ESD Ionizer: Why Ionization Is Important in ESD Applications
An ESD ionizer is used in particular with so-called insulators (non-conductors)—that is, materials that do not conduct electricity and for which grounding therefore does not work.
In the following article, drawing on our experience as a specialized ESD wholesaler, we explain why ionization is important in ESD applications, how an ESD ionizer works, what types of ionizers are available, and how ESD ionizers should be maintained.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN BRIEF:
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Table of contents
- Why is ionization important in the field of ESD?
- How does an ESD ionizer (air ionizer) work?
- Types of Ionizing Devices
- Maintenance of ESD Ionizers
- Consulting on ESD Ionizers
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on “ESD Ionizers”
Why is ionization important in the field of ESD?
Electrostatic charges are everywhere. They are generated, for example, by friction while walking or by the separation of materials; during assembly processes such as connecting cables or inserting electronic circuit boards into plastic housings; during other handling of plastics; or, for example, while operating machinery.
In ESD environments, such electrostatic charges are deliberately dissipated—primarily through grounding measures —to prevent them from discharging uncontrollably. This is because uncontrolled discharges can cause damage, particularly to electrostatically sensitive components.
However, grounding measures for ESD protection only work with conductive and dissipative materials. With non-conductive materials—known as non-conductors or insulators—electrostatic charges cannot be dissipated through grounding. Insulators include, among others, many plastics, glass, ceramics, and rubber. And it is precisely with these non-conductive materials that ionization —or an ESD ionizerthat eliminates the electrostatic charges on the insulator.
How does an ESD ionizer (air ionizer) work?
An ESD ionizer (air ionizer) generates a strong electric field that adds positive and negative ions to the air.
As soon as this air, ionized by the ESD ionizer, is blown onto the electrostatically charged surface of an insulator, the ions of the opposite polarity are attracted to that surface. If the surface of the insulator is negatively charged, it will attract positive ions. If the surface is positively charged, it will attract negative ions. In both cases, this results in the neutralization of the charge on the surface.
You can purchase the following ESD ionizer from the online store of abovo, a specialty ESD wholesaler:
Types of Ionizing Devices
There are different types of ionizers. On the one hand, there are differences in technology—namely, AC and DC ionizers. On the other hand, ionizers differ in design.
AC and DC Technology
In so-called AC ionization, the ionizer has a single emitter tip at which the positive and negative polarities alternate in rapid succession. AC stands for “alternating current.” Since ions of both polarities are produced at the same point in AC ionizers, AC ionization provides a good charge balance. In addition, AC ionizers require less maintenance than DC ionizers.
However, AC ionizers have lower ionization performance than DC ionizers, which is why AC ionizers are generally not used in ESD-controlled areas, but rather in industries such as packaging and printing to prevent insulating materials from sticking together due to electrostatic charges.
In so-called DC ionization, the ionizer has two different emitter tips—one for positive polarity and one for negative polarity. DC stands for “direct current.” The ion density is higher in DC ionizers because ions of both polarities are produced simultaneously. This results in faster neutralization of electrostatic charges, which is why DC ionizers are particularly well-suited for ESD areas. However, the charge balance must be checked regularly for these ionizers.
Design Types
ESD ionizers are classified by design into tabletop ionizers, discharge blowers, overhead ionizers, ionization bars, ionization guns, and ionization nozzles.
Benchtop ionizers —usually in the form of a fan—are placed directly at a workstation. Discharge blowers are used to neutralize surfaces in larger areas. Overhead ionizers are mounted above a workstation or a larger area, which saves space. Ionization bars, for example, can be integrated into machines. Ionization guns and ionization nozzles are used for the targeted neutralization of electrostatic charges, with the advantage of ionization guns being that they are generally portable.
Maintenance of ESD Ionizers
ESD ionizers must be cleaned regularly because dust from the air settles on the emitter tips, which reduces the ionizer’s efficiency.
In addition, the emitter tips of ESD ionizers must be replaced after a certain period of time.
In addition, the charge balance must be checked regularly, as it can shift over time. If the charge balance shifts, the ionizer may actually cause the surface that is supposed to be neutralized to become charged.
The charge balance and ionization efficiency are checked using a device known as a charge plate monitor (CPM). You can either purchase a ready-made CPM unit or buy a kit consisting of a charge plate and an electric field meter to build your own CPM.
In the abovo online store, you can purchase the following devices for maintaining ESD ionizers:
Consulting on ESD Ionizers
Do you have any questions about ESD ionizers? We at abovo, a Swiss ESD wholesale specialist, would be happy to advise you on ESD ionization or on purchasing an ESD ionizer, a charge plate monitor, a charge plate, or an electric field meter.
We recommend that you contact our ESD experts at abovo today, either by phone or email:
- Telephone number: +41 32 552 44 44
- E-mail: info@abovo.ch
If you contact us by e-mail, we will reply as quickly as possible.