Ionizing Air Guns: What Do They Use?

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In summary, ionising air guns are commonly used in cleanrooms to remove static charge from circuits. They work by using electricity to ionise the air passing through the gun, resulting in a jet of positively charged air that neutralises any negative charges on the target. The exact method used to achieve this ionisation is not clear, but it is believed to be similar to mass spectroscopy.
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Russell_B
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Hello,
I have been reading up on ionizing air guns, such as those used in silicon valley cleanrooms, and as i understand it they are used to remove static charge from circuits and such. This would imply that the gun is creating positive ions, and thus it is somehow dislodging electrons.

What do ionising air guns use to achieve this? UV? X-Rays?

Russ
 
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I believe they work by using electricity to ionise the air passing through the 'gun', in a way similar to mass spectroscopy. This results in a jet of positively charged air which neutralises any negative charges on the target.
 

Related to Ionizing Air Guns: What Do They Use?

1. What is an ionizing air gun?

An ionizing air gun is a device that uses ionized air to neutralize static charges on surfaces. It blows a stream of ionized air onto a surface, which neutralizes any static charges and eliminates the potential for electrostatic discharge (ESD).

2. How does an ionizing air gun work?

An ionizing air gun uses a high voltage power supply to create ions, which are then blown onto a surface using compressed air. The ions neutralize any static charges on the surface, creating a balanced electric field.

3. What are the benefits of using an ionizing air gun?

Using an ionizing air gun can prevent damage to sensitive electronic components by eliminating the risk of ESD. It can also improve production efficiency by reducing the number of defective products caused by static charges.

4. What types of industries use ionizing air guns?

Ionizing air guns are commonly used in industries that deal with electronic components, such as electronics manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, and medical device manufacturing. They are also used in industries where static charges can cause problems, such as printing, packaging, and plastics production.

5. Are there any safety precautions to take when using an ionizing air gun?

Yes, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when using an ionizing air gun. This may include safety glasses, gloves, and a grounding strap. It is also important to regularly clean and maintain the gun to ensure proper functioning.

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