HOW DO PASSIVE IONIZERS WORK? Passive ionizers work via a principal called Corona Ionization. By placing Anti-Static Tinsel, Ion Cord, or a Tinsel-stat within close proximity (1/8” – 1 ½”) of a highly statically charged surface and connecting the ionizer to ground, an electrical field is generated between the charged surface and the sharp points of the static removal device. This high-energy field strips electrons from the surrounding air creating positively and negatively charged air molecules or “air ions”. Typical charges generated on moving webs can vary from thousands of volts to tens of thousands of volts. The higher the charge, the greater the ion generation, the more effective the static removal will be. HOW LONG DO PASSIVE IONIZERS LAST? The useful life of this class of static removal device depends on the application and the general environment where it is being used. As the ionizing “points” become degraded, the effectiveness of the static removal device diminishes and the device should be replaced. DO PASSIVE IONIZERS NEED TO BE GROUNDED? Ion Cord, Anti-Static Tinsel, and the Tinsel-Stat all need to be grounded to function properly. This can be accomplished by attaching the ionizer to a grounded part of the machine or by attaching a ground wire to one end of the passive ionizer and the other end to a known electrical/earth ground. WHAT IF MY PASSIVE IONIZER DOES NOT SOLVE MY STATIC PROBLEM? In some applications a more aggressive means of static control may be required. For expert advice, please contact one of our application specialists using the form on the “Contact Us” page of this website. Available in PDF Format