Gas-purged ionizers and methods of achieving static neutralization thereof
AssigneeIllinois Toolworks Inc.
InventorCharles G. Noll
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A small quantity of electron attaching gas is introduced into the corona region of an electrical ionizer to stabilize the corona in the otherwise electron non-attaching nitrogen gas. The corona region is closely localized at emitter points so the quantity of electron attaching gas is very small. Clean-dry-air is preferably used as the purge gas but other gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide may be used. The small quantity of electron attaching gas may be introduced either through a hollow needle emitter or an external purge gas (sleeve about the needle, or by using a gas purge nozzle).
Claims20
A method of achieving static neutralization in a gaseous environment that does not have electron attaching components where the mobility of corona generated positive and negative carrier species change over time, comprising the step of:
- injecting a predetermined quantity of electron attaching gas in close proximity to a corona electrode disposed within the gaseous environment.
A static neutralizer for use in an ionizer, comprising:
- (a) a pair of electrodes between which a potential voltage difference is applied, at least one said electrode being a conductive or semiconductive corona electrode, said pair of electrodes being placed in a gaseous environment that does not have electron attaching components;
- and
- (b) means for injecting a predetermined quantity of an electron attaching gas in proximity of a corona formed at an emitter region of the electrodes to thereby form negative ions and stabilize the corona.
A static neutralizer for use with an ionizer housed in an environmental chamber, comprising:
- means for injecting a noble gas into said environmental chamber;
- a pair of electrodes between which a potential voltage difference is applied, at least one of said electrodes being a conductive or semi-conductive corona electrode;
- and
- means for injecting a predetermined quantity of an electron attaching gas in proximity of a corona formed at an emitter region of the electrodes to thereby form negative ions and stabilize the corona.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.