Some benchtop ionisers can even be suspended above the bench using a flexible mounting arm. Whatever style is chosen, care should be taken to assure that items normally on the bench would not obstruct the flow of ionised air. A real benefit of benchtop ionisers is the fact that they can easily be moved between workstations. So, if you only have a small EPA with a few users and shared workload, you can save money by moving one ioniser between different benches.
They are very simple to use and routine maintenance is performed with ease. Overhead ionisation was established to solve the problem of items on a workbench blocking the flow of ionised air. Overhead Ionisers have a unique hanging capability and are suspended about 17 to 24 inch above the bench — either by hanging from chains or by using mounting brackets attached to a shelf or bench.
Using this method of ionisation makes it very unlikely for items to block the flow of ionised air to the item being protected. In addition, the downward airflow is more consistent over the entire bench. To ensure that adequate air is delivered an overhead ionizer with 2 to 4 fans should be used. Overhead ionization is ideal for areas where bench space is limited. Generally, overhead ionizers are light, quiet and high performing.
Ion bars are a type of overhead ioniser that are compact and can be installed in places where typical ionisers will not fit. Ionising bars are designed to control static charge in mini-environments, laminar flow hoods and workstations. Ionising bars come in a variety of lengths and with various emitter point materials for use in specific cleanliness controlled environments. Most companies address ESD, visual imperfections and contamination issues by dislodging charged dust and debris with compressed air ionisers.
They are either hand-held guns or may be mounted in a fixed location. The main advantage of this type is that the user has the benefit of a strong air blast 20 to P. Hand-held air nozzle types will usually have a trigger or push-button to activate the air and ion flow, while the stationary-mounted type is frequently remote controlled with a foot pedal, photo sensor or some other switch closure. Ionising Air Snake is the ideal option when you require a hands-free operation in a confined space.
Its convenient foot pedal means you can operate with ease without the need to use your hands. It is light, small, free from electromagnetism and has built in piezoelectric high voltage power supply. Thus, it is equipped with an auto-ion balance system and high voltage. When selecting an ioniser, there are many different factors you will need to consider before choosing one. Remember, there is no right or wrong ioniser to use.
The wide variety of ionisers allows you to select one best for your needs. For example, if your workspace is limited, an overhead ioniser might be the answer. On the other hand, if there is an issue with debris and dust in your operation, then a compressed air ioniser would be better suited. Does your ioniser need to be made of stainless steel?
Does it need to use zero-volt technology? Do you need a cost-effective ioniser with built-in emitter point cleaners? Do activities need to be monitored and recorded with some sort of software? Make a list of what is an absolute must and where you can compromise — see next point. Even though this one is the last one in this list, it by no means is the least important factor.
However, it kind of goes hand in hand with the previous 2 points. So, you may have to make compromises, e. Before utilising ionisation, you should follow the fundamental principles of ESD Control:. It is one component of a complete static control program. Ionisers are used when it is not possible to properly ground everything and as backup to other static control methods. In clean rooms, air ionisation may be one of the few methods of static control available. Critical clean room uses will generally require more frequent attention.
It is important to set-up a routine schedule for ionizer service. Routine service is typically required to meet quality audit requirements. EIA, recommends checking ionizers every 6 months, but this may not be suitable for many programs particularly since an out-of-balance may exist for months before it is checked again.
Under normal conditions, an ionizer will attract dirt and dust especially on the emitter points. To maintain optimum neutralization efficiency and operation, cleaning should be performed on a regular basis. Emitter Cleaning The emitter points should be cleaned using specific emitter point cleaners or a swab dampened with Isopropyl alcohol. Below are general instructions on how to clean emitter points.
Case Cleaning Clean the case with a soft cloth and water. The performance of a static eliminator is determined by static elimination speed and ion balance. To successfully eliminate surface charge, an air ionizer must provide a balanced delivery of negative and positive ions. An unbalanced ionizer can actually act as a charge source by producing more of one ion than of the other. Virtually no ionizer achieves perfect balance, but an ionizer that discharges objects from potentials of tens of thousands of volts to levels of a few tens of volts is considered to be adequately balanced.
If the unit does not meet offset voltage specifications or minimum established discharge time limits, further service is indicated. Manufacturers should provide details on service procedures and typical service intervals. If the ionizers all test good, the data can justify lengthening the calibration period. If ionizers require adjustment, the calibration period should be shortened. Some ionizers offer adjustment options e. Humidity has a direct connection to static and ESD.
A lower relative humidity level, like in the weather in winter months, increases charge generation because the environment is drier. This will result in more ESD events which can potentially damage sensitive components. Some manufactures may choose to increase air humidification with industrial humidifiers, which can help reduce the number of ESD events.
Humidifiers, just like ionizers, make the air more conductive which reduces static. But there are other factors e. We know how humidity level effects static. So how does humidity levels effect ionizers? As with most industrial products, ionizers have an optimal range of operating conditions.
The ionizer will work best within that range. Ionizer can work outside that range but their performance may suffer. Ionizers can work in very low humidity, but decay times suffer. Ionizers require some moisture in the air to create ions. Ionizers produce less ions in low humidity conditions, which results in slightly slower static removal. But in most general use applications, the ionizers performance will still be satisfactory.
High Humidity, on the other hand, can be a problem. Most ionizers use an electrical current to create the static removing ions and electricity and water do not mix.
This can cause electrical failures, damage to the ionizer and adjacent objects, or worse. It is best to avoid using electrical ionizers in an environment with moisture of any kind. An alternative device, Alpha Ionizers, do not use electricity and can be used instead. Always check the ionizers RH range and evaluate your environment before operating the ionizer. Instead of neutralizing charges, an out of balance onizer can actually cause an item to become charged, potentially discharging and causing ESD damage to nearby sensitive items.
It is very important to create a regular testing and maintenance schedule to check for these issues. When an ionizer is out of balance, the first step is to check and clean the emitter points and filters using appropriate tools. This will extend the lifespan of your ionizers tremendously. Other factors may be electrical failures which requires consulting the manufacturer.
Ionizers using AC technology are more likely to maintain balance. This means they inherently have a voltage balance. This also means that the ions are closer together which makes it more likely for them to recombine. Read more about AC ionizer technology vs DC ionizer technology. If balance is very important to your application, Alpha Ionizers are naturally balanced. Learn more here. Ionizers are used when it is not possible to properly ground everything and as backup to other static control methods.
In clean rooms, air ionization may be one of the few methods of static control available. This is particularly critical to ensure that the offset voltage or balance is within acceptable limits. Otherwise, instead of neutralizing charges the out of balance ionizer will charge insulators and isolated conductors.
The user, depending on the value and function of their products, must determine the appropriate frequency of maintenance and calibration. The best way to keep electrostatic sensitive devices ESDs from damage is to ground all conductive objects and remove insulators.
The only way to control charges on these necessary non-conductive items is the use of ionization systems. Applications include:. For more information and to select the right ionizer for your application, check out our Ionizer Selection Guide. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The use of ESD Air Ionizers in electronics manufacturing areas will remove the build-up of potentially damaging static charges.
Ionizers deliver a balanced stream of positive and negative ions and are used primarily to control static charges on insulating materials such as standard plastic, tapes, tools and even circuit boards. Ionization products can neutralize static charges on an insulator in mere seconds, reducing the chances for an ESD event.
Ionizers protect electronic devices from electrostatic potential that ESD wrist straps and bench top mats just can't eliminate.
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