Electrostatic Discharge Mitigation Device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an electrostatic discharge mitigation device, which in one or more embodiments is a conductive insert for transferring static charge from a conductive polymer tube to a conductive polymer working component.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 011,809, filed April 17, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation devices that may be used, for example, in fluid handling systems, and more particularly, for use in ultra-pure fluid handling systems that benefit from electrostatic discharge mitigation. [Background technology]

[0003] Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a significant technical issue in fluid handling systems in the semiconductor industry and other technology applications. Frictional contact between the fluid and the surfaces of various operating components (e.g., tubes or pipes, valves, fittings, filters, etc.) in a fluid system can result in the generation and accumulation of static charge. The extent of charge generation depends on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the properties of the components and fluid, fluid velocity, fluid viscosity, electrical conductivity of the fluid, path to ground, turbulence and shear in the liquid, presence of air in the fluid, and surface area. These properties, and methods for mitigating undesirable static charges caused by these properties, are discussed and reported in NFPA 77, "Recommended Practice on Static Electricity," pp. 77-1 to 77-67, 2014.

[0004] Additionally, as fluids flow through a system, charge can be carried downstream in a phenomenon called streaming charge, which can cause charge to build up beyond the point where the charge originated. Sufficient charge buildup can cause ESD on tube or pipe walls, component surfaces, or even on substrates or wafers during various process steps.

[0005] In some applications, semiconductor substrates or wafers are very sensitive to static charges, and such ESD can result in damage or destruction of the substrate or wafer. For example, uncontrolled ESD can destroy circuitry on the substrate and activate photoactive compounds prior to normal exposure to light. Additionally, accumulated static charges can discharge from within the fluid handling system to the external environment, damaging components within the fluid handling system (e.g., tubes or pipes, fittings, components, vessels, filters, etc.), resulting in leaks, spillage of fluids within the system, and reduced performance of components. In these situations, such discharges can result in potential fires or explosions when flammable, toxic, and / or corrosive fluids are used in the exposed fluid handling system.

[0006] The weak link in electrical systems is often the integrity of the ground. In some fluid handling systems, to reduce static charge buildup, certain metal or conductive components in the fluid handling system are grounded to continuously dissipate the static charge from the metal or conductive components to ground, thereby mitigating the buildup of static charge in the system. In some systems, conductive cable ties or "zip ties" constructed of conductive polymers may be used to connect components to ground. Such polymer cable ties have many practical disadvantages, including being prone to creep, movement, breakage, environmental effects or sensitivity, degradation, and wear.

[0007] It would be desirable to have improved ESD mitigation and grounding devices for use in ultra-pure fluid handling systems that improve component reliability, stability, performance, and potential damage, and reduce ESD events. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation device. In particular, embodiments relate to an electrostatic discharge mitigation device that includes a conductive insert for transferring electrostatic charge from a conductive polymer tube to a conductive polymer working component to facilitate grounding of a fluid circuit.

[0009] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a tube connector for connecting two or more conductive tube segments in a fluid circuit, the tube connector comprising a conductive polymer connector body having two or more mounting portions, two or more mounting fittings, a conductive polymer insert in electrical contact with the conductive connector body, and a conductive bracket attached to and configured to interface with the connector body to electrically connect the connector body to ground.

[0010] In various embodiments of the tube connector, the tube connector includes a straight connector, a T connector, or an elbow connector. In certain embodiments of the tube connector, the tube connector is a straight connector having a fluid passage for connecting two tube segments. In certain embodiments of the tube connector, the tube connector is an elbow connector having a fluid passage for connecting two tube segments. In certain embodiments of the tube connector, the tube connector is a T connector having a fluid passage for connecting three tube segments. In certain embodiments of the tube connector, the connector body mounting portion includes a threaded region and a nipple region for receiving the tube segment. In certain embodiments of the tube connector, the mounting fitting includes a compression nut for attaching the tube segment to the threaded region and the nipple region of the tube connector.

[0011] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a fluid circuit for a given fluid flow path having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the fluid circuit comprising: a. a plurality of conductive polymer tube segments; b. a plurality of conductive polymer tube connectors, each tube connector comprising a connector body having an internal fluid flow path, a plurality of tube connector fittings, and a conductive insert, the tube connectors connecting a plurality of tube segments at selected tube connector fittings and the conductive insert, the plurality of tube segments and the tube connectors providing a fluid flow path through a fluid circuit; c. at least one conductive bracket configured to hold and interface with the connector body to electrically connect the tube connector to ground; Equipped with.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a static discharge mitigation fluid pathway that includes a conductive polymer insert for transferring static charge from a conductive polymer tube to a conductive polymer working component.

[0013] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is a conductive fluid circuit comprising a conductive polymer tube, a conductive polymer working component, a conductive polymer insert, and a conductive bracket that dissipates static electricity to ground.

[0014] The present disclosure further describes one embodiment of a method for forming an electrostatic discharge mitigation fluid pathway having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the method including: a) connecting a plurality of conductive polymer tube segments to a plurality of working components, each working component comprising a conductive polymer body portion having an internal fluid flow path, a plurality of tube connector fittings, and a conductive polymer insert, the working components connecting the plurality of conductive tube segments at selected tube connector fittings, the plurality of tube segments and the working components providing a fluid flow path through a fluid circuit, each conductive insert and the conductive body portion comprising a conductive fluoropolymer, each tube connector fitting conductively connecting a respective conductor of the body portion to the conductive insert; and b) connecting the electrostatic discharge mitigation fluid circuit to ground.

[0015] The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure.

[0016] The drawings included in this disclosure illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The drawings are merely illustrative of particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is an isometric view of a conductive insert according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a side view of a conductive insert according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3a] 1A-1C are cross-sectional views of a conductive connector having a conductive tube and a conductive insert according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3b] 1A-1C are cross-sectional views of a conductive connector having a conductive tube and a conductive insert according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1A-1C are partial cross-sectional views of a conductive connector having a conductive tube and a conductive insert according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 is an isometric view of an ESD mitigation tubing 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. [Figure 6] 5 is an exploded view of the alternative ESD mitigation tubing connector of FIG. 4 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1A-1D are digital images of different ESD mitigation tubing connectors and conductive tubing that may be used with the conductive inserts of various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1A-1C show alternative ESD mitigation tubing connectors that may be used with the conductive inserts of various embodiments of the present disclosure, according to various embodiments. [Figure 9]13A-13C show another alternative ESD mitigation tubing connector that can be used with the conductive inserts of various embodiments of the present disclosure, according to various embodiments. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates another alternative ESD mitigation device that may be used with the conductive inserts of various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates a fluid handling system that may be used with the conductive inserts of various embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The embodiments of the present disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, and specific details have been shown, for example, in the drawings and have been described in detail. It is understood that there is no intention to limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments described. It is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The detailed description and the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments shown are intended as examples only. Selected features of any exemplary embodiment may be incorporated in additional embodiments, unless expressly stated to the contrary.

[0020] The present disclosure reports an embodiment of an electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation device for use with a fluid handling system having a fluid flow path from a fluid supply to one or more downstream process stages. The embodiment of the system includes a fluid circuit including conductively connected working components and an ESD mitigation tubing segment. Conventional and several ESD mitigation fluid circuits are reported, for example, in International Patent Application WO2017 / 210293, which is incorporated herein by reference, except for any express definitions or claims contained therein. Other ESD mitigation fluid circuits are reported, for example, in Entegris' brochure, FLUOROLINE Electrostatic (ESD) Tubing, 2015-2017. Other commonly owned U.S. patent applications, 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 both incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the conductive insert 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the conductive insert 1 illustrated in FIG. The conductive insert is formed from a collar 200 of a 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 tube segment and then also to a conductive working component to provide an electrical connection therebetween, such that charge can be transferred from the tube segment to the conductive component and ultimately to ground. The collar 200 can have any suitable length to enable the conductive insert to be securely connected to both the conductive tube segment and the conductive working component. The outer diameter of the collar 200 forming the conductive insert 1 is dimensioned such that a first portion of the conductive insert 1 frictionally fits inside the conductive tube and a second portion of the conductive insert 1 interfaces with the conductive working component to provide a leak-proof connection when used to connect the conductive tube segment to the conductive working component. In some cases, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the outer surface 1a of the collar forming the conductive insert 1 can include a plurality of raised ribs 2 uniformly distributed around the circumference of the collar 200 forming the conductive insert 1. The ribs 2 provide a concentrated contact point when at least a portion of the conductive insert is received within a conductive working component. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the conductive insert 1 includes a ridge 3 circumscribing the outer surface 1a of the collar 200 having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the conductive tube to which the conductive insert 1 is connected. Such ridge 3 helps to facilitate a secure friction fit between the conductive insert 1 and a tube, such as tubes 50a and 50b shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, respectively. The inner surface 1b defines an inner diameter of the conductive insert 1 that is dimensioned to engage a connecting portion of the conductive working component. This connecting portion also provides a leak-proof friction fit when used to connect the conductive tube to the conductive working component.

[0022] FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of a conductive connector 40a coupled with a conductive tube segment 50a and a conductive insert 60a. The conductive insert 60a has many of the same features as the conductive insert 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described herein. FIG. 3a illustrates the desired friction fit of the conductive tube segment 50a with the ridge 30a on the outer surface 70a of the conductive insert 60a and the desired friction fit of the inner surface 70b of the conductive insert with the connecting portion of the conductive working component. Additionally, in some embodiments shown in FIG. 3a, the conductive insert 60a can 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 that is dimensioned to receive and retain the end 80a of the conductive tube segment 50a to which the conductive insert 60a is coupled.

[0023] FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of a conductive connector 40b coupled with a conductive tube segment 50b and a conductive insert 60b. The conductive insert 60b has many of the same features as the conductive insert 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described herein, including the ridges 30b. FIG. 3b illustrates the desired friction fit of the conductive tube segment 50b with the outer surface 100a of the conductive insert 60b, facilitated by the ridges 30b, and the desired friction fit of the inner surface 100b of the conductive insert 60b with the connecting portion of the conductive working component 40b. In this illustrated embodiment, the inner diameter of the conductive tube 50b and the inner diameter of the conductive insert 60b are approximately the same diameter. Additionally, 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 a proximal end 122 of the connector 40b to form a tongue-in-groove seal.

[0024] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a conductive connector 7 having a conductive tube 8 and a conductive insert 9. Figure 4 further illustrates a system including a connection nut 10 that provides a desired secure leak-proof connection of the conductive tube to the conductive insert and conductive connector, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] The materials used to make the conductive inserts described herein according to various embodiments are substantially inert to solvents, acid solutions, base solutions, or mixtures thereof. Such solvents include, but are not limited to, cyclohexanone, isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, n-butanol, octane, acetone, heptane, hexane, or mixtures thereof. A variety of materials can be used to make the conductive inserts, including both inherently conductive polymers, conductively filled polymers, and metallic materials. Exemplary conductively filled polymers include conductively filled fluoropolymers, including perfluoroalkoxyalkanes (PFA) and polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE). The fluoropolymers can be filled with carbon fibers, nickel coated graphite, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, graphene, or mixtures thereof. In some cases, the PFA can be filled with metal particles or steel fibers in addition to or instead of the carbon materials. In one embodiment, the conductive insert 1 is made from PFA filled with carbon fibers.

[0026] Suitable conductive metallic materials include, for example, stainless steel, titanium, nickel, or alloys thereof, or mixtures thereof. Exemplary commercially available metallic materials include, for example, HASTELLOY®, INCONEL®, or MONEL®. HASTELLOY® is used to refer to various nickel-molybdenum alloys, and INCONEL® is used to refer to a family of austenitic nickel-chromium based superalloys. MONEL® refers to a group of nickel alloys composed primarily of nickel and copper with small amounts of iron, manganese, carbon, and silicon.

[0027] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the various manufacturing processes available for making the conductive inserts, including, but not limited to, molding, casting, or machining processes.

[0028] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an ESD mitigation tubing 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 view is a substantially polygonal (e.g., multi-sided) conductive bracket. The conductive bracket 12 can also represent at least a portion of an ESD grounding strap. Also shown in FIG. 5 is a first compression nut 13, which is a circular compression nut. The first compression nut 13 in this embodiment may be similar and / or a mirror image of the second compression nut 14, as shown. The compression nuts 13, 14 can include a female-threaded interior portion configured to threadably mate with a male thread (not shown) in various embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the ESD mitigation tubing connector 11 of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows a first compression nut 13, which is a circular compression nut or mounting threaded connector fitting. The first compression nut 13 in this embodiment may be similar and / or a mirror image of the second compression nut 14, as shown. The compression nuts 13, 14 may each include a female threaded interior portion configured to mate with the male threads 15, 16 in various embodiments. FIG. 6 also shows that the first and second compression nuts or mounting threaded connector fittings 13, 14 include one or more hollow portions that include "corings." The coring of various components in various embodiments may have advantages, particularly in larger scale embodiments, and may include improved molding characteristics and / or material savings, etc. FIG. 6 further shows conductive inserts 17, 18 as well as a conductive ground bracket 19 and ground bolts and nuts 20a, 20b. The conductive bracket 19 includes a clamping portion that interfaces with the connector body and selectively tightens to attach the bracket to the connector body.

[0030] Figure 7 is a digital image of different ESD mitigation tubing connectors and conductive tubing that may be used with the conductive inserts of Figure 6 and various embodiments of the present disclosure. The digital images show three types of alternative connectors: a straight connector 21, a t-shaped connector 22, and an elbow connector 23. Figure 7 depicts only three example shapes and types of possible connectors, although many other variations are contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 8 is an alternative ESD mitigation tube connector that can be used with FIG. 6 and various embodiments of the conductive insert of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, the tube connector is an elbow-shaped connector 24 having a fluid passageway for connecting two tube segments (not shown). The tube connector 24 is similar in construction and function to the straight tube connector, but the polymer connector conductive body is bent at a specific angle, such as 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 sprues from various molded parts. Trimming can be accomplished by freehand knife cut, machine, or any other suitable technique.

[0032] FIG. 9 is another alternative ESD mitigation tube connector that can be used with FIG. 6 and various embodiments of the conductive insert of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, the tube connector is a T-shaped connector 26 having fluid passages for connecting three tube segments (not shown). The tube connector is similar in configuration and function to the tube straight connector and elbow connector, but the polymer connector conductive body has a T-shaped three-way connector with an internal intersection, as shown. The third mounting portion has a third mounting threaded connector. As shown, one or more gate pads 27 are included on the polymer connector conductive body. The gate pads 27 can be used to trim sprues from various molded parts. Trimming can be accomplished by freehand knife cut, machine, or any other suitable technique.

[0033] Figure 10 is another alternative ESD mitigation device that can be used with the conductive insert of Figure 6 and various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10 shows a valve 28. Valve 28 includes a conductive body portion and two connector fittings extending outwardly from the body portion. In certain embodiments, the exterior surface of the compression nut or mounting connector fittings includes a structural surface 29.

[0034] Several types of connector fittings made from various polymers are contemplated herein and are available and known, such as PRIMELOCK® fittings, PILLAR® fittings, FLARETK® fittings, flared fittings, and other fittings. Exemplary fittings are shown, for example, in U.S. Patent 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.

[0035] FIG. 11 illustrates a fluid circuit or fluid handling system for a given fluid flow path having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. In this embodiment, a fluid handling system 150 provides a flow path for fluid to flow from a fluid supply 152 to one or more process stages 156 disposed downstream of the fluid supply. The system 150 includes a fluid circuit 160 that includes a portion of the flow path of the fluid handling system 150. The fluid circuit 160 includes a tube segment 164 and a number of operating components 168 interconnected via the tube segment 164. In FIG. 11, the operating components 168 include 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 can include a greater or lesser number and type of operating components 168. For example, fluid circuit 160 may alternatively or additionally include pumps, mixers, dispense heads, spray nozzles, pressure regulators, flow controllers, or other types of operational components. When assembled, operational components 168 are connected to one another by a plurality of tube segments 164 that connect to components 168 at respective tube connector fittings 186. The plurality of connected tube segments 164 and operational components 168 provide a fluid passageway through fluid circuit 160 from fluid supply 152 toward process stage 156. In certain embodiments, operational components 168 each include a body portion 182 that defines a fluid flow path and one or more tube connector fittings 186. In some embodiments, at least one of tube connector fittings 186 is an inlet portion for receiving fluid into body portion 182, and at least another of tube connector fittings 186 is an outlet portion for outputting fluid received via the inlet portion. For example, the T-joint 172 includes one tube connector fitting 186 that is an inlet portion that receives fluid from the fluid supply 152 and two tube connector fittings 186 that are outlet portions that output fluid toward the process stage 156. In certain embodiments, the inlet and outlet portions are each connected or connectable to a tube segment 164.However, in some embodiments, for example, where the operating components 168 in the fluid circuit 160 include a spray nozzle, only the inlet portion may be connectable to the tube segment 164. In some embodiments, one or more of the operating components 168 include a single tube connector or fitting 179. In this embodiment, each body portion 182 is further constructed using a conductive material to form a conductor portion that extends between each of the tube connector fittings 186 and provides a conductive path between each of them. In various embodiments, the conductive path is bonded to and is uniform with the body portion 182 and is constructed from a conductive polymer material. For example, in some embodiments, the conductor portion is constructed from PFA filled with a conductive material. This filled PFA includes, but is not limited to, PFA filled with carbon fiber, nickel coated graphite, carbon fiber, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, metal particles, and steel fiber. In various embodiments, an operating component in this disclosure refers to any component or device that has a fluid input and a fluid output and interfaces with a tube to direct or provide a fluid flow. Examples of operational components include, but are not limited to, fittings, valves, filters, heat exchangers, sensors, pumps, mixers, spray nozzles, and dispensing heads. These and additional non-limiting examples of operating components are shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. 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 any express definitions or claims contained in the recited document.

[0036] The working components can be constructed from conductive fluoropolymers, including, for example, perfluoroalkoxyalkanes (PFA), ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene polymers (ETFE), ethylene, tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene polymers (EFEP), fluorinated ethylene propylene polymers (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene p[polymer PTFE), or other suitable polymeric materials. For example, in some embodiments, the conductive fluoropolymer is PFA filled with a conductive material (e.g., filled PFA), including, but not limited to, PFA filled with carbon fiber, nickel coated graphite, carbon fiber, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, metal particles, and steel fibers. In various embodiments, the conductive material is at least about 1×10 8 Non-conductive materials have a surface resistivity level of less than about 1×10 Ohms / square. 10 In certain embodiments, the conductive material has a surface resistivity level of greater than about 1×10 9 Conductive materials have surface resistivity levels of less than about 1×10 ohms / square, while non-conductive materials have surface resistivity levels of greater than about 1×10 ohms / square. When the disclosed fluid handling systems are configured for use in ultra-pure fluid handling applications, both the tube segments and the operating components are typically constructed from polymeric materials to meet standards of purity and corrosion resistance.

[0037] In various embodiments, a tube segment in this disclosure typically refers to any flexible or inflexible pipe or tube suitable for containing or transporting a fluid. The tube segments are electrically conductive and provide a conductive path along the length of each tube segment in a fluid circuit. The conductive tubes may be constructed from materials including metals or filled polymeric materials. Filled polymeric materials include steel wire, aluminum flakes, nickel-coated graphite, carbon fiber, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, or polymers filled with other conductive materials. In some examples, the tube segments are partially conductive, with a major portion constructed from a non-conductive or low conductive material, for example, various hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon polymers, including, but not limited to, polyester, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyimide, polyurethane, polyolefin, polystyrene, polyester, polycarbonate, polyketone, polyurea, polyvinyl resin, polyacrylate, polymethylacrylate, and fluoropolymer. 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 polymeric materials, for example, having secondary coextruded conductive portions. In certain embodiments, the internal fluoropolymer conductive stripes of the tube segments have a width in the range of about 0.1 to 1 centimeter. In selected embodiments, each tube segment has a length in the range of about 1 to 100 feet. In other selected embodiments, the tube segments have an outside diameter of about 1 / 8 inch to about 2 inches. In other embodiments, the tube segments have a length of about 1.2×10 4 ~6.7×10 5 In yet another embodiment, the tube segment has a measured resistance of about 2.5 to 4.3 x 10 4 Has a measuring resistance in ohms.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the interior fluoropolymer conductive stripes of the tube segments have a width in the range of about 0.15 to 0.80 centimeters. In selected embodiments, each tube segment has a length in the range of about 1 to 500 feet (0.3 to 152.4 meters). In other selected embodiments, the tube segments have an outside diameter of about 1 / 8 inch to about 2 inches. In other embodiments, the tube segments have an outside diameter of about 2.7×10 3 ~3.94×10 4 It has a measured surface resistance in ohms / square. According to the present disclosure, the measured surface resistance is determined using the following method.

[0039] 1) Sample Preparation: Measurements are performed on test samples prepared by injection molding, compression molding or extrusion, or directly on the final manufactured product.

[0040] 2) Conditioning procedure: Condition the samples at 23°C and 50% RH for 4 hours before testing.

[0041] 3) Surface resistance measurement: Two parallel electrodes of silver paint are applied onto the sample using an adhesive mask. The measurement is carried out at 23°C and 50% RH. The electrical resistance (ohms) generated between the electrodes is measured.

[0042] 4) The surface resistance is calculated according to the following formula, taking into account the geometric shape of the electrodes: Surface resistance=R*L / g, where surface resistance is in ohms / square, R is the resistance of the material to charge flow, L is the length of the electrodes in cm, and g is the distance between the electrodes in cm.

[0043] Having thus described several exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that still other embodiments may be made and used within the scope of the appended claims. Many advantages of the present disclosure, which this document encompasses, have been set forth in the foregoing description. It will be understood, however, that the present disclosure is in many respects merely illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of the shape, size, and arrangement of parts, without exceeding the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is, of course, to be defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

1. 1. A conductive insert configured to be coupled to a conductive tube segment and a conductive working component, thereby transferring a static charge from the conductive tube segment to the conductive working component, the conductive insert comprising a collar having a length, an inner surface, an outer surface, a plurality of ribs distributed around an outer circumference of the collar, and a ridge circumscribing the outer surface of the collar, the ridge having an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the conductive tube segment to which the conductive insert is coupled, thereby providing a friction fit between the conductive insert and the conductive tube segment when the conductive insert is coupled to the conductive tube segment.

1. An electrostatic discharge mitigation device comprising:

2. 2. The electrostatic discharge mitigation device of claim 1, wherein the collar further defines a lip circumscribing the outer surface of the collar, the lip defining a space between an inner surface of the lip and an outer surface of the conductive insert, the space being dimensioned to receive and retain an end of the conductive tube segment to which the conductive insert is coupled.

3. a conductive tube segment; an electrically conductive operative component; a conductive insert coupled to the conductive tube segment and the conductive working component, thereby transferring a static charge from the conductive tube segment to the conductive working component; A fluid circuit comprising: the conductive insert includes a collar having a length, an inner surface, an outer surface, a plurality of ribs distributed about an outer circumference of the collar, and a ridge circumscribing the outer surface of the collar, the ridge having an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the conductive tube segment to which the conductive insert is coupled, thereby providing a friction fit between the conductive insert and the conductive tube segment; The conductive insert has a leading edge dimensioned to be received within a recess in the conductive operational component.

4. The fluid circuit of claim 3, further comprising a conductive bracket coupled to the conductive operating component, the conductive bracket including a clamp portion and a grounding mechanism for connecting the conductive bracket to ground.

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