Static Control

Static electricity has been an ongoing problem in many different settings from industrial processes to high tech processes. Static charges tend to develop when different materials rub against one another. Some materials pick up excess electrons, resulting in negative static charge, while other materials give up electrons, resulting in a positive charge. If the charged material is non-conductive (as are films, glasses, ceramic, and plastics), then the static charge remains.

NRD’s polonium 210 element emits alpha particles (positively charged helium atoms) that collide with molecules of air, creating a supply of oxygen and nitrogen ions sufficient to neutralize both positive and negative static charges to zero volts without creating ozone. After they provide the neutralizing power for static to be eliminated, the ions recombine with each other again and become normal air. This method of ionization is always balanced, unlike electrical or corona ionization, which cannot ionize < ±5 volts consistently.