Because the likelihood of ESD (electrostatic discharge) increases in a low humidity environment, Terra strongly urges that you consider these measures as part of your static control program.
Acrylic, commonly used in storage enclosures, is a prolific static generator. Wiping an acrylic desiccator generates surface charges that can discharge onto ESD-sensitive components. Static-dissipative PVC prevents this danger.
This material not only dissipates static charges safely but also eliminates the particle attraction that static charges create. Surfaces stay clean, inside and out, making this material perfect for use in cleanrooms.
Because static-dissipative PVC is transparent and highly durable, it can be used in place of acrylic in nearly any application, desiccators included. It features a surface resistivity of approximately 10^7 ohms per square and is completely noncontaminating—with no measurable outgassing—and it resists a wide range of chemicals.
Note: To protect Static-Dissipative PVC surfaces, desiccators made of this material must include stainless steel shields installed at the bottom of each chamber.
By ionizing nitrogen molecules as they pass through the desiccator plenum wall, ionizing nozzles neutralize electrostatic charges on all interior surfaces. They provide practical ESD control for charged nonconductive materials, which cannot dissipate charges to ground. And because they eliminate static attractive forces, they help control contamination: in a statically neutral environment, any airborne particles that enter a desiccator are more likely to remain airborne and to be purged out of the cabinet.
All Terra desiccators made of static-dissipative PVC feature grounding terminals on a standard basis. The surface resistivity of this material (around 10^7 ohms/square) allows controlled dissipation of static charges from any surface in the cabinet, including shelves. Conductive grounding connections safely direct charges to a grounding terminal (standard on SDPVC cabinets; order separately for acrylic cabinets below).
For smaller components that can be stored on shelves, Terra's grounded stainless steel shelving provide a 100% ESD-safe enclosure.
Grounded conductive plates (such as shelves) create a Faraday cage that prevents penetration of static charges. Because these conductive units are removable, they also protect your sensitive components from ESD as you transport them from one location to another.