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PAC is an authorized distributor of NRD Static Control and Ionization products. We’ve reposted this information from the NRD knowledge-base to better serve our customers.
NRD Alpha ionizer vs AC ionizer – What’s best for me?
Because selecting an appropriate technology to affect useful static control is complex, we offer help through our toll-free number. Our application engineers can help you select the best NRD technology for your needs. However, some of the considerations we take into account are the application environment, placement and size restrictions, an estimate of the charge generation rate, the required neutralization rate, and the tolerable residual voltage after treatment.
For example, suppose your application involves removing a static charge from a plastic part in a volatile atmosphere. In this case, the overriding consideration is the volatile atmosphere and we would recommend the alpha technology because it utilizes no electrical power supply, which could trigger a fire or explosion.
Another application that would benefit from alpha technology is removing static generated during the manufacture of read and write heads for use in computer hard drives. These devices are sensitive to very low voltages, and alpha technology always produces an equal number of positive and negative ions, which can, with high reliability, bring the residual voltage to zero. In the absence of a volatile atmosphere, an example of where we might recommend electrical technology would be one where there were large sheets of material, such as 4′ by 10′ plastic, coming off a press or roller and they are highly charged with static electricity.
Need purchase support or technical info on an NRD product tailored for your ESD control program? PAC static control specialists are available by phone Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Otherwise, answer a few short questions or email us. A PAC representative will contact you in 1 – 2 business days.
How do Alpha Ionizers work?
Alpha ionizers use a radioactive element that emits Helium ions from its nucleus. The emitted Helium ion has sufficient energy to travel about 3 centimeters in air. As it travels it strips electrons from surrounding air molecules. Each gas molecule that loses an electron becomes a positive ion. The free electron quickly attaches to another gas molecule and it becomes a negative ion. In this way, each alpha particle that is emitted always creates one positive and one negative ion. Hence, alpha ionizers produce an intrinsically balanced output.
Are there any special handling instructions I need to know?
Because each product is designed for a different application, it may have unique mounting, power, or environmental requirements. Our application engineers are trained to assist you to select the best static eliminator for your application and will discuss any special requirements with you. Every static eliminator is delivered with installation, care and operating instructions. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our toll free number.
Can I become contaminated using an alpha ionizer?
Our alpha ionizer static eliminators contain a small amount of radioactive material and are considered sealed sources. Before NRD is granted a license to manufacture and distribute a static eliminator containing radioactive material, the design must pass a safety analysis and battery of tests mandated by state and federal agencies, and defined by ANSI/ISO standards. Our manufacturing processes and quality assurance procedures are reviewed and audited to assure compliance. Every alpha ionizer is leak tested before shipment. NRD has been manufacturing and distributing alpha ionizers for over 30 years, and during that time the only instances of contamination were when the integrity of an ionizer was compromised by physical abuse, such as drilling a hole through it or cutting it. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our toll free number.
What is the difference between shockless and hot static eliminators?
Shockless static eliminators are constructed so that the emitter pins are capacitively coupled to the high voltage source. This limits the current at the emitters. Direct contact with the points will not result in an electric shock.
Hot static eliminators are constructed so that the emitter pins are directly coupled to the high voltage power supply.
NRD offers both types of ionizers.
Can I clean my Alpha Ionizer?
Alpha ionizers should never be cleaned using any type of solvent or aqueous solution. If dust or dirt has settled in your device, it can be blown off using clean and dry compressed air. If using compressed air is not sufficient to clean the debris from the device, it should be returned to NRD for evaluation.
Why do I need to renew my Alpha ionizer every 12 months?
NRD Alpha ionizers use a small amount of radioactive material that has a half-life of 138 days. After 12 months have elapsed, the activity of the device has reduced to 15% of its original activity and should be replaced to assure optimal static control of your process. In addition, the regulatory body that governs the manufacture and distribution of our devices requires that all our alpha products be inspected 13 months after manufacture. By returning the device to NRD, we can perform the required testing on our customer’s behalf.
Does humidity affect static charge?
The amount of moisture present in the air can affect the conductivity of insulating materials and their ability to hold a static charge. The higher the moisture content in the air, the more conductive the material becomes. Conversely, the dryer the air is, the more insulative the material becomes allowing it to hold a greater charge. Although controlling humidity can be helpful, it is a very slow process and often does not afford sufficient reduction in charge to be a complete solution to the problems caused by static charging.
Our team is available to each customer in helping them better understand an ideal NRD product recommendation and precise specification requirements. For extended questions, pricing, or quote requests, contact a Production Automation Corporation Specialist.
How do I return my NRD static control device?
If you own an NRD Alpha Static Control product and need to renew or return your device, download the appropriate PDFs below, and follow the instructions. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact us.
Our team is available to each customer in helping them better understand an ideal NRD product recommendation and precise specification requirements. For extended questions, pricing, or quote requests, call a Production Automation Corporation (PAC) specialist.
Get Help from a Static Control Specialist
No facility is one-in-the-same. Demand continually grows for a greater degree of product choices with in-stock availability. How can we help?
Production Automation (PAC) is recognized as an ESD specialized organization by enterprises across the US and Latin America. That’s because we directly support each of our ESD product lines from its original invoice to final delivery, including on-site satisfaction, returns, and warranties.
We provide authentic, manufacturer direct static control equipment for general and critical environments including garments, packaging, workstations, flooring, furniture, and test devices.
Ask our static control experts for help with product selection for ANSI/ESD & ESDA standards.
