Graham Hearn is an established expert and consulting engineer with over 40 years’ experience in the field of static electricity. He is the founder and chairman of Wolfson Electrostatics Ltd and is currently a Visiting Fellow at the University of Southampton having access to the extensive test facilities at the world-renowned Tony Davies High Voltage Laboratory. He has also been employed as an Expert Witness on important cases in Europe, North America and Australia.

   Static electricity is responsible for numerous serious industrial fires and explosions every year. It is a phenomenon that is difficult to detect, quantify and control. Any environment in which sensitive flammable media are present is at risk and statistics indicate that due to increased process speeds, finer powders and higher purity fuels & solvents, the problem is growing. In addition to providing an ignition source, uncontrolled static electricity in the workplace can create material handling and quality issues, electrical interference and on some occasions, personal injury.

   Graham Hearn can also provide expert consultancy on electrostatic applications and can undertake material testing and R&D projects at the university laboratories. Electrostatic applications include the use of antistatic materials & treatments, atomisation & spraying, precipitation, electrical & electrostatic measurement, forensic science and plastics identification/sorting techniques.