TB-3006
Page 3 of 4
Under normal conditions the ionizer will attract dirt and dust
(especially on the emitter and fan guards). To maintain
optimum performance, cleaning must be done on a regular
basis. The emitter pins should be cleaned at least every 6
months. However, more frequent cleaning may be required
if used in environments with more contaminants.
Theory of Operation
By definition, materials that are insulators cannot have
static charges removed via grounding as they do not
conduct electricity. Ionizer emitters flood an area with
millions of positive and negative charged ions to neutralize
statically charged insulators.
Desco overhead ionizers employ a safe non-nuclear
Steady-State DC ionization source. Steady DC systems
consist of separate negative and positive ion emitters
connected by a pair of high-voltage cables to their
respective high-voltage power supplies. The ionizer’s
unique, closed loop monitoring circuitry monitors ion output
and automatically adjusts the unit to reach an equilibrium
at perfectly balanced ion flow. The ionizer is designed to
achieve balance under extreme conditions and is uniquely
able to maintain balance in almost any environment. Desco
ionizers meet the ANSI/ESD S20.20 less than ±50 volts
required limits offset voltage tested in accordance with
ANSI ESD S3.1. High Output Overhead Ionizers greatly
exceed the requirement providing ±15 volt auto balancing.
The unit’s circuitry also features a visual alarm, which alerts
the user of malfunction conditions caused by excessive
electrode contamination or the failure of either the
positive or negative power supply. When the High Output
Overhead Ionizer is ON and its output is balanced, the
blue LED indicator on the front of the unit will be steadily
lit. If a malfunction condition is detected the balance
circuit will cause the blue LED to flash until the problem is
corrected. See the maintenance section for recommended
maintenance procedures.
© 2013 DESCO INDUSTRIES INC.
Employee Owned
Figure 6. Cleaning the emitters and fan guards
Emitter pin cleaning is very simple and should be
done frequently. TURN THE IONIZER OFF. Blow off
contaminants on the emitter assemblies and fan guards with
clean dry air.
If the ionizer does not return to proper balance, then you
may need to clean each emitter point more thoroughly.
TURN THE UNIT OFF AND DISCONNECT THE POWER
CORD.
With a non-linting swab or small brush dipped in
isopropyl alcohol wipe each emitter needle thoroughly.
Brush off emitters to assure that stray filaments of cleaning
material are completely removed. A soft cloth and alcohol
may be used to clean each fan guard.
Emitter Needle Replacement
The tri-metallic emitters should not require replacement
unless broken or damaged. Contact Desco if replacement is
required.
Light Bulb Replacement
The High Output Overhead Ionizer features two fluorescent
light bulbs. They can be accessed and replaced by
removing the two covers located at the top of the ionizer.
The light bulbs should only be replaced by the same
compact fluorescent bulbs, 15 W max. NOTE: Never use
incandescent lamps in the High Output Overhead Ionizer.
Neutralization Efficiency (Discharge Times)
The comparative efficiency of overhead top ionizers is
determined by a standard test published by the ESD
Association Standard ANSI/ESD S3.1. The typical discharge
times measured using this standard for the ionizer are
shown in the following diagram. The performance of the
ionizer was measured with the unit positioned at varying
distances with the fan speed on high and without a filter.
DESCO IONIZER
Figure 7. Discharge times in seconds from ±1000 volts to
±100 volts on a 6" x 6" charged plate per ANSI/ESD S3.1
DESCO WEST
- 3651 Walnut Avenue, Chino, CA 91710 • (909) 627-8178
DESCO EAST
- One Colgate Way, Canton, MA 02021-1407 • (781) 821-8370 • Website: