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Q and A regarding Ionization
Desco - ESD and Static Control, Protection, Supplies and Products Static Control Ionizers
Desco ionizers are designed for manufacturers who:
  • Use ESD susceptible (ESDS) components
  • Need to neutralize electrostatic fields in defined area
  • Need to control charged particles with ionization
Desco ionizers incorporate a variety of features to produce faster discharge times, consistent coverage areas, and maintain ongoing in-spec performance. Both steady state DC and AC corona discharge ionizers are manufactured by Desco. Applications include eliminating charges on process essential insulators, neutralizing workstations where ESDS are handled, and removing charged particulates to create a static free work area. All Desco ionizers are NIST calibrated for optimal performance.
Overhead Chargebuster Ionizer - Neutralize Electrostatic Discharge
Overhead Ionizers
  • Mounts over the workstation to not reduce work bench space
  • Steady state DC Ionization for superior discharge times
  • Maximizes coverage up to a 2’ x 5’ area
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High Output Benchtop Ionizer - Neutralize Electrostatic Discharge
Bench Top Ionizers
  • Compact size minimizes needed space on the work bench
  • Steady state DC and AC models
  • Covers area up to 1’ x 4’
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Ion Python Hand Gun - Neutralize Electrostatic Discharge
Ion Guns
  • Ionizes compressed gas to remove charged particles
  • Concentrated airstream used to neutralize and dislodge charged dust and debris from surfaces
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Overhead Ionizers
Desco overhead Ionizers use a steady state DC corona discharge ionization technology. Overhead Ionizers are designed to provide a maximum coverage area for neutralizing charges at the workstation. Typical applications include workstations where ESD susceptible components are used within 12” inches of an insulator or where static fields interfere with quality and productivity.
  • Mounts over the workstation to not reduce work bench space
  • Steady state DC corona discharge ionization technology
  • Specially designed fan modules
    • Maximize coverage (2’ x 5’)
    • Produce consistent offset voltage (balance) ±10 Volts
    • Produce fast discharge times(<3 seconds) tested per ANSI/ESD STM 3.1 and ESD TR53
  • Consistent performance at all fan speeds (Low, Medium, High) allows for use with sensitive applications, such as calibration, test, or repair procedures.
  • Auto-Feedback System (Audible and Visual Alarms) will automatically shut down and alarm if supply voltage drops or offset voltage goes out of balance
  • 120/220 VAC Input Voltage Selectable on most items
  • Lights and heaters available on some items.
  • NIST Calibrated
  • Made in the United States of America
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Overhead Ionizers
Part # Description Input Voltage Region Features Price
60600 Overhead Ionizer, 40 inches 120VAC North America 3-Fan, Light and Heater $1,073.99
Chargebuster Overhead Ionizer
Part # Description Input Voltage Region Features Price
60473 Overhead Ionizer, 36 inches 120VAC North America 3-Fan $1,060.99
60640 Overhead Ionizer, 24 inches 120VAC North America 2-Fan $895.62
Bench Top Ionizers
Desco bench top ionizers are designed to provide a concentrated coverage area for neutralizing charges at the workstation where ESDS are handled. Typical applications include workstations where ESD susceptible components are used within 12” inches of an insulator or where static fields interfere with quality and productivity.
  • Compact size minimizes needed space on the work bench
  • Specially designed fan modules
    • Maximize coverage (2’ x 5’)
    • Produce consistent offset voltage (balance) ±10 Volts
    • Produce fast discharge times(<3 seconds) tested per ANSI/ESD STM 3.1 and ESD TR53
  • Consistent performance at all fan speeds (Low, Medium, High) allows for use with sensitive applications such as calibration, test, or repair procedures
  • Auto-Feedback System (Audible and Visual Alarms) will automatically shut down and alarm if supply voltage drops or offset voltage goes out of balance
  • 120/220 VAC Input Voltage Selectable on most items
  • NIST Calibrated
  • Made in the United States of America
For Technical Information about Ionizers - Click Here
Chargebuster® Jr Bench Top Ionizers
Part # Description Input Voltage Price
60500 Chargebuster® Jr 120VAC $582.99
60501 Chargebuster® Jr with Heater 120VAC $839.77
High Output Bench Top Ionizers
Part # Description   Price
60505 High Output Bench Top Ionizer 120VAC $550.78
Bench Top Ion Blowers
Part # Description   Price
19500 Bench Top Ionizer Blower 120VAC $686.83
19520 Bench Top Ionizer Blower 220VAC $832.73
Ion Guns
Ion guns are used with compressed gas to create a concentrated high pressure airstream of charged ions. The high pressure airstream is used to neutralize charges on charged paticles. Typical applications include removing charged dust from insulative components (screens, product housings, etc)
  • Ionizes compressed gas to remove charged particles
  • Concentrated airstream dislodges charged dust and debris from surfaces
  • Adjustable PSI: Ion Python - 30-100 PSI ; Chargebuster 30 – 65 PSI
  • Consistent offset voltage (balance): Ion Python ±20 Volts; Chargebuster ±30 Volts
  • Fast discharge times (<1 second) at 6 inches tested per ANSI/ESD STM 3.1 and ESD TR53
  • NIST Calibrated
  • Made in the United States of America
For Technical Information about Ionizers - Click Here
Chargebuster Ion Guns
Part # Description PSI Offset Voltage Input Voltage Region Price
19590 Chargebuster
 30-65 ±30 Volts 120VAC North America $845.27
Ion Python Hand Guns
Part # Description PSI Offset Voltage Input Voltage Region Price
19587 Ion Python 30-100  ±20 Volts 120VAC North America $1,108.37
19588 Ion Python 30-100  ±20 Volts 220VAC North America $1,217.96
Q and A regarding Ionization
Question:
What does an ionizer do?
Answer:
The primary function of an ionizer is to neutralize electrostatic charges on insulators and isolated (non-grounded) conductors to reduce the magnitude of electrostatic discharges in the ESD protected area. Point-of-use compressed air ionizers combat electrostatic attraction neutralizing charges on particles causing contamination or visual defects on products.
Question:
Does ANSI/ESD S20.20-2007 require the use of ionizers in an ESD control program?
Answer:
No, ionizers are not required. But general information in the ANSI/ESDS20.20-2007 Foreword states: “Necessary non-conductors in the environment cannot lose their electrostatic charge by attachment to ground. Ionization systems provide neutralization of charges on these necessary non-conductive items (circuit board materials and some device packages are examples of necessary non-conductors).”
Question:
When should ionizers be used?
Answer:
Per ESD Association ESD Handbook ESD TR20.20 Ionization, section 5.3.6.1 Introduction and Purpose / General Information “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.”
Question:
After installation, do ionizers need to be checked? How frequently?
Answer:
Ionizers should be pieces of equipment that have serial numbers and are included in the company’s maintenance and calibration schedules. This is particularly critical to ensure that the offset voltage or balance is within acceptable limits. Otherwise, instead of neutralizing charges the out of balance ionizer will charge insulators and isolated conductors. The user, depending on the value and function of their products, must determine the appropriate frequency of maintenance and calibration.
Question:
What should ionizers be checked for? What are acceptable limits?
Answer:
Per S20.20-2007, Compliance Verification of Ionizers per Table 3 should be per ESD TR53. The ionizers should be tested for offset voltage (balance) and for discharge times. The required limit for offset voltage per S20.20 is less than +/- 50 volts (less than +/- 150 volts for room ionization). Per S20.20, the required limit for discharge time is user defined. Note: discharge time for both polarities are to be tested, from +1,000 volts to +100 volts and from -1,000 volts to -100 volts.
Question:
What is the advantage of steady state DC ionization?
Answer:
Experience has found that steady state ionizers work effectively with a modest air flow suitable for sensitive items, soldering operations, and where operator comfort is a concern. “Steady state 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 will vary depending on the design, and DC power is constantly applied to the emitter points.
Emitters of opposite polarities are spaced farther apart in the DC systems than in the AC systems. Ion recombination occurs at a lower rate and steady state DC systems will operate at a lower airflow than AC systems. In some situations, it may not be desirable to place sensitive components close to the emitter points. The electric field of the ionizer is used to move ions in the absence of high airflow.” [ESD Handbook ESD TR20.20 section 5.3.6.5.1.3]
Question:
What is the advantage of AC systems?
Answer:
“AC systems utilize emitters that are switched rapidly between positive and negative high voltage, usually at the power line frequency. Ion recombination is high, as both polarities are produced in rapid succession at each emitter point. The electrostatic field from the emitter points also changes direction rapidly. In some situations, it may not be desirable to place sensitive components close to the emitter points. For these applications, moving ions away from the emitter points will require airflow. AC systems are often mounted at the output of an air delivery system.” [ESD Handbook ESD TR20.20 section 5.3.6.5.1.2]
Technical Information - Ionizers
“Necessary non-conductors in the environment cannot lose their electrostatic charge by attachment to ground. Ionization systems provide neutralization of charges on these necessary non-conductive items (circuit board materials and some device packages are examples of necessary non-conductors). Assessment of the ESD hazard created by electrostatic charges on the necessary nonconductors in the work place is required to ensure that appropriate actions are implemented, commensurate with risk to ESDS [ESD sensitive] items”. (ANSI/ESDS20.20 Foreword)
“In order to mitigate field-induced CDM [Charged Device Model] damage, the ESD program shall include a plan for the handling of process-required insulators. If the field exceeds 2,000 volts/inch, steps shall be taken to either: A) Separate the insulator from the ESD-sensitive device by a distance of 30 cm (12 inches); or B) Use ionization or other charge mitigating techniques to neutralize the charge.” (ANSI/ESD S20.20 section 8.3)
“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)
“All ionization devices will require periodic maintenance for proper operation. Maintenance intervals for ionizers vary widely depending on the type of ionization equipment and use environment. Critical clean room uses will generally require more frequent attention. It is important to set-up a routine schedule for ionizer service. Routine service is typically required to meet quality audit requirements.” (ESD Handbook TR20.20 section 5.3.6.7 Maintenance / Cleaning)