Improving Safety & Simplicity: Our New Earthing System (CDEK) Guide

Operator safety and usability are essential in everything we do, which is why we continuously refine and improve the design of our machines. One key area we’ve focused on is the development of safer, more efficient earthing systems.

In this guide, we’ll explain why earthing systems matter, how our new design differs from previous methods, and how you can integrate the upgrade into your existing equipment with minimal downtime.

Why Earthing Systems are so vital

Under UK/EU regulation (DSEAR/ATEX and other relevant standards), when a sieving operation involves combustible dusts, flammable powders, or an environment that would form an explosive atmosphere – grounding (earthing) of conductive parts is a required control measure. Proper earthing is part of fulfilling legal obligations to manage ignition sources.

This is especially critical in many of the industries we specialise in, such as Food & Drink, Pharmaceutical or Chemical, most specifically any processes involving powders and fine particles. A reliable, well-designed earthing kit helps mitigate these risks:

1. Static generation during powder handling – As any product moves, rubs and passes through mesh, friction can create an electrostatic charge. With processes like flour sieving or fine particle screening, this charge grows much more rapidly. Without effective grounding, isolated parts such as mesh rings, pans or funnels may retain charge, which can reduce component longevity and increase wear.
   
   
2. Minimising the risk of shocks or electrostatic discharge – As with any build-up of static, they can quickly discharge as a spark. On a smaller scale, like a balloon or trampoline, it can be a little uncomfortable; however, in ATEX or dust-rich environments it may act as an ignition source and can be very dangerous, even if it’s “just a small spark”.
   
   
3. Preventing powder sticking and blockages – Electrostatic attraction can cause fine particles to cling to the mesh or other internal surfaces, preventing them from passing through. This reduces throughput and efficiency while increasing cleaning or downtime requirements.
   
   
4. Protecting nearby equipment – Farleygreene caters to a wide range of customer needs, and so it’s important we are versatile and adaptable. Many modern production lines use sensitive electronics such as sensors, weighing systems, monitoring equipment and control interfaces. Stable grounding helps reduce nuisance electrostatic discharge from interfering with nearby systems or causing intermittent faults.
5. Compliance with industry standards – Farleygreene equipment is designed with safety and quality in mind, meeting relevant standards such as FDA requirements. All our machines carry the CE mark, demonstrating compliance with applicable EU directives, including ATEX for use in explosive atmospheres. Proper grounding of conductive components is a core part of maintaining compliance, helping to ensure consistent machine performance and operator safety while meeting legal and industry obligations

Want to read some case studies of how our sieving equipment is specialised and optimised for your specific operations? Farleygreene: Sieving Case Studies for Your Needs

Why We Introduced the CDEK System

Before the CDEK, all new Sievmaster® Slimline machines came with the older SDEK direct earthing system as standard (from January 2023), and earlier models used earthing clips. As part of our continuous improvement strategy, we revisited this system to make it safer, simpler, and more durable.

Our new Captive Direct Earthing Kit (CDEK) is a single assembled unit attached to your machine.

This upgrade provides several key advantages:

✅Cleanability – A fully removable earthing lead makes it easier to access every crevice during clean-down.

✅Ease of use – With fewer loose components and a simplified connection point, assembly and disassembly are quicker and more intuitive.

✅Improved Vibration Resistance – The new design reduces strain, improving durability and helping prevent long-term wear.

How to make the upgrade with your new CDEK

Now that we’ve covered the benefits, here’s how to transition to the cleaner, quicker, and more durable CDEK system. The process is split into two simple stages: Removing the old system (SDEK) and upgrading to the new CDEK.

To Remove the SDEK

1. Open the toggle clamps and remove the gallery*.
2. At the Direct Earth Mounting Point, pull the plug to disconnect the older SDEK from the mesh ring’s coupling nut.
3. Once disconnected, remove the mesh ring and then the funnel*.
4. Unthread the earthing stud from the coupling nut.
5. Undo the toggle clamp fixings and remove the SDEK and earthing lead.

*On larger models (SM950 and above), this step requires two or more operators.

To Upgrade to the new CDEK

1. Fit the NEW earthing kit onto the toggle clamp bolt, ensuring the washers are placed on either side.
2. Secure the fixings in place.
3. Refit the funnel, mesh ring and gallery.
4. Close the toggle clamps to secure the gallery.
5. Screw the handwheel into the coupling nut on the mesh ring.

Want to find out more about our industrial sieving equipment and upgrades? Contact us today:

📞 Sales & Support: +44 (0)1256 474 547
📩 Email: [email protected]

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

❓ FAQs – Your Questions Answered

1. How do I know if my machine is compatible with the new CDEK?

Upgrading your machine depends on whether it already has the earthing cutouts to the machine pan work. If you purchased a machine after January 2023, it will already be compatible, making the changeover simple. Older machines may need modification, but upgrade options are still available. If you’re unsure, check for an “Earth Mounting Point” or contact our spares team with your serial number: [email protected]

2. My machine doesn’t have an Earth Mounting Point. What do I do?

You have a few options: you can send the machine to Farleygreene, and we’ll make the modifications ourselves, or we can offer drawings and assistance for you to carry out the work yourselves. However, this will be at your own risk and will need to be done by a competent operator. To arrange either of these, email: [email protected]

3. Will upgrading affect my machine warranty?

Upgrades carried out by Farleygreene or following our official guidance will not affect your warranty. If modifications are made independently, work must be completed by a competent operator to avoid invalidating coverage with photos for assurance.

4. Can I order multiple CDEK kits for my site?

Absolutely – many customers upgrade full production lines. Contact [email protected] with quantities or serial numbers and we’ll handle your enquiries efficiently.

5. Do I need special tools to fit the CDEK?

No special tools are required. Standard hand tools used for general maintenance of your Sievmaster® unit are sufficient.