For more than four decades, EXAIR has produced one of the industry’s most comprehensive ranges of static elimination solutions. As with any air‑assisted application, correct product selection begins with understanding the size, shape, and intensity of the airflow required.
When a tight, concentrated ionized airstream is needed, four compact point‑of‑use tools dominate the landscape: the Gen4 Ion Air Gun, Gen4 Ion Air Jet, Intellistat Ion Air Gun, and Intellistat Ion Air Nozzle.
Although the product families differ in construction and intended environment, the initial decision is straightforward—handheld or fixed‑mount. The Ion Air Guns provide handheld operation, while the Jets and Nozzles deliver the same ionization performance in a stationary format.
Environmental Considerations: Matching the Tool to the Workspace
Industrial environments vary widely, and static elimination equipment must be matched to the conditions in which it will operate.
Hazardous Locations
Neither the Gen4 nor Intellistat series is suitable for use around flammable materials or gases. Facilities requiring ionization in hazardous zones should consult EXAIR directly for application‑specific alternatives.
Cleanrooms and Laboratories
For controlled environments, the Intellistat Ion Air Nozzle is the clear leader. With an ISO 14644‑1 Class 5 cleanroom rating and stainless‑steel mounting hardware, it installs quickly and maintains compliance with stringent particulate standards.
General Industrial Use
In rugged production settings, the Gen4 Ion Air Jet offers durability and flexibility. Its 1/8 NPT air connection and 5‑ft power cable simplify integration, while optional Stay Set Hoses and Magnetic Bases allow precise, repeatable positioning.
Application Demands: Speed, Balance, and Airflow Strength
Once environmental constraints are addressed, the nature of the static problem determines the final selection.
Static Dissipation Speed
For applications where operators risk nuisance shocks, either technology is suitable. The Gen4 Ion Air Jet provides faster dissipation—reducing a 5,000V charge in 0.18 seconds—while the Intellistat Ion Air Nozzle achieves a reduction from 5,000V to 500V in 0.6 seconds.
In situations involving extremely high charge levels and very short cycle times, the Gen4’s speed advantage becomes meaningful.
Charge Neutralization Precision
When the goal is to reduce static to the lowest possible level—particularly in electronics handling or assembly—the Intellistat’s balanced ion output (±30V offset) reliably brings materials down to 100V or less, regardless of their position on the triboelectric series.
Airflow Strength for Material Manipulation
Some processes require not only ionization but also significant airflow. In a recent Efficiency Lab test for a snack‑food manufacturer, the customer needed to blow open gusseted plastic bags and keep them upright for filling.
While the Intellistat Ion Air Nozzle successfully neutralized static and opened the bag, it lacked the force to fully expand the gusset. The Gen4 Ion Air Jet, with its higher flow and impact, performed the task consistently.
Conclusion
Selecting the correct static eliminator is a matter of aligning three factors: environment, application speed, and required airflow force. EXAIR’s Gen4 and Intellistat families offer targeted solutions for cleanrooms, laboratories, production floors, and high‑speed operations—ensuring reliable static control and improved process performance across industries.
Terri Carlson
ETEST
Tel. +27 82 781 8557
terri@etest.co.za
