DESCO EUROPE
- 2A DUNHAMS LANE, LETCHWORTH, HERTFORDSHIRE, SG6 1BE, UK
Phone: +44 (0) 1462 672005 • E-mail:
TB-3076.E
Page 3 of 5
© 2019 DESCO INDUSTRIES INC
Employee Owned
The ion balance is affected by many fac tors, such as
distance, air flow, humidity, and emitter contamination.
Therefore, before using this device around components
and assemblies which are highly sensitive to ESD, it is
recom mended that the user thoroughly evaluates the
application prior to its use. Avoid sharply bending or
crushing the black convoluted tubing under feet, rolling
chairs or other furniture.
IMPORTANT NOTE: These air nozzles are not
explosion proof. Do not use in environments where
volatile materials are present.
Desco Europe solid-state electronic equipment is
compact and rugged but should be treated as sensitive
electronic equipment. With proper installation and a
continued preventive maintenance programme you will
ensure the proper performance of the unit.
Maintenance
The frequency of monitoring ionisers really depends
on how and where they are used. Since the majority
of them use a fan to transport the ions to the working
area, the cleanliness of the air directly affects their
performance over time and how often the emitters
should be cleaned.
EIA-625 recommends checking ionisers 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. IEC TR 61340-5-2 paragraph
5.3.3.4.6.16.1 General considerations for mantanence
and cleaning, paragraph 5.3.3.4.6.16.1.1 Introductory
remarks states: "All ionization devices will require
periodic maintenance for proper operation. Maintenance
intervals for ionizers vary widely depending on the type
of ionization equipment and use environment. Critical
clean room use 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 compliance verification requirements."
Under normal conditions, the ioniser will attract dirt and
dust (especially on the emitter electrodes). To maintain
optimum performance, cleaning must be performed on a
regular basis. The electrodes should be cleaned at least
every six months. However, more frequent cleaning
may be required if used in environments with more
contaminants.
These units need very little maintenance. In order to
maintain the optimum performance of your unit, the
following maintenance procedures must be performed
on a regular basis.
Make sure that the air supply is clean and free of
contamination and moisture. Drain compressor tank
and filters periodically. The filters may require draining
several times daily, depending on your compressed air
system.
The fuse may be replaced by removing the power cord
at the back of the unit and opening the fuse box at the
IEC receptacle. The controller uses a 1 amp fast acting
fuse. For safety, do not use other ratings.
Air supply
conection
Needle
valve
Figure 4. Airflow adjustment valve
Figure 5. Replacing the fuse
Theory of Operation
The Ion Python and Neutralising Hand Gun employs
high voltage AC to create a balanced ion field. AC
systems utilise emitters that are switched rapidly
between positive and negative high voltage, usually
at the power line frequency (50/60 Hz). The emitter is
located at the end of the nozzle. This emitter pro duces
large amounts of positive and negative ions, which
mix with the air supply and create a highly effective
neutralising field. Any material within this field will be
neutralised rapidly. The air nozzles also eliminate
contamination by dislodging dust and debris which
are attracted to a material’s surface by static charges.
Once static charges are neutralised, dust particles and
other forms of contamination are freed and carried
away by the air stream. Desco Europe ionisers meet
the IEC 61340-5-1 minimum recommended technical
requirement range of less than ±35 volts voltage offset
tested in accordance with IEC 61340-4-7. Air Nozzle
Ionisers provide ±20 volt balance.