Experimental Study on Safe Performance of Nozzle-Type Electrostatic Neutralizer

The safe performance of a nozzle-type electrostatic neutralizer was examined experimentally in inflammable gas (ethylene)–air mixtures. A 100 MΩ-coupled electrode produced ion pairs safely for reducing static charges from polymer materials, and incendiary discharges were suppressed by the resistor and voltage supplied to the electrode. The performance of the neutralizer (flange-type) driven with an AC (50 Hz) or DC high-voltage power source was also evaluated with a full-size pneumatic powder-transport system. It was confirmed that the nozzle-type neutralizer is markedly effective for reducing electrostatic charges from polymer materials; however, several disadvantages were also noted.