Apparatus and methods for modification of electrostatic charge on a moving web

A method for neutralizing a surface comprising:

• (a) providing a grounded element at least in close proximity to a first side surface;
• and
• (b) providing an ion source and a second grounded element in close proximity to a second side surface, the second grounded element positioned between the ion source and the second side surface wherein the second grounded element is a foraminous element, wherein the foraminous element comprises an opening and wherein the foraminous element has at least one of the following:
• (i) a ratio of open area to total area of at least 0.3;
• (ii) wherein the smallest dimension of the opening is no greater than 0.6 mm;
• and
• (iii) wherein the distance between the second side surface and the second grounded element is greater than the smallest dimension of the opening of the foraminous element.

A web handling apparatus comprising:

• (a) a web source providing the web;
• (b) a corona treater positioned to act upon the web;
• (c) a bipolar neutralization apparatus comprising:
• (i) a grounded roller positioned against a first side of the web;
• and
• (ii) an ion source and a second grounded element positioned in close proximity to a second side of the web, the second grounded element positioned between the ion source and the second side wherein the second grounded element is a foraminous element, wherein the foraminous element comprises an opening and wherein the foraminous element has at least one of the following:
• (a) a ratio of open area to total area of at least 0.3;
• (b) wherein the smallest dimension of the opening is no greater than 0.6 mm;
• and
• (c) wherein the distance between the second side surface and the second grounded element is greater than the smallest dimension of the opening of the foraminous element.

A web handling apparatus comprising:

• (a) a web source providing the web;
• (b) a bipolar neutralization apparatus comprising:
• (i) a grounded roller positioned against a first side of the web;
• and
• (ii) an ion source and a second grounded element positioned in close proximity to a second side of the web, the second grounded element positioned between the ion source and the second side;
• (c) a coating station downweb of the bipolar neutralization apparatus;
• and
• (d) a gap dryer downweb of the coating station wherein the second grounded element is a foraminous element, wherein the foraminous element comprises an opening and wherein the foraminous element has at least one of the following:
• (i) a ratio of open area to total area of at least 0.3;
• (ii) wherein the smallest dimension of the opening is no greater than 0.6 mm;
• and
• (iii) wherein the distance between the second side surface and the second grounded element is greater than the smallest dimension of the opening of the foraminous element.