TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-3043
High Output Bench Top Ionizer
Installation, Operation and Maintenance
Made in the
United States of America
“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 ESD TR20.20
Ionization, section 5.3.6.1 Introduction and Purpose / General
Information)
Figure 1. Desco High Output Bench Top Ionizer
Ionizer Selection
ANSI/ESD S20.20 section 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
Desco ionizers meet the ANSI/ESD S20.20 required limits
of less than ± 35 volts offset voltage balance tested in
accordance with ANSI/ ESD STM3.1. All Desco bench top
ionizers greatly exceed the requirement providing ±5 to ±25
volt auto-balancing.
The High Output Bench Top Ionizer is available in two
models:
Item
Voltage
60505
120 VAC
60515
220 VAC
Description
The Desco High Output Bench Top Ionizer is a compact
and lightweight steady state DC auto-balancing bench top
worksurface 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.
The Desco High Output Bench Top Ionizer employs Steady
State DC technology. 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 varies
depending on the design, and DC power is constantly
applied to the emitter points. The ionizer uses feedback from
the internal sensor grill to continuously adjust the output to
maintain balance.
Ionizers are useful in limiting electrostatic charge generation,
ElectroStatic Discharge, ElectroStatic Attraction, as well
as preventing equipment latch-up. 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 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 clause 5.2.9)
Packaging
1
1
1
1
High Output Bench Top Ionizer
Power Cord, North America (60505 only)
Emitter Point Cleaner Pack
Certificate of Calibration
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
TB-3043
Page 1 of 6 October 2016
© 2016 DESCO INDUSTRIES, INC.
Employee Owned
Features and Components
Maintenance
“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)
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 section 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.”
CLEANING THE EMITTER POINTS
The maintenance interval of the High Output Bench Top
Ionizer is extended with the use of its auto-balancing
closed-loop feedback technology. The ionizer will detect any
shifts in the offset voltage (balance) and adjust its output
to compensate for the change. This shift in offset voltage
(balance) is often caused by particle build-up on the ionizer’s
emitter points. To maintain optimum neutralization efficiency
and operation, cleaning should be performed on a regular
basis.
Use the included Emitter Point Cleaners or a swab
dampened with Isopropyl alcohol to clean the ionizer’s
emitter points.
1. Turn the unit OFF and unplug the power cord.
2. Open the rear screen by
loosening the screw and
swinging the grill to one
side.
3. Clean the emitter points
using the included Emitter
Point Cleaners or a swab
dampened with Isopropyl
alcohol.
4. Reattach the rear screen.
5. Plug in the power cord
and turn the unit ON.
6. Verify the performance of
the ionizer by using a
charged plate monitor, or
ionization test kit.
The emitter points should not require replacement during
the life of the unit with normal handling. If necessary, item
60507
Replacement Emitter Points are available for order.
A
B
C
E
D
Figure 2. High Output Bench Top Ionizer features and
components
A. Power Cord Connection:
Connect the power cord here.
B. Power Switch:
Toggle the switch to the left to turn the
ionizer OFF. Toggle the switch to the right to turn the ionizer
ON.
C. Fan Speed Switch:
Toggle the switch to the left to set
the fan speed to Low. Toggle the switch to the middle to set
the fan speed to Medium. Toggle the switch to the right to
set the fan speed to High.
D. Balance Adjustment:
Turn the potentiometer
clockwise for positive adjustment. Turn the potentiometer
counter-clockwise for negative adjustment.
E. RS-485 IN:
For manufacturer use only.
Installation
Place the unit at a desired location where that the airflow will
not be restricted. Be sure that the ON/OFF switch located
on the rear of the unit is in the OFF position. Plug the power
cord into the unit and then into the appropriate AC power
source.
Operation
1. Set the fan speed switch on the rear of the unit to the
Low, Medium, or High position (see Figure 2). Higher
airflow will result in faster neutralization rates.
2. Position the ionizer so that maximum airflow is directed
towards the items or area to be neutralized.
3. Turn the unit ON. When the unit is first turned on, it
conducts a self-test. The audible alarm will sound and
the LED will cycle through the colors red, yellow, and
green. The LED will remain green during normal
operation.
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
TB-3043
Page 2 of 6
© 2016 DESCO INDUSTRIES, INC.
Employee Owned
Adjustments and Compliance Verification
BALANCE OFFSET VOLTAGE ADJUSTMENT
The High Output Bench Top Ionizer is an auto-balancing unit.
However, tuning or manual adjustment can be accomplished
by inserting a small screwdriver or trimmer adjustment tool
into the balance adjustment hole located at the rear of the
unit (see Figure 2). To increase the output in a positive
direction, turn the potentiometer clockwise. To increase
the output in a negative direction, turn the potentiometer
counter-clockwise.
MAINTENANCE / ALARMS
In the event of circuit failure, the unit will enter shutdown
mode.
When the unit enters shutdown mode, ionization will be
stopped, the LED on the front of the unit will illuminate a
constant red, and the audible alarm will continuously sound.
The user must then reset the unit by turning it OFF and back
ON.
WARNING - RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
THESE SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOR USE BY
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY. DO NOT PERFORM
ANY SERVICING OF INTERNAL PARTS UNLESS YOU
ARE QUALIFIED TO DO SO.
NOTE: The AC power cord MUST always be disconnected
before the unit is disassembled.
The input voltage may be verified or reset by removing the
3 screws located on the back of the unit then removing the
back case.
The input voltage can be selected using the two internal
jumpers shown in Figures 3 and 4.
If the supply voltage drops from 110 Volts to below 85 Volts
or from 200 Volts to below 170 Volts, the unit will shut down,
the audible alarm will beep and the LED will blink red. The
unit will automatically reset when the minimum voltage is
restored.
Compliance Verification should be per ESD TR53. Offset
voltage (balance) and both polarity’s discharge time should
be checked on every ionizer periodically using an Ionization
Test Kit or a Charged Plate Analyzer. Measure offset
voltage (balance) and both polarity’s discharge times. Clean
the emitter points (with electrical power off), adjust offset
voltage (balance) to zero and then re-test for offset voltage
(balance) and discharge times recording the measurements.
Voltage Selection Header
Power Jack
Jumpers
Figure 3. 110V jumper setting
Voltage Selection Header
Power Jack
Jumpers
Figure 4. 220V jumper setting
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
TB-3043
Page 3 of 6
© 2016 DESCO INDUSTRIES, INC.
Employee Owned
Neutralization (Discharge) Times
All data was taken with the fan speed set to high. All time measurements are in seconds.
NOTE: Discharge times in seconds are representative only and are not a guarantee. Discharge times are actual
measurements recorded in a factory ambient environment.
Per ANSI/ESD S20.20, the test method for Product Qualification test is ANSI/ESD STM3.1, and for Compliance Verification
is ESD TR53 which advises “Measurements should be made at the location where ESD sensitive items are to be ionized.” A
larger area may require additional ionizers. Per S20.20 the required limit for ionizer discharge time is user defined. Use Table
to determine the number of ionizers to achieve ionization of area to be neutralized to meet your company’s ESD control plan
specified discharge times.
The comparative efficiency of bench top ionizers is determined by a standard test published by the ESD Association: ANSI/
ESD STM 3.1. Typical positive and negative decay times (1000V - 100V) measured using this standard are shown in the
figures below. The performance of the ionizer was measured with the unit positioned as shown, with the fan speed on high
and without a filter.
12"
12"
12"
12"
TP1
Charged Plate
+15.0
-24.0
TP4
+7.0
-10.0
TP7
+7.5
-10.5
TP10
+9.5
-13.5
12"
Air Flow
TP2
+1.0
-1.4
TP5
+2.3
-3.3
TP8
+3.6
-5.1
TP11
+5.5
-7.6
High Output
Bench Top Ionizer
TP3
+26.0
-52.0
TP6
+10.0
-13.0
TP9
+8.5
-11.0
TP12
+9.5
-13.0
12"
Figure 5. Neutralization (Discharge) Times at 120VAC / 220VAC, 60Hz input
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
TB-3043
Page 4 of 6
© 2016 DESCO INDUSTRIES, INC.
Employee Owned
12"
12"
12"
12"
TP1
Charged Plate
+16.0
-25.0
TP4
+9.5
-12.0
TP7
+11.5
-15.0
TP10
+15.5
-21.0
12"
Air Flow
TP2
+1.3
-1.8
TP5
+3.0
-4.1
TP8
+5.0
-6.5
TP11
+7.0
-10.0
High Output
Bench Top Ionizer
TP3
+38.0
-59.0
TP6
+11.0
-16.0
TP9
+10.0
-12.5
TP12
+11.0
-14.0
12"
Figure 6. Neutralization (Discharge) Times at 100VAC, 50Hz input
Calibration
On a regular interval, most users will clean emitter pins and
calibrate the ionizer. Per ESD TR 53 section 5.3.6.7.1 “The
best practice is to measure the offset voltage and discharge
times, clean the unit, including emitter points and air filters
if present, offset voltage to zero (if adjustable), and then
repeat offset voltage and discharge time testing. If the unit
does not meet offset voltage specifications or minimum
established discharge time limits, further service is indicated.
Manufacturers should provide details on service procedures
and typical service intervals.”
Most companies will assign a number or otherwise
identify each ionizer and setup a Compliance Verification /
Maintenance / Calibration schedule. If the ionizers all test
good, the data can justify lengthening the calibration period.
If ionizers require adjustment, the calibration period should
be shortened. Although ESD TR53 does not advise a test
frequency, JESDD625-A (Revision of EIA-625) recommends
ionizers be tested semiannually, noting to use “S3.1 except
the number of measurement points and locations may be
selected based on the application.”
NOTE: A charged plate analyzer or monitor should be used
in order to properly calibrate the Desco High Output Bench
Top Ionizer. EMIT offers the
50571
Charged Plate Analyzer.
1. Properly setup the ionizer as described in the installation
procedure.
2. Turn the unit ON and set the fan speed to High.
3. Position the charged plate analyzer 12 inches directly in
front of the ionizer.
4. The balance (offset voltage) should be within 0 and ±2
volts. To increase the output in a positive direction, turn
the Balance potentiometer in a clockwise direction. To
increase the output in a negative direction, turn the
Balance potentiometer in a counter-clockwise direction.
5. Test the neutralization (discharge) time by applying a
±1,000 volt charge on the charged plate analyzer. The
neutralization (discharge) time should be less than 2
seconds. See figures 5 and 6 for typical discharge times.
The required limit per ANSI/ESD S20.20 is “user defined”.
6. Test the ionizer’s alarm by shorting its two fan grills
located on the front (see Figure 7). The alarm should
sound, and the STATUS LED should illuminate red.
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
TB-3043
Page 5 of 6
© 2016 DESCO INDUSTRIES, INC.
Employee Owned