Maintenance
“As with all ionizers, periodic maintenance will be needed to
provide optimum performance.” (Reference: IEC 61340-5-
2:1paragraph 5.2.9).
The frequency of monitoring ionizers 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 ionizers 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. ANSI/ESD S20.20 paragraph 6.1.3.1 Compliance
Verification Plan Requirement states: “Test equipment shall be
selected to make measurements of appropriate properties of
the technical requirements that are incorporated into the ESD
program plan.” And paragraph 6.1.3.2. Compliance Verification
Plan Guidance states: “In addition to internal audits, external
audits (Organization and supplier of ESDS items) should be
performed to ensure compliance with planned requirements.
Verifications should include routine checks of the Technical
Requirements in the Plan. The frequency of verification checks
should be based on the control item usage, its durability and
associated risk of failure.”
Under normal conditions, the ionizer 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.
By their nature, all electric ionizers attract contaminants to
the high voltage emitter pins. For best performance, this
contamination must be kept to a minimum. This was a major
factor in the design process of the Jr. ionizer with cassette.
Although we could not eliminate the maintenance, we have
made it far easier and much cleaner than ever before.
Switch to the OFF position.
Grasp the cassette ejector levers at the center and pivot
outward about 90 degrees.
Grasping the right and left corners, pull the cassette straight
out of the ionizer.
The cassette can then be replaced with a spare (item
60480, sold in pairs) or removed to another area for
cleaning.
Emitter pins are readily accessible and the cleaning of the
cassette can be accomplished with a stiff brush or lint-free
swab and isopropyl alcohol or other residue-free cleaning
solvent.
Note: An air filter is included with the unit to be used in
place of the unit’s grill in dusty or dirty environments. The
air filter will reduce the frequency of cleaning necessary for
the unit. Performance will be somewhat compromised due
to air restriction. To install air filter, remove the four Phillips
screws and install screen. The dimensions of the screen are
4-5/8" x 4-5/8" x .15". Construction is 30 x 30 aluminum mesh
(30 wires/sq. in. in a crisscross pattern). This filter is easily
removed and can be washed in warm, soapy water when
it becomes dirty. Replacement filters are available as item
Neutralization Efficiency (Discharge Time)
The comparative efficiency of bench top ionizers is determined
by ESD Association Standard S3.1 measuring offset voltage
(balance) and both polarities’ discharge times. The Ion
emitter electrodes produce a high ion output for rapid charge
dissipation. The decay rates measured using this standard
for the ionizer are shown in Figure 9. The performance of
the ionizer was measured with the unit positioned at varying
locations with the fan speed on high and without a filter.
NOTE: Discharge times in seconds are representative
only and are not a guarantee. Discharge times are actual
measurements recorded in a factory ambient environment.
TB-2095 Page 3 of 5
DESCO WEST - 3651 Walnut Avenue, Chino, CA 91710 (909) 627-8178
DESCO EAST - One Colgate Way, Canton, MA 02021-1407 (781) 821-8370 Website: Desco.com 2012 DESCO INDUSTRIES, INC.
Employee Owned
Air filter
Figure 6. Removing the emitter cassette
Item 60500
Figure 7. Discharge time in seconds from +1000 volts to +100
volts on a 6" x 6" charged plate monitor per ANSI/ESD-S3.1