Protected view of the stars

Heavy waves, sensitive technology: The gravitational wave observatory ET-Pathfinder with the Einstein Telescope in Maastricht must be protected from electrical voltages, which is why an ESD floor (StoFloor ESD KU 611) is installed in the laboratory. This complies with both EN 1504-2 (Surface protection systems for concrete) and EN 13813 (Screed mortar). Its high color stability also ensures permanently attractive floors. (Image: MVL Media Group/ StoCretec)

Heavy waves, sensitive technology: The gravitational wave observatory ET-Pathfinder with the Einstein Telescope in Maastricht must be protected from electrical voltages, which is why an ESD floor (StoFloor ESD KU 611) is installed in the laboratory. This complies with both EN 1504-2 (Surface protection systems for concrete) and EN 13813 (Screed mortar). Its high color stability also ensures permanently attractive floors. (Image: MVL Media Group/ StoCretec)

Heavy waves, sensitive technology: The gravitational wave observatory ET-Pathfinder with the Einstein Telescope in Maastricht must be protected from electrical voltages, therefore an ESD floor (StoFloor ESD KU 611) is installed in the laboratory. This complies with both EN 1504-2 (Surface protection systems for concrete) and EN 13813 (Screed mortar). Its high color stability also ensures permanently attractive floors. (Image: MVL Media Group/ StoCretec)

Measuring light-years away and being protected from a speck of dust on Earth: To prevent damage to the highly sensitive technology of the "Einstein Telescopes" from electrostatic discharges or minimal contamination, it is installed on an ESD floor (StoFloor ESD KU 611). With this new state-of-the-art facility, Maastricht University aims to uncover the mystery of gravitational waves.

Under the name ETpathfinder, Maastricht University operates a research and development project with the goal of measuring and analyzing gravitational waves. ET stands for "Einstein Telescope" – the first of its kind in a new class of future observatories. Simply put: ET detects signals generated by the collision of stars and black holes in the universe. This sensitive technology requires a high-quality floor coating. It is about protecting against electrostatic discharges and avoiding electrostatic potentials, as these attract particles (e.g., dust). Otherwise, damage or contamination of the sensitive components could occur. The laboratory hall is designed like a cleanroom for this reason. For the floor, the expert team of the client chose an electrically conductive thick coating system. StoFloor ESD KU 611 ensures that generated charges are safely discharged into the ground.

ESD and explosion protection floor

The system setup chosen here, StoFloor ESD KU 611 with the conductive layer StoPox WL 110 and the matte sealant StoPur WV 210, meets the requirements for ESD protection according to DIN EN 61340-5-1 and explosion protection according to TRGS 727. Its surface is mechanically durable and can be driven on with vulcanized rubber or solid rubber tires, making transportation easy. Additionally, the ESD system is low-emission and easy to decontaminate. The slip resistance has been neutrally confirmed through test certificates, and the manufacturer voluntarily subjects the products to external monitoring.