using a conductive material to form a conductor portion extending between the pipe connector fittings 186 and providing a conductive path between each of the pipe connector fittings 186. In various embodiments, the conductive path is coupled to and unified with the body portion 182 and is constructed of a conductive polymeric material. For example, in some embodiments, the conductor portion is constructed of PFA loaded together with the conductive material. This loaded PFA includes, but is not limited to, PFA loaded together with carbon fiber, nickel-plated graphite, carbon fiber, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, metal particles, and steel fibers. In various embodiments, the operating component in this disclosure refers to any component or device having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and connected to a conduit for guiding or providing fluid flow. Examples of operating components include, but are not limited to, fittings, valves, filters, heat exchangers, sensors, pumps, mixers, nozzles, and applicators.For example, these and additional non-limiting examples of operating components are illustrated in U.S. Patents Nos. 5,672,832, 5,678,435, 5,869,766, 6,412,832, 6,601,879, 6,595,240, 6,612,175, 6,652,008, 6,758,104, 6,789,781, 7,063,304, 7,308,932, 7,383,967, 8,561,855, 8,689,817, and 8,726,935, each of which is incorporated herein by reference except for the express definitions or patent claims contained in the listed documents.

[0049] The operating components may be constructed from conductive fluoropolymers comprising, for example, perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene polymer (ETFE), ethylene, tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene polymer (EFEP), fluorinated ethylene propylene polymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene polymer (PTFE), or other suitable polymers. For example, in some embodiments, the conductive fluoropolymer is a PFA loaded with a conductive material (e.g., loaded PFA). This loaded PFA includes, but is not limited to, PFA loaded with carbon fibers, nickel-plated graphite, carbon fibers, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, metal particles, and steel fibers. In various embodiments, the conductive material has a density of less than about 1 × 10⁻⁶. 8 The surface resistivity level is ohms per square kilometer, while non-conductive materials have a resistivity greater than approximately 1 × 10⁻⁶. 10 The surface resistivity level in ohms per square meter. In a particular embodiment, the conductive material has a resistivity of less than about 1 × 10⁻⁶. 9 The surface resistivity level is ohms per square kilometer, while non-conductive materials have a resistivity greater than approximately 1 × 10⁻⁶. 9 Surface resistivity level in ohms per square meter. When the disclosed fluid handling system is configured for use in ultrapure fluid handling applications, both the piping sections and operating components are typically constructed of polymeric materials to meet purity and corrosion resistance standards.

[0050] In various embodiments, the pipe segment in this disclosure generally refers to any flexible or non-flexible tube or pipe suitable for containing or transporting fluids. The pipe segment is conductive, thereby providing a conductive path along the length of each pipe segment in the fluid loop. The conductive conduit may be constructed of a material comprising metal or loaded with a polymeric material. Loaded polymeric materials comprise polymers loaded with steel wire, aluminum sheets, nickel-plated graphite, carbon fibers, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, or other conductive materials. In some examples, the pipe segment is partially conductive, having a main portion constructed of a non-conductive or low-conductive material (e.g., constructed of various hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon polymers, such as, but not limited to, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyimides, polyurethanes, polyolefins, polystyrene, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyketides, polyureas, polyethylene resins, polyacrylates, polymethyl methacrylate, and fluoropolymers). Exemplary fluoropolymers include, but are not limited to, perfluoroalkoxyalkane polymers (PFA), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene polymers (ETFE), ethylene, tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene polymers (EFEP), fluorinated ethylene propylene polymers (FEP), and tetrafluoroethylene polymers (PTFE), or other suitable polymers, and have (for example) a secondary co-extruded conductive portion. In a particular embodiment, the internal fluoropolymer conductive strip of the pipe segment has a width in the range of about 0.1 to 1 cm. In selected embodiments, each pipe segment has a length in the range of about 1 to 100 feet. In other selected embodiments, the pipe segment has an outer diameter of about 1 / 8 inch to about 2 inches. In other embodiments, the pipe segment has a diameter of about 1.2 × 10⁻⁶ cm. 4 Up to 6.7×10 5 The measured resistance in ohms. In yet another embodiment, the pipe section has a resistance of approximately 2.5 to 4.3 × 10⁻⁶. 4 The measured resistance of ohms.

[0051] In a particular embodiment, the internal fluoropolymer conductive strip of the pipe segment has a width ranging from about 0.15 to 0.80 cm. In selected embodiments, each pipe segment has a length ranging from about 1 to 500 feet (0.3 to 152.4 cm). In other selected embodiments, the pipe segment has an outer diameter ranging from about 1 / 8 inch to about 2 inches. In other embodiments, the pipe segment has a diameter between about 2.7 × 10⁻⁶ cm. 3 Up to 3.94×10 4 The measured surface resistance is between ohms per square meter. According to this disclosure, the measured surface resistance is determined using the following method:

[0052] 1) Sample preparation: Measurements are performed on test samples prepared by injection molding, compression molding or extrusion or directly on the final manufactured product.

[0053] 2) Conditioning procedure: Before testing, condition the sample at 23°C and 50% RH for 4 hours.

[0054] 3) Surface resistance measurement: Two parallel electrodes of silver paint were applied to the sample using an adhesive mask and the resistance (ohms) formed between the electrodes was measured at 23°C and 50% RH.

[0055] 4) Calculate the surface resistance using the following equation, taking into account the electrode geometry:

[0056] Surface resistance = R * L / g; where surface resistance is ohms per square, R is the resistance of the material to charge flow, L is the length of the electrode (cm), and g is the distance between the electrodes (cm).

[0057] Having thus described several illustrative embodiments of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will readily understand that other embodiments can be made and used within the scope of the appended claims. Numerous advantages of this disclosure, as covered herein, have been set forth in the foregoing description. However, it will be understood that this disclosure is illustrative in many respects only. Variations may be made in details, particularly with respect to shape, size, and arrangement of components, without exceeding the scope of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is, of course, defined in the language used to express the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electrostatic discharge mitigation device, comprising: A conductive insert configured to couple to a conductive conduit segment and to a conductive operating component to transfer static charge from the conductive conduit segment to the conductive operating component, the conductive insert including a collar having a length, an inner surface, an outer surface, and a ridge external to the outer surface of the collar, wherein the ridge has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the conductive conduit segment to which the conductive insert will be coupled, so as to provide a frictional fit between the conductive insert and the conductive conduit segment when the conductive insert is coupled to the conductive conduit segment; The electrostatic discharge mitigation device further includes a plurality of ribs distributed around the outer circumference of the collar, the ribs being configured to provide concentrated contact between the conductive insert and the conductive operating assembly.

2. The electrostatic discharge mitigation device of claim 1, wherein the collar further defines a lip external to the outer surface of the collar, the lip defining a space sized to receive and hold the end of the conductive conduit segment to be coupled to the conductive insert.

3. The electrostatic discharge mitigation device of claim 1, wherein the conductive operating component is a conductive connector, the collar including a distal end comprising a first leading edge and a second leading edge, wherein the first leading edge is sized and shaped to be received within a recess of the conductive connector and the second leading edge is configured to abut the proximal end of the conductive connector to form a tongue-and-groove seal.

4. The electrostatic discharge mitigation device according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the collar is equal to the inner diameter of the conductive pipe segment coupled to the collar.

5. The electrostatic discharge mitigation device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the collar comprises a conductive polymer.

6. The electrostatic discharge mitigation device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the collar comprises a conductive-filled fluoropolymer.

7. The electrostatic discharge mitigation device according to claim 6, wherein the conductive-filled fluoropolymer comprises perfluoroalkoxyalkane or polychlorotrifluoroethylene filled with carbon material.

8. The electrostatic discharge mitigation device according to claim 6, wherein the collar comprises a perfluoroalkoxyalkane filled with carbon fiber.

9. A fluid circuit comprising: Segmentation of conductive polymer pipes; Conductive polymer operating components; as well as A conductive insert coupled to both the conductive polymer conduit segment and the conductive polymer operating assembly to transfer static charge from the conductive polymer conduit segment to the conductive polymer operating assembly. The conductive insert includes a collar having a length, an inner surface, an outer surface, and a ridge external to the outer surface of the collar. The ridge has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the conductive polymer conduit segment to which the conductive insert is coupled, to provide a frictional fit between the conductive insert and the conductive polymer conduit segment. The conductive insert has a leading edge sized to be received within a recess of the conductive polymer operating assembly; and The collar further includes a plurality of ribs distributed around the outer circumference of the collar, the ribs being configured to provide concentrated contact between the conductive insert and the conductive polymer operating assembly.

10. The fluid circuit of claim 9, wherein the collar further defines a lip external to the outer surface of the collar, wherein the end of the conductive polymer conduit segment is received within the space defined between the inner surface of the lip and the outer surface of the collar.

11. The fluid circuit of claim 9, wherein the conductive polymer operating component is a conductive connector, the collar including a distal end comprising a first leading edge and a second leading edge, wherein the first leading edge is received within a recess of the conductive connector and the second leading edge abuts the proximal end of the conductive connector to form a tongue-and-groove seal.

12. The fluid circuit according to claim 9, wherein the inner diameter of the collar is equal to the inner diameter of the conductive polymer pipe segment.

13. The fluid circuit of claim 9, wherein the conductive polymer operating component is a conductive connector, and the fluid circuit further includes a conductive bracket coupled to the conductive connector, wherein the conductive bracket includes a clamping portion and a grounding feature for connecting the conductive bracket to ground.

14. The fluid circuit according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the collar comprises a conductive filled perfluoroalkoxyalkane or polychlorotrifluoroethylene filled with carbon material.

15. The fluid circuit of claim 14, wherein the collar comprises a perfluoroalkoxyalkane filled with carbon fibers.

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