Ionizing air purifiers and arcing

[ShawnD]

Ionizing air purifiers like the Ionic Breeze advertised on TV have charged plates and charged wires running parallel to each other. Dust in the air collects on the plates, and oxygen in the air is converted to ozone. As the plates collect more and more dust, arcing begins to happen between the plates and the wires since dust is a better conductor than air.

What I want to know is how does arcing affect the usefulness of my Ionic Breeze? Voltage should be unafffected while amperage should increase. Should it collect more dust or less dust? Will it make more ozone or less ozone?

 

[dx/dy=?]

Dont quote me on this,

but I would say that arcing increases the amount of ozone emitted from the device, due to more energy available in contact with air to cleave oxygen gas.

However, the plates will probably continue to attract dust, possible until there is such a thick cover that O2 is unable to contact the current, and ozone production decreases.

Just a guess...

 

[ravenprp]

Arcing in an ionizing air purifier can have several effects on its usefulness. First, it can affect the efficiency of the purifier in collecting dust from the air. As you mentioned, dust is a better conductor than air, so when arcing occurs, it can create a path for the electricity to flow through the dust instead of through the wires and plates. This can result in less dust being collected on the plates, leading to a decrease in the purifier's effectiveness.

Additionally, arcing can also affect the production of ozone. Ozone is created when oxygen molecules are split apart by the electrical charge in the purifier. However, when arcing occurs, the electrical charge may be redirected to the dust particles instead of the oxygen, resulting in less ozone being produced.

Furthermore, arcing can also put strain on the electrical components of the purifier, potentially causing damage or malfunction. This can lead to a decrease in the overall lifespan of the purifier.

In summary, arcing in an ionizing air purifier can decrease its effectiveness in collecting dust and producing ozone, as well as potentially causing damage to the purifier's electrical components. It is important to regularly clean and maintain the purifier to prevent excessive arcing and ensure its optimal performance.