TB-6533 August 2009 Page 1 of 4
Bench Top Zero Volt Ionizer
Installation, Operation and Maintenance
Figure 1. EMIT Bench Top Zero Volt Ionizer, Stainless Steel
Figure 2. EMIT Bench Top Zero Volt Ionizer, Powder Coat
Description
The EMIT Bench Top Zero Volt Ionizer is a compact and
lightweight steady state DC auto-balancing bench top
ionizer with integrated closed-loop feedback. The unit is
normally placed at one end of the workbench or area to
be neutralized. It may also be mounted to a wall or shelf.
The Ionizer’s neutralization discharge time will be best
approximately 12” to 48” directly in front of the unit and will
increase as the distance from the unit increases.
Ionizers are useful in preventing electrostatic charge
generation, ElectroStatic Discharge, ElectroStatic
Attraction, as well as preventing equipment latch-up and
safety related shock. Per ANSI/ESD S20.20 section
6.2.3.1. Protected Areas Requirement states: “Ionization
or other charge mitigating techniques shall be used at the
workstation to neutralize electrostatic fields on all process
essential insulators if the electrostatic field is considered
a threat.” 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 an electrostatic charge is present on objects in
the work environment, it will be neutralized by attracting
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TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-6533
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. (Reference: EN
61340-5-2:1 paragraph 5.2.9)
“The primary method of static charge control is direct
connection to ground for conductors, static dissipative
materials, and personnel. A complete static control program
must also deal with isolated conductors that cannot be
grounded, insulating materials (e.g., most common plastics),
and moving personnel who cannot use wrist or heel straps
or ESD control flooring and footwear.
Air ionization is not a replacement for grounding methods.
It is one component of a complete static control program.
Ionizers are used when it is not possible to properly
ground everything and as backup to other static control
methods. In clean rooms, air ionization may be one of the
few methods of static control available.” (ESD Handbook
TR20.20 Ionization, section 5.3.6.1 Introduction and
Purpose / General Information)
The EMIT Bench Top Zero Volt Ionizer operates on DC,
steady state. 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 spacing between emitters varies depending
on the design, and DC power is constantly applied to
the emitter points. The ionizer utilizes feedback from the
internal sensor grill to continuously adjust the output to
maintain balance
Ionizer Selection
ANSI/ESD S20.20 paragraph 6.1.1.2. ESD Control Program
Plan Guidance states: “The Plan should include a listing of
the specific type of ESD protective materials and equipment
used in the Program.” When selecting an ionizer, life cycle
costs should be considered, including:
- equipment cost
- installation cost
- operation and maintenance cost
EMIT ionizers meet the ANSI/ESD S20.20 minimum
recommended technical requirement range of less than +/-
50 volts voltage offset tested in accordance with ANSI-EOS/
ESD S3.1. All EMIT Bench Top Ionizers greatly exceed the
requirement providing ±5 to ±25 volt auto-balancing.
The Bench Top Zero Volt Ionizer is available in three
models:
Model Voltage
50663
50670
50690
120 VAC Stainless Steel
220 VAC Stainless Steel
120 VAC Powder Coat
DescoEMIT.com
Enclosure
© 2009 DESCO INDUSTRIES INC.
Made in America
Employee Owned
