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Earth-Rite® II RTR Ground Monitoring System

Earth-Rite®

Precision and reliability is what the Earth-Rite II RTR provides to HAZLOC safety professionals and engineers who are tasked with protecting personnel and plant assets from the ignition hazards of static electricity during tank truck loading and unloading operations.

The loading and unloading of tank trucks with large quantities of chemicals and powders generates static electricity which, if left to accumulate on a tank truck, could discharge electrostatic sparks with energies far in excess of the minimum ignition energies of a vast range of combustible gases, vapors, and dust. The ignition of such atmospheres by static electricity can be prevented by ensuring the tank truck is grounded.

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Earth-Rite®

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Grounding ensures there can be no build of static electricity on the tank and chassis of the tank truck and the most reliable way of grounding your tank trucks is to specify an Earth-Rite II RTR. With over 3,000 units in the field, the 2nd generation Earth-Rite II RTR is the most reliable and precise method of grounding tank trucks today.

The Earth-Rite II RTR utilizes patented electronics called “Tri-Mode” technology (next page) to establish three key inputs that must be in place before the loading/unloading operation can commence. When the three key inputs are met, only then will the Earth-Rite II RTR go permissive and energize its pair of dry change-over contacts to engage the pump, or whatever equipment is interlocked with the system, to control the flow of product to or from the tank truck. Any static generated by the loading operation is transferred from the tank truck via the Earth-Rite RTR to ground, mitigating static electricity as a potential source of ignition.

Tri-Mode Technology

MODE 1 | Tank Truck Recognition

In accordance with the recommendations of IEC 60079-32-1*, the
Earth-Rite RTR II determines if the grounding clamp is connected to a tank truck.

MODE 2 | Static Ground Verification

The Earth-Rite II RTR ensures that it has a connection to the general mass of the earth. This is a critical input as a connection to earth is the only means by which the static electricity can be transferred from the tank truck, preventing the accumulation of static electricity.

MODE 3 | Continuous Ground Loop Monitoring

In accordance with the key recommendations of IEC 60079-32-1* and
NFPA 77*, the Earth-Rite II RTR ensures the resistance between the tank truck and the verified grounding point at the loading rack never exceeds 10 ohms. The Earth-Rite II RTR achieves this by monitoring the resistance between the RTR clamp’s connection to the tank truck and the RTR’s connection to the verified grounding point for the duration of the transfer operation.

Technical Specifications

Compliant with IEC 60079-32-1 & NFPA 77	The monitoring set-point of 10 ohms resistance is compliant with the standards for static control in hazardous areas: IEC 60079-32-1 & NFPA77.
Operator friendly interface	Simple GO / NO GO indication informs operator when the road tanker is connected to ground. When a positive ground connection is made the pulsing hi-visibility indicators are activated during the MODE 3\| Continuous Ground Loop Monitoring stage.
Control / Interlock capability (Two dry output contacts)	The first output contact can be used to interlock with flow control devices (e.g. pumps, valves, PLCs) to ensure product cannot flow unless the RTR has established a ground path for the tanker truck. The second output contact can operate attention grabbing devices (e.g. strobe lights) to warn personnel that a hazardous product transfer is underway. * Optional Intrinsically safe switching PCB is also available,
Wide operating temperature range	The RTR system can operate in extreme weather conditions without modifications or enhanced protection: -40°F to +122°F.
Detachable Clamp & Cable	Quick Connect system provides flexible and easy removal of grounding clamp and cable from the hazardous area for maintenance.
Universally Approved Enclosure	Suitable for installation in the highest range of gas and vapor environments.

Monitoring Unit

Power Supply	110/120 V or 220/240 V AC, 50-60 Hz 12 V or 24 V DC
Power rating	10 watt
Ambient temperature range	-40 F to +122 F (-40 C to +50 C)
Ingress protection	Type 4X, (IP 66)
Weight	9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) nett
Construction	Copper-free cast aluminium
Monitoring Circuit	Intrinsically Safe
Operational Series Ground Resistance	Nominally ≤10 Ohm
Output Relay Contact Rating	2 off dry contacts, 250 V AC, 5 A, 500 VA max resistive 30 V DC, 2 A, 60 W max resistive
I.S Switching PCB (NAMUR compatible)	30 V DC, 500 mA Li = 0H, Ci = 0F Optional extra – See system options
Cable Entries	7 x ¾” NPT (supplied with 4 stopper plugs)
Enclosure Material	GRP with carbon loading
Terminals	2 x AWG #14 conductor capacity
Stowage Device	Insulated ¾” diameter pin
Cable Entries	1 x M20
Clamp Cable Connection	Quick Connect
Clamp Design	2 pole with tungsten carbide teeth
Body	Stainless Steel
Approval	FM Approved
Cable	Blue Cen-Stat Hytrel sheath (Static dissipative, chemical & abrasion resistant)
Conductors	2 x AWG #18 copper
Length	32 ft. (10 m) extended, 3 ft. (1 m) unextended (other lengths available – please inquire)

System Options

Newson Gale supplies a range of product options that enhance the control and general safety of transfer processes and aid engineers with system installations and routine system service checks. Contact Newson Gale or your local Newson Gale representative for more information on the range of options available.

Hazardous Area Strobe Light

The strobe light is mounted in an elevated position and when the equipment is correctly grounded, flashes continuously informing personnel that a transfer process is underway and is protected from the static hazard. The strobe light can be used in conjunction with the Earth-Rite II RTR and Earth-Rite II PLUS.

ATEX and Class/Div approved versions
115 V / 230 V AC and 24 V / 48 V DC options
Amber, Green & Red strobe color options

RTR Tester

The RTR Tester is designed to have the same electrical characteristics as a road tanker and provides engineers with a means of checking that the RTR undergoing installation is permissive when it detects these characteristics. The Tester is connected to the RTR system and it’s grounding point, and when activated, the RTR’s LED indicators change from red to green, confirming that the Road Tanker Recognition and Static Ground Verification checks are functioning as intended.

Ideal for system commissioning and routine service checks
Easy to use with simple PASS / FAIL condition

Intrinsically Safe (I.S) Switching PCB

The I.S Switching PCB is an additional circuit board added to Newson Gale system enclosures that enable users to directly interface with, and switch intrinsically safe circuits without the need for additional equipment. The I.S Switching PCB is designed not to affect the I.S signals electrical parameters and is compatible with the Earth-Rite II RTR, MGV, PLUS, and FIBC platforms.

30 V DC, 500 mA
Li = 0H, Ci = 0F
Suitable for Ex ia, ib, ic rated instrinsically safe circuits only
NAMUR Compatible

Retractable Cable Reel

The Retractable Cable Reel is supplied for grounding system installations where customers want to ensure the grounding clamp and cable are returned to the static grounding system by operators and drivers on completion of the product transfer process. The reel can be used in conjunction with the Earth-Rite II RTR, Earth-Rite II MGV, and Earth-Rite II PLUS.

Certified for ATEX Zone 1 and 21 hazardous areas
Self-retracting with up to 15 m (50 ft.) of Hytrel protected cable
Silver plated ultra low resistance slip ring contacts

Sun Shield

Designed for operating environments subject to intense sunlight, the ERII Sun Shield prevents direct sunlight hitting the indicators on the Earth-Rite II RTR and Earth-Rite II PLUS static grounding systems.

The Sun Shield casts a shadow over the indicators during peak sun light hours so that operators can easily view the ground status indicators. The shield is constructed from stainless steel and can be fitted to any installation in a matter of minutes.