ITW SIMCO ION Aerostat Guardian, User Manual, Page: 24 / 39

Aerostat Guardian 5100650-M Rev 2 20
4.5 Ion Output Check
To test the unit for ion output, the use of a charge plate monitor such
as the Simco-Ion Model 280A is recommended. Discharge times
can be measured and checked against the Ion Output tables in
Section 5, Specifications . If a charge plate monitor is not
available, but a static meter such as a Simco-Ion handheld
electrostatic fieldmeter is available, ion output may be checked with
the following procedure. Take a piece of plastic and rub it with cloth
until a static charge can be read with the static meter. Turn on the
Aerostat Guardian. Hold the plastic one foot away from the ionized
air outlet for five seconds. Remove the plastic from the ionized air
stream and measure the static charge. The plastic should be
neutralized.
If no instrumentation is available, the Aerostat Guardian's operation
can be verified with the following procedure. Tear off about a 10-
inch length of Scotch® brand (or equivalent) transparent tape.
Approach the non-adhesive side of the tape with your free hand and
note the electrostatic attraction of the tape to your hand. Pass the
tape through the ionized air stream approximately 1 foot from the
unit and again approach the non-adhesive side of the tape with your
free hand. If the tape has been neutralized, it will not attract.
Do not try to verify operation of the unit by drawing a spark from an
ion emitter point. The design of the balancing circuit makes the
"spark test" inconclusive. Sustained grounding of the ion emitters
may damage the balancing circuit.