Meech 971 User manual

Model 971
Operating
Manual
Shockless DC Ionising Bar

Products shown in this document may be covered by one or more patents, patents applied for
and/or registered designs and/or trade marks. For further information please refer to our Head
Ofce or visit www.meech.com.
© Meech Static Eliminators Ltd., 26.10.17
Contents
Introduction 3
Unpacking and Inspection 4
Installation 8
Maintenance 11
Fault Finding 13
Repairs And Warranty 17
Technical and Construction 18
CE Approval 18
Health and Safety 18

3
Introduction
The Meech 971 has been designed to provide highly effective long range ionisation
using Pulsed DC Technology.
The 971 Bar provides ionisation through alternating positive and negative emitter pins
mounted in a proled extrusion. The emitter pins are resistively coupled to the high
voltage pulsed DC source, rendering the emitters shockless to touch. The emitter pins
are removable to enable cleaning or replacement.
The extruded prole has been designed to enhance emitter life and allow easy
cleaning while giving linear strength. The prole incorporates “T” slots on three faces
to provide universal mounting points. The Meech 971 is powered by any of the range
of Meech Pulsed DC Controllers.

4
Unpacking And Inspection
Your 971 bar was carefully packed at the factory in a container designed to protect
it from accidental damage. Nevertheless, we recommend careful examination of the
carton and contents for any damage.
If damage is evident, do not destroy the carton or packing material and immediately
notify the carrier of a possible damage claim. Shipping claims must be made by the
consignee to the delivering carrier.
Features and Benets of the 971
Overall look
The prole of the 971 bar is rounded, with minimal dirt traps, making it useful for
cleanroom applications. The bar has good rigidity, allowing it to span wide widths.
Mounting is by M4x20 T bolts in a slot at the rear of the bar.

5
Upstand
The upstand between the nozzles is a vital feature of the 971 bar. By increasing the
tracking distance between positive and negative pins, the upstand helps maintain good
performance even when the bar is contaminated.
Emitter Assembly
The emitter assembly is a one piece moulding with a 1mm diameter sharp titanium
emitter pin. The use of titanium pins has a long history at Meech. Extremely hard
wearing, the pins last for many years. The emitter features castellation that protects the
operator from the point of the emitter. The castellation also allows very easy cleaning of
the pin using a brush. This is a great improvement on other pulsed DC bars. The open
design of the emitter also gives a performance boost over previous systems.

6
Meech Emitter Key and Replacement Emitters
Replacement emitters will be available in bags of ten. Each bag will include an
emitter key to allow their easy removal and re-tting. A tool to facilitate removal and
replacement of the emitter pins is also available.
Air-Boost
Air Outlets
Air Outlets
Whilst the long range performance of the 971 is excellent, some installations can
require the use of air assistance to get full control of the static. This can either be by
increased speeds of decay and/or by increased ionisation range. Air outlets either side

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of the emitter pin ensure that the integrated air-boost is extremely efcient. Each 971
bar is supplied with a 6mm push-t air tting pre-installed.
Increased Voltage Handling
Internal changes to the bar ensure absolute reliability at the higher voltages supplied by
the 977CM. The ceramic resistors that couple each emitter to the high voltage supply
provide shockless operation whilst still giving excellent ionisation performance. Fully
encapsulated, they are protected from any moisture or chemical ingress and give the
bar a protection classication of IP65.
Feature Benet
Powerful long range Ionisation Excellent static control on modern, fast machinery
Rigid prole Minimises the number of mounting points required
Resistive coupling Safe for operators to handle
Titanium emitter pins Continue to give good ionisation after years of use
Replaceable emitter assemblies Allows periodic replacement to extend service life
‘T’ slot mountings Provides complete exibility of mounting points
Integrated air-boost Increased performance for demanding
applications

8
Installation
The 971 Bar should be located in the most convenient position so that the pins of
the bar are directed towards the target area. The bar should be positioned to give an
unrestricted path for the ions to travel to the target area. It should typically be between
300mm and 800mm away from the target area.
The Meech 971 can be connected to any of the Meech range of Pulsed DC
Controllers.
The 971 connects to the Pulsed DC Controller by plugging the male plugs, found at
the end of the bar cabling, directly into the high voltage sockets of the controller. The
plugs and sockets are marked with “+” positive and “-” negative indicators for correct
connection to the power supply.
Connect the mains supply to the Pulsed DC Controller and switch ON. The 971 Bar
will now produce Pulsed DC ionisation from the emitters of the bar.

9
The shockless emitter pins produce ions of positive and negative polarity. These,
because of the product’s unique design, propel themselves away from the emitter
points towards the target area.
Optimum static elimination can be achieved by adjustment of the “Rate” (frequency of
pulsing) and the “Balance” (proportion of positive to negative ions generated) on the
Controller.
If the bar is positioned a long distance from the target area (600mm-750mm) the
“Rate” should be set to the lowest setting. If the bar is positioned close to the target
area (150mm -300mm) the “Rate” should be set towards its maximum.
If the polarity of the static charge to be removed is known, the balance can be
adjusted to give a faster decay speed.

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I.E. a) If the static charge is known to be positive the balance should
be adjusted towards negative on the controller.
b) If the static charge is known to be negative the balance should be
adjusted towards positive on the controller.

11
Maintenance
Ionisers require periodic cleaning. During normal operation, dirt will build-up on
the emitter pins and upon the body of the ioniser. This will cause a reduction in
performance.
Typically, weekly cleaning is sufcient. However, equipment used in some heavy
contamination areas, such as gravure printing or where plastic fumes are present, may
require daily cleaning. Equally, in a Class 100 area, cleaning may only be required
on a monthly basis. Advanced systems with performance monitoring, e.g 977CM and
904CM, will alert the operator to the need to clean the equipment before performance
drops to an unacceptable level.
Before cleaning, ensure that the equipment is switched off.
Emitter pins can be cleaned very effectively with a brush. A dry toothbrush is ideal.

Ionising bars will need periodic wiping to clean grey deposits from the surface
of the bar. A cloth moistened with a small amount of IPA or methylated spirits is
recommended.
Let dry for a minute before turning back on.
If on inspection, the emitter pins of the Bar are very dirty or damaged they should be
replaced. Replacement emitters are available from Meech Static Eliminators Ltd. or
your local Meech Distributor.
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13
Fault Finding
Tests must be completed by a qualied electrical engineer.
If in doubt contact the Meech head ofce or your local distributor.
CAUTION: Whilst no danger to personnel exists, it is essential that any high
voltage ionising equipment, makes no contact with water or water based uids.
Should such an event occur, disconnect immediately and return equipment to
the manufacturer for water damage assessment.
To verify where a fault may have occurred it is important to test each item of the
system individually. Should more than one bar be connected to a power supply, each
must be tested individually.
To check the Pulsed DC system follow the procedure detailed below:
1. Switch off the electrical supply to the system.

2. Disconnect all bars from the controller.
3. Reconnect the supply and switch on the unit.
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4. Using a high voltage probe (RS type 610 281) and meter (RS type 610
950) measure the voltage on each of the output sockets. The reading should
be at minimum power 4kV and at maximum power 8kV
5. Having checked the power supply, reconnect one 971 Bar.
15

6. Using a high voltage probe (RS 610 281) and meter (RS 610 590) measure
the voltage on the pins of the bar. This voltage should be between 3 and 6kV.
7. If there is more than one bar to test, disconnect the rst item and
repeat the above steps.
If no meter and probe is available, then a fast and simple test is to simply short a pin
of one of the ionising bars to earth using a length of insulated electrical cable bared
back 3 mm at either end.
Connect one end of the cable to the earth post of the bar. Approach the pin of the bar
with the other end of the cable. As the conductors of the cable approaches the pins of
the bar a small faint spark should jump from the pin to the cable conductors. If the bar
is under direct sunlight or bright lights it may be difcult to see this spark.
16

Repairs And Warranty
The Meech 971 Bar is warranted by Meech Static Eliminators Ltd. to the original
purchaser against defects in material and workmanship for one year after purchase.
Should any malfunction occur, please return the bar directly to Meech Static
Eliminators Ltd. or your local Meech Distributor. All products returned to the factory
MUST be accompanied by a return authorisation number and must be shipped
prepaid. For prompt service, ship the unit to the factory with the return authorisation
number shown clearly on the label. Be sure that it is well packed in a sturdy carton
with shock absorbing material.
Include a note stating the nature of the problem as specically as possible, and also
include instructions for returning the bar to you. We will pay one-way return shipping
costs on any repairs covered under the warranty.
17

Technical and Construction
Dimensions (cross section) 63mm x 72mm
Maximum length 3900mm
Operating Range 150mm – 750mm
Weight 1.2 kg/m
Construction ABS Plastic FR
Mounting ‘T’ Slot with M4 x 20 studs
Cable length 2000mm HT in exible plastic conduit, longer
available.
Emitters Sharp titanium pins
Power source 977v3 or 977CM
Input voltage Up to 15KV
Output frequency 1Hz - 20Hz
Air-boost connection 6mm push-t
Air consumption 5 cfm per 1000mm at 1 bar
Protection class IP65
CE Approval
An EC Declaration of Conformity for this product exists in respect of the Low Voltage
Directive:72/23/EEC (“LVD”) & Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive: 89/336/EEC
(“EMCD”)
Health and Safety
Emission of Ozone: Considerably below international standard of 0.1ppm.
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