Circuit & System Protection


Ionised air blower

31 August 2011 Circuit & System Protection

SIMCO’s Aerostat XC is designed for use with sensitive electronic components where electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a problem.

It can be applied in inspection, testing and assembly environments, and can also be used where static electricity causes problems such as attraction of dirt to product, misalignment of small parts due to electrostatic ‘jumping,’ and undesirable adhesion of plastic films due to electrostatic charge.

The ionised air blower produces an airflow that is rich in positive and negative ions. Directing the air flow onto an object that has a static charge will neutralise the charge. If the object has a positive static charge, it will draw negative ions from the airflow. If the object has a negative static charge, it will draw positive ions from the airflow. The ions are attracted to the oppositely charged object and neutralise the electrostatic charge on the object.

The Aerostat XC uses a three-speed tangential blower to produce a uniform airflow which is directed into a duct. The duct also contains a heater and ioniser. The low-wattage heater can be turned on at any time for user comfort. The ioniser uses a transformer which produces high-voltage AC, and is current limited for safety. The transformer output also contains a current limiting resistor which provides redundant safety and enhances the ionisation stability.

The AC is applied to a row of stainless steel ion emitters, which results in an intense alternating electric field at the tip of the emitters. It is this electric field that introduces alternating polarity ions into the air flow. The shaped airflow exiting the Aerostat XC carries these ions over a broad area for control of electrostatic charge. To ensure that the unit is working properly, the output is monitored by an ionisation indicator lamp.

The ioniser of the Aerostat XC features a balancing circuit to ensure equal production of positive and negative ions. The unit also features a built-in emitter cleaner. Taking a few seconds to clean the emitters on a weekly basis prevents the build-up of airborne debris, ensuring optimal functioning for the life of the unit.



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