Air Ionizer Cleanrooms

An air ioniser is a powerful device that removes bacteria, pollen, dust and particles as small as 0.01 microns in size. It uses high voltage to electrically charge or ionise air molecules. Cations are positive ions lacking one or more electrons, leading to a net positive charge. Anions or negative ions are particles with one or more electrons, leading to a net negative charge.

Unlike a HEPA filter, an air ioniser doesn’t utilise a physical paper filter. Instead, it emits negatively charged ions to attract positively charged ions, such as dust and bacteria to form a bond between them. The particles become heavier once this bond is formed. The increased weight causes the bonded particles to become trapped on an electrostatic collection plate.

Modular Cleanroom Benefits

  • Modular Construction
  • Quick Assembly Time
  • Versatility
  • Reconfiguration
  • Airflow Control
  • Inexpensive Modifications

How do Air Ionisers work?

Alpha Ionisation

An air ioniser works via two methods: alpha ionisation is the first and uses polonium 210 (a nuclear source) – the particles from which collide with transfer electrons and cause neutral air molecules to become negative ions. The benefit of alpha ionisation is the creation of an equal number of negative and positive ions.

Corona Ionisation

Corona ionisation is the second method, creating bipolar ionised air through an electric current. A high-voltage electrical current comprising a flow of negatively charged electrons is applied to a needle or metal prong. To neutralise dust and other air particles, the negative ions formed are attracted to a static charge in the clean environment.

Cleanroom Design, Build & Validation

  • Budgeting and planning
  • Engineering, design & layout
  • Airflow and filtration design
  • Construction and Installation
  • Full Certification of our product
  • Industry-specific equipment installation
  • Validation

Direct Current

Corona ionisation is divided into DC and AC. Direct current uses negative power supplies and separate positives that run simultaneously to create bipolar ions. They use low operating currents and are more efficient at producing ions. This makes them the best fit for cleanrooms.

Discharge times: There is some recombination occurring here, as even without air assist, the discharge times realised are better when compared to AC ionisers.

Offset voltages: AC ionisers have a better balance than DC ionisers. Negative and positive ions do not reach the target surface concurrently, which reduces the overall voltage offset.

Alternating Current

Alternating current ionisation produces negative and positive ions by using one emitter. This is used to protect components during assembly. Air assist is vital, because of the volume of ion-to-ion recombination occurring.

Discharge times: Discharge times are poor at long distances without air assist. This is due to substantial recombination and only a portion of the overall cycle creating ions.

Offset voltages: There is an abundance of negative and positive ions at the target surface, so the balance is always good.

High-quality Cleanroom Ionisers from Total Clean Air

Cleanroom air ionisers are important for removing the buildup of damaging static charges. They are mostly used to control static charges on insulating materials within the semiconductor industry.

Where wrist straps and bench top mats are insufficient, cleanroom ionisers protect electronic devices from electrostatic potential. They hold dust and other particulates to a surface by neutralising static charges. An ionised air gun is used to blow the loose particles away.

Total Clean Air supplies a large collection of ionisation products for use in semiconductor, electronics assembly, pharmaceutical, flat panel display and medical device manufacturing. Our products include:

Cleanroom Benchtop Ionisers

A small but efficient blower that controls static discharge in difficult areas of the cleanroom. They are designed to neutralise electrostatic discharge from insulators and isolated environments, such as cleanrooms. Our benchtop ionisers are designed with an automatic emitter-points cleaner to save time spent on manually cleaning the emitter points of your ioniser.

Cleanroom Overhead Ioniser

Our cleanroom overhead ioniser generates a balanced stream of negative and positive ions to safeguard sensitive materials and neutralise surface static charges. Cleanroom ionisers are certified for use in cleanrooms that require an ISO Class 4 classification. To maintain precise balance, it operates with external sensors, alters ion output and adapts to environmental changes.

Cleanroom Ionising Air Gun

A cleanroom ionising air gun is a hand-held device that removes dust, static and contaminants from surfaces. It minimises the risk of damage from electrostatic discharge and easily removes stubborn particles in hard to reach areas and surfaces. To resist corrosion, the emitter is made from titanium. This ensures the ioniser gun lasts a long time, especially when used with a filtered gas supply. Uses include plastic fabrication, electronics assembly and general manufacturing.

Request your free quote today

Total Clean Air is a UK cleanroom manufacturer, offering high-quality cleanroom ionisers at competitive prices. We use the latest cleanroom technology to ensure you consistently meet international and national standards, whilst maintaining requirements for your cleanroom classification.

phillip.godden
Phillip Godden

Phillip Godden is the Founder & Chief/Executive Officer at Total Clean Air.

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