Illinois Tool Works SIMCO CENTURION Manual

INSTRUCTIONS
Operation / Maintenance 2257 North Penn Road
Hatfield, PA 19440
CENTURION Phone: [phone]
Single-Fan DC Ionizer Fax: [phone]
(patents pending)
Publication 5200789
January, 2001
The Centurion has been designed specifically for use by the disk drive industry in critical
cleanroom applications. This single-fan DC ionizer offers superior balance performance
with its novel emitter array design and high-gain dual feedback circuitry. The Centurion
eliminates static charges cleanly, quickly and reliably, provides true next generation
performance, meeting the demands of the disc drive industry with corona ion technology.
SECTION 1 Description
SECTION 2 Features
SECTION 3 Specifications
SECTION 4 Safety
SECTION 5 Installation
SECTION 6 Operation
SECTION 7 Maintenance
SECTION 8 Replacement Parts
SECTION 9 Warranty

SECTION 1 Description
The Centurion single-fan DC ionizer eliminates electrostatic charges cleanly, quickly
and reliably in cleanroom workstation applications where electrostatic discharge (ESD)
is a concern. The Centurion is designed for applications where even very low levels of
static charge can damage sensitive components.
The Centurion produces ionized air with balanced ion content. The ion offset voltage is
continuously monitored and corrected through the combination of a unique emitter array
design and control circuit. Directing the airflow onto an object or work surface will
eliminate existing static charges and prevent the formation of additional charge.
Charged objects attract charge of the neutralizing polarity from the ion-rich air stream.
The Centurion includes a fan speed control used to tailor the amount of air delivered to
the work surface. Internal to the unit, air flows past the components used to generate air
ions. The ion emitter design of the Centurion is patented and provides superior delivery
of ions to the air stream through the use of 8 emitters and a unique geometry which
controls airflow over the emitters. The design also aids the closed loop feedback control
of offset voltage. Adjustments made to the output of the emitter array are seen promptly
as ion output changes in the air. The resulting balanced stream of ionized air is
delivered to the work area to provide static neutralization.
Ion balance is maintained with a high-gain dual feedback circuit. This circuit, combined
with the unit’s patented emitter array design, offer superior offset voltage performance.
With regular maintenance, using the unit’s integrated cleaning brush, the unit is capable
of +/-3V performance. If the unit becomes unable to track its set point or some other
failure condition occurs the built-in monitoring circuit indicates the fault condition.
Specially selected components insure cleanliness of the Centurion’s output air to meet or
exceed Class 10 particle limits. All fans feature a specially designed bearing system and
use silicone-free lubricants. All other air bearing surfaces in the ionizer are manufactured
free of silicones. Fan assemblies are run-in and particle-tested to Class 10 (209E; ISO
Class 4) particle limits. The Centurion’s final assembly, final test, and packaging take
place in a Class 100 cleanroom. Great lengths have been taken in design and fabrication
of this unit to minimize the risk of any form of contamination.
SECTION 2 Features
• +/-3V offset voltage
• Class 10 cleanroom compatible
• Patented 8-pin emitter design
• Rapidly neutralizes static charge
• Integrated emitter cleaning brush
• Rugged and aesthetic enclosure
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SECTION 3 Specifications
Discharge Time*: 1,000 – 100V < 3 seconds at 12 inches (30.5 cm)
1,000 – 5V < 5 seconds at 12 inches (30.5 cm)
Offset Voltage*: ±3V from set point, set point adjustable to 0V.
OPERATION SPECIFICATIONS
Max. Current Draw: 0.6 A
Line Voltage: 100-240 VAC, 50/60Hz
AC Adapter: Universal input 24VDC output with IEC 320 input with grounded
secondary.
Coverage Area: 1’ x 4’ Area Coverage
Ambient Temp: 32°F (0°C) to 122°F (50°C)
Air Flow Volume: Low Fan Speed 50 CFM (23 l/s); High Fan Speed 90 CFM (42 l/s)
Audible Noise: Low Fan Speed 48 dB(A); High Fan Speed 58 dB(A) measured 2ft.
(61 cm) from unit.
OFF/ON: Rear panel ON/OFF switch
Fan Speed: Adjusted using a potentiometer adjustment tool. Adjustment located on
the rear panel of the unit.
Offset Balance: Adjustable to zero, using a potentiometer adjustment tool. Adjustment
access is located (recessed) on the rear panel of the unit.
Indicators: A green light indicates power on.
Fault light is normally off. A red light indicates an error condition.
(Optional: audible signal)
Reset: Automatic
Maintenance: Rotate emitter cleaner knob clockwise one revolution and release.
MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Emitters: Machined tungsten
Enclosure: Aluminum
Finish: Gloss white polyester
Dimensions: 9 1/2x 8 x 3 3/8 inches (24 x 20 x 9cm)
Total Weight: 4.25 lbs. (1.9 kg.)
Mount: Stainless steel stand
Approvals Pending: UL, CUL and CE
* Tested in accordance with ESD-STM3.1-2000, IONIZATION. Tested at 12 inches (30.5cm) on centerline.
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SECTION 4 Safety
CAUTION!
1. Read the complete Operation Manual before operating. Failure to follow instructions
may result in damage to the ionizer and/or personal injury.
2. This unit is supplied with a 3-prong grounding plug, which must be inserted in an
appropriate, properly wired, and grounded receptacle. The 24VDC AC adapter used
with the unit provides a ground connection at its output. Do not defeat the electrical
ground, grounding and proper wiring are required for proper operation.
3. Do not ground or make electrical connections of any kind to the unit’s metal fan
guards located on the intake and output.
4. A factory-qualified service technician must perform component service and repairs.
Please contact SIMCO Customer Service for information.
WARNING!
5. Keep the unit dry. Do not operate the unit in flammable, volatile or explosive atmosphere.
6. Do not insert objects through the unit’s intake or outlet grilles. Damage to the ionizer
and/or personal injury may result.
SECTION 5 Installation
5.1 Unpacking
Carefully remove the equipment from the carton and inspect contents. Note that the unit
has been bagged and vacuum sealed in a Class 100 cleanroom. To prevent
contamination and eliminate the need for additional wipe downs, the unit should be un-
bagged in a cleanroom environment.
5.2 Installing
The Centurion single fan ionizer is designed for portable or permanent operation.
Typically, the unit should be positioned such that there is good airflow provided to the
critical area. Generally this requires that the unit be within 36” inches of the intended
target. The stand provided with the unit can be used in a permanent operation by bolting
it to a sturdy flat surface such as a wall or shelf. The unit can be mounted horizontally if
required. The stand may be removed if required.
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CAUTION!
5.3 Electrical Connections
The Centurion is provided with a 24VDC AC adapter. This AC adapter provides
electrical ground to the unit via a direct connection through the adapter to the wall
outlet. For this reason the unit should be used with this AC adapter only. The unit’s line
cord should be plugged in to a standard 3-terminal grounded receptacle with line
voltage and frequency of 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz. Note that an instrumentation ground
is provided on the rear of the unit for testing and calibration purposes.
SECTION 6 Operation
The Centurion’s ON/OFF switch is located at the rear of the unit. The unit should be
turned on using the switch when 24VDC is provided via the AC adapter. Do not ‘hot
plug’ the AC adapter into a unit when the switch is in the ON position. Switch the unit
off, then insert the 24VDC connection into the unit.
Fan speed is adjustable at the unit’s rear panel using a potentiometer adjustment tool or
small screwdriver. Turning the control clockwise increases the fan output; turning
counter clockwise reduces the airflow. Note that the time required to neutralize static is
dependent on the fan speed setting. For fastest charge neutralizing performance, the
unit should be adjusted for the highest fan speed.
The Ion Balance adjustment located on the rear of the unit tunes the Centurion’s offset
voltage to zero. Typically this adjustment is made as part of scheduled maintenance or
setup. Adjustments to this control should not be made without using the correct
calibration instrumentation.
SECTION 7 Maintenance
7.1 Ion Balance Calibration
The Centurion is delivered from the factory calibrated to a zero volt offset set point. As
part of regular maintenance, or if the unit’s fan speed is changed, the ion balance
calibration should be checked. For calibration, a charge plate monitor (CPM) such as
SIMCO’S EA-4 is required. The CPM should have its ground connected to the
instrument ground provided on the rear panel of the Centurion; this jack accepts a
standard banana plug. For most accurate calibration results, the unit should be
operated at least 30 minutes and the test location should not be subject to other
ionization sources. The operator should wear a grounding wrist strap. With the charge
plate located 12” from the outlet grille of the unit, the ion balance control can be
adjusted for 0V using a potentiometer adjustment tool or small screwdriver.
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7.2 Ion Balance / Performance Check
For checking balance and performance a charge plate monitor (CPM) such as SIMCO’S
EA-4 is required. The CPM should have its ground connected to the instrument ground
provided on the rear panel of the Centurion; this jack accepts a standard banana plug.
With the charge plate located 12” from the outlet grille of the unit, the ion balance
control can be checked. Note that if an adjustment to the Ion Balance is required, the
emitters should be cleaned (see 7.3 below) before this adjustment takes place. By using
the CPM to measure discharge times of the charge plate, ion content of the air and ion
delivery to the target area can be verified.
7.3 Emitter Cleaning
Recommended frequency of cleaning is once per week. To clean ion emitters, simply
rotate the emitter cleaner knob located at the center of the fan grille on the rear of the
unit. Rotate the knob clockwise until it stops and release. The spring-loaded emitter
cleaning brush will return to its parking spot.
It is not necessary to turn off the unit during cleaning of the emitters when using the
integrated cleaning brush.
7.4 Emitter Replacement
To replace emitters, the rear of the unit must be removed. Loosen the #8 Phillips-head
screws located on the bottom of the chassis. The rear cover can now swing open for
removal from its pivot pins. The emitters are installed in sockets for easy insertion and
removal. Using a long-nose pliers, pull the emitters out along the radial direction,
gripping the shaft only, taking care not to damage the sharp tip. Position each emitter
carefully during insertion, as excessive force can damage the emitter sockets. Using
long-nose pliers, push the emitters into the sockets along the radial direction.
7.5 Troubleshooting / Diagnostics
This information provides a quick troubleshooting reference for the Centurion single-fan
ionizer. Should any of these possible solutions not solve the problem, contact SIMCO.
PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
UNIT FAILS TO OPERATE POWER CORD NOT CONNECTED PLUG IN TO SPECIFIED VOLTAGE SOURCE
UNIT FAILS TO OPERATE FAULTY AC ADAPTER REPLACE AC ADAPTER
FLASHING FAULT LIGHT POWER INCORRECTLY SUPPLIED TO
UNIT
CYCLE POWER TO THE UNIT USING THE
UNIT’S REAR PANEL SWITCH
FLASHING FAULT LIGHT POWER INCORRECTLY SUPPLIED TO
UNIT
ENSURE THAT PROPERLY GROUNDED
RECEPTICLE IS USED
FAULT LIGHT ON STEADY DIRTY OR DAMAGED EMITTERS,
INCORRECTLY CALIBRATED
CLEAN EMITTERS USING INTEGRATED
BRUSH, REPLACE AS NECESSARY,
RECALIBRATE
EXCESSIVELY LONG DISCHARGE
TIMES
DIRTY OR DAMAGED EMITTERS,
INCORRECTLY CALIBRATED
CLEAN EMITTERS USING INTEGRATED
BRUSH, REPLACE AS NECESSARY,
RECALIBRATE
UNIT FAILS TO HOLD SETPOINT DIRTY OR DAMAGED EMITTERS
CLEAN EMITTERS USING INTEGRATED
BRUSH, REPLACE AS NECESSARY,
RECALIBRATE
FAN IS SLOW FAN SPEED IS SET SLOW ADJUST FAN CONTROL CLOCKWISE
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SECTION 8 Replacement Parts
PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION
4008395 CENTURION SINGLE-FAN DC IONIZER
4630206 GROUNDED 24V DC-AC ADAPTER
4370806 TUNGSTEN EMITTERS, .88” LG
SECTION 9 Warranty
SIMCO warrants its products to be free of defects in components, workmanship, or
materials for a period of one year from date of purchase. This warranty does not apply
to any physical or electrical damage caused by misuse, abuse or negligence (such as
any modifications made to the unit or service work done by any other than SIMCO
authorized technicians). Any unit with altered or removed serial number is ineligible for
warranty.
SIMCO will not be liable for loss or damage due directly or indirectly to an occurrence
or use for which the product is not designed or intended. In no event shall SIMCO be
liable for incidental or consequential damages except where state laws override.
This warranty extends to the original purchaser and is not transferable. No person,
agent, distributor, dealer or company is authorized to change, modify, or amend the
terms of this warranty in any manner whatsoever.
All products returned must have an “RA” (Return Authorization) number regardless of
warranty status. Call SIMCO for an assigned RA number.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of SIMCO. No part of this manual may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying and recording, for any purpose other than the purchaser’s
personal use without written permission of SIMCO.
2257 North Penn Road
Hatfield, PA 19440
Phone: [phone]
[phone]
Fax: [phone]
http://www.simco-static.com
e-mail: [email protected]
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