Portable Ionising Air Gun
Installation and Operation
UNIT C, 4TH DIMENSION, FOURTH AVENUE, LETCHWORTH, HERTS, SG6 2TD UK
Phone: 0044 (0) 1462 672005, Fax: 0044 (0) 1462 670440 • e-mail: [email protected], Internet: Vermason.co.uk
TB-7531
December 2008 Page 1 of 2
© 2008 Vermason
TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-7531
Made in America
Figure 1. Portable Ionising Air Gun,
Item 200380
Description
The Vermason Portable Ionising Air Gun
is a ready-to-use unit for use in
applications and areas where
electrostatic charge can create
manufacturing or handling problems.
This unit quickly and effectively
neutralises bulk static charges and aids
in controlling contamination by
dislodging dust and debris attracted by
static electricity.
The Portable Ionising Air Gun meets or
exceeds the recommended technical
requirements of of EN 61340-5-1 Test
method A.6 for ionization tested per
Figure A.23 for compressed gas guns or
nozzles.
“Ionizers should be considered as a
method for charge neutralization in
cases where grounding cannot be
achieved. These may include localized
(bench) ionized air blowers, compressed
air ionizers, spot ionizers, tape
dispenser ionizers and total room
ionizers.”
“Air ionization can neutralize the static
charge on insulated and isolated objects
by producing separate charges in the
molecules of the gases of the
surrounding air. When a static charge is
present on objects in the work
environment, it will be neutralized by
attracting opposite polarity charges from
the ionized air. Note that ionization
systems should not be used as a
primary means of charge control on
conductors or people.
As with all ionizers, periodic
maintenance will be needed to provide
optimum performance.” (EN 61340-5-2
paragraph 5.2.9)
The Portable Ionising Air Gun is
designed for point-of-use applications.
Ionisers are useful in preventing
electrostatic charge generation,
ElectroStatic Discharge, and
ElectroStatic Attraction. Ionisation is
used to neutralise charges on process
necessary insulators and isolated
semiconductors. Some examples of
process necessary insulators are: the
PC board itself, plastic test stands,
plastic housing where a PCB may be
mounted, as well as computer monitor
screens and regular cleaning wipes.
Examples of floating or isolated
conductors are: loaded PCB mounted in
a stand where the pins are not
contacting the dissipative workstation.
NOTE: The unit is not recommended for
continuous use.
THEORY OF OPERATION
The emitter is located inside of the
nozzle. This emitter produces 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 ionising air flow
removes contamination by dislodging
dust and debris which is 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. Vermason
ionisers meet the ANSI/ESD S20.20
minimum recommended technical
requirement range of less than ±50 V
voltage offset tested in accordance with
ANSI EOS/ESD S3.1. The Vermason
Portable Ionising Air Gun provides ±30
volt balance.
CAUTION
The Portable Ionising Air Gun is not
water resistant, therefore, keep it away
from water and mist as they will cause
short circuit and insulation failures
Keep the air gun away from vibration,
corrosive/flammable gas and dust as
they can be the cause of fire, short
circuits, rust, etc.
Do not operate the Portable Ionising Air
Gun near the face.
Keep the Portable Ionising Air Gun away
from children.
DO NOT use the Portable Ionising Air
Gun for purposes other than its designed
purpose.
DO NOT damage the nozzle or
connectors.
DO NOT disassemble the unit.
Packaging
1 Portable Ionising Air Gun
1 Coiled Air Tube
1 Quick Disconnect Adapter
1 Extension Brush
4 AA Alkaline Batteries
1 Certificate of Calibration
Installation
I.
Open the Battery Container Lid by
using a coin to turn the plastic lock.
II.
Insert 4 AA Batteries then close and
lock the lid.
III. Insert the 4 mm diameter air tube to
the Air Inlet and check to see if the
connection is secure.
IV. Connect one end of the Quick
Disconnect Adapter to the air
supply/source and the other end to
the air tube from the Ionising Air
Gun.
NOTE:
Ensure that the air supply/
source is set within the 10 - 65 PSI
range.
