Operation
Set the fan speed switch on the front of the unit to the LOW or
HIGH position depending on the operator comfort and desired
decay time. Higher airflow will result in faster static decay
rates. Position the unit so that the maximum airflow is directed
at the items or area to be neutralized. Turn the unit ON.
When the unit is turned on, the “Status” LED will illuminate and
remain GREEN, indicating that the unit is running normally.
The audible alarm may chirp and the “Status” LED may
illuminate AMBER momentarily at startup but it should return to
normal/green mode in one second or less. If the unit self test
circuitry detects a fault condition, the LED will illuminate and
remain AMBER and an audible alarm will sound.
Refer to the Troubleshooting section of this manual in the case
of a fault condition. There are no user serviceable parts in this
unit. Routine cleaning is the only maintenance that the user
can perform.
Balance Adjustment
The Ionizer is an auto-balancing unit. However, tuning or
manual adjustment can be accomplished by inserting a small
flat screwdriver or trimmer adjustment tool into the balance
adjustment pot located on the rear of the unit. To increase the
output of positive ions, turn the potentiometer in a clockwise
direction. Conversely, to increase the output of negative ions,
turn the potentiometer in a counterclockwise direction.
Ideally the unit will produce equal numbers of positive and
negative ions. Use a calibrated Charge Plate Monitor to verify
balanced operation of the ionizer. Do not attempt balance
adjustment without a Charge Plate Monitor.
Maintenance / Alarms
Under normal conditions, the ionizer will attract dirt and dust
(especially on the emitter pin electrodes). To maintain optimum
neutralization efficiency and operation, cleaning should be
performed on a regular basis, once a month is recommended.
In addition to improving decay time, cleaning also keeps the
ionizer balanced without the need for adjustment.
NOTE: The AC power cord MUST be disconnected before the
unit can be disassembled for maintenance. First, turn the unit
OFF and unplug the power cord. Remove the rear cover by
disengaging the 4 screws on the back. The emitter pin
electrodes should be cleaned using a Q-Tip type cotton swab
or a soft nylon toothbrush dampened with IPA (Isopropyl
alcohol). Clean the blades of the fan and the back of the
balance-sensing grill in front of the fan as much as is
accessible from the back of the unit.
Use caution when cleaning inside the blower. The emitter
pin electrodes are sharp.
After cleaning the emitter pin electrodes, reattach the rear
cover using the 4 screws. Plug in the power cord and turn the
unit back ON.
A filter has been provided for applications and/or environments
outside of the Cleanroom and Medical Industries. It is strongly
recommended that industrial manufacturing type users install
the filter onto the back grill using the 3/4" Velcro "hook" dot
(included with the blower) to keep the inside of the blower
clean. This filter should be changed every 2 - 4 weeks, or as
needed per a visual inspection.
Replacement emitter pin electrodes can be ordered from the
factory. Eight (8) emitter pins are required per blower.
Neutralization (Decay) Times
The comparative efficiency of benchtop ionizers is determined
by a standard test published by the ESD Association: Standard
S3.1. Positive and negative decay times (from 1000 volts to
100 volts) are measured in tenths of a second using this
standard. This test was performed with the unit positioned as
shown, with the fan speed on high, and without a filter. Decay
times are as shown.
NOTE: Unauthorized servicing or modifications to your ionizer
will void the product warranty and may create dangerous
conditions. Servicing should be performed only at the factory,
or by a factory approved technician.
Troubleshooting
The internal state-of-the-art circuitry of the Sentinel BTI Blower
monitors the ion balance of the air exiting the blower,
maintaining optimal offset voltage (balance) to protect ESD
sensitive components and products. If the circuit detects a bias
in the ion balance due to dirty emitter pins or other conditions,
it manipulates the output of the internal DC high voltage power
supplies to compensate for the bias and correct the condition.
When the blower status light is green, the system is functioning
properly and sensing balanced ionization. When the status light
turns amber an audible alarm sounds warning of a "fault"
condition which can usually be resolved easily by the end user.
Installation / Operation / Maintenance
Static Control
Sentinel Benchtop Ionizing
2
