The principle of operation of an air ionizer for an apartment

The atmosphere of the sea coast, mountainous area, forest has a beneficial effect on health, due to the correct concentration of negative and positive ions. In a gas-polluted metropolis, on the streets, in dwellings, there is no optimal ratio of microparticles, therefore an air ionizer is used for an apartment. Negative anions improve the functions of the respiratory organs, accelerate blood circulation.

Necessity, purpose and types of air ionizer

An ionizer is a device in which air is passed through an electronic device to form ions from neutral molecules or atoms. The device replenishes the number of negatively charged particles in the atmosphere and brings its properties closer to natural indices. As a result of the installation, the risk of hypertension and nervous diseases, weakening of the immune system is reduced.

Types of air ionizers:

• thermionic;
• radioisotope;
• photovoltaic;
• hydrodynamic;
• effluvial (crown).

The devices operate from a block of ionizing radiation, for example, with a corona discharge or on radioactive isotopes. The flow of ions reaches 2–3 billion microparticles per second. Arc and spark discharge is not used, because a large amount of nitrogen oxides is obtained in the air.

There are two types of ionizing electrodes:

• needle-like;
• wire.

The ionizing device quickly cleans the atmosphere of the room, the smoke is completely removed in 5-6 minutes, pathogens die in 2-2.5 hours. Aeroionization improves the properties of air; when turned on, dust particles settle on hard surfaces and do not enter the respiratory tract.

The principle of operation of the air ionizer

In an endothermic process, positive charges are obtained if energy is imparted to an electron in a molecule to pass through a probable barrier. Negative ions are created when an atom captures an additional electron, releasing energy.

Ultraviolet types give a large amount of ozone and nitric oxides, so they are rarely used for domestic use. Such devices are installed in medical institutions for disinfection of wards and objects in cells. Hydroionizers generate charged water dust; the installations were actively used in the USSR when using distilled water.

Corona devices are equipped with pointed electrodes that emit ions close to the anodes and cathodes.

Devices are:

• unregulated, which function without control and constantly form microparticles;
• adjustable, whose work is coordinated by changing the strength of the electric field.

Both types are used in modern devices; the installations are equipped with air blowers (built-in or external) for supplying an electric charge along with an ionized flow.

Difference between humidifiers and ionizers

It is impossible to draw a conclusion about the usefulness of one or the other device, becausethey improve the quality of the atmosphere, but they do it in different ways. The ionizer cleans and refreshes the air and does not affect the vapor content, unlike a humidifier. It is better to use the devices at the same time.

Each of the tasks is important for health, which is why there are devices with combined functions. If the installation enriches the air with ozone and increases the water vapor content, we can say that this is ionization in the air humidifier. Good models work silently, remove a stream of steam with a temperature of no more than + 40 ° C and precisely coordinate humidity.

Climatic humidifiers are used to increase the humidity in the room, some of them simultaneously work as a cleaner from harmful additives, enrich with useful elements and aromatize. There are steam, traditional and ultrasonic humidifiers, but all types are combined with a positive and negative ion generator.

Difference between bipolar and simple air ionizer

Ions are atoms that have a negative or positive charge. Neutral or balanced specimens have the same number of electrons and protons. The loss of one electron by an atom leads to a positive charge, and the addition of an electron gives a negative potential. Air is considered as a gas mixture in which oxygen, water vapor, nitrogen, hydrocarbon and other types are present, each of which undergoes ionization.

Ionizers are divided into 2 types depending on the type of microparticle generation:

• bipolar - reproduce positive and negative particles;
• unipolar - give out only ions with a negative sign.

Bipolar species use the principle of alpha ionization using a nuclear source. Polonium 210 microparticles come into contact with air and transport electrons, forming neutral air molecules with a negative sign. As a result, polonium loses electrons, gains a positive potential, and becomes a + ion.

Unipolar uses the principle of corona ionization, where electricity creates weakly ionized bipolar air. A high voltage current, containing a stream of potential negative electrons, flows through the metal tip or barbs. The phenomenon of electrostatic separation activates the emission of particles from the metal and forces them to combine with oxygen or nitrogen molecules, therefore negative charges are reproduced in the atmosphere.

Air ionization is an enrichment with negative particles, therefore, bipolar types of devices are installed at home.

Advantages of the Quartz / UV Lamp Air Ionizer

The action is based on UV irradiation of a quartz device, which is detrimental to microorganisms. Sterilization technology is used in medical institutions and food enterprises. Modern devices destroy microorganisms and decompose hazardous organic matter in the air into water and carbon dioxide. Lamps fight mold and mildew by destroying their spores in the atmosphere.

The basic model contains a fan and a quartz radiator. The turbine injects the flow, the lamp emits UV rays and disinfects the air, ionizes it, destroys organic compounds and microorganisms, the cleaned jet is removed from the housing.

Lamp advantages:

• ease of management (connecting to the mains, setting the timer);
• replaceable filters are not required;
• compactness, low power consumption.

Users are worried about the application because a large amount of ozone is generated during operation. Experts say that modern installations are safe for animals, humans, because a softer type of radiation is used.

For prophylaxis, care must be taken when handling a quartz device.The protective cover must not be removed during operation. radiation causes burns to the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes. The installation is cleaned once a month, the lamp is not placed near flammable substances and objects. Only certified models are allowed for use.

The benefits and harms of an ionizer

Anions accumulate in space, under their action dust and smoke particles stick together and settle on surfaces. The ionizer is a cleaner for the atmosphere, but its use does not negate regular wet cleaning.

Benefits of using:

• the quality of the microclimate is improving;
• microorganisms are destroyed, the air is cleaned of allergens and organic pollutants;
• harm from electronic devices, for example, computers, televisions, air conditioners, is neutralized.

The disadvantages are manifested in the fact that the frequency of cleaning in the places where the ionizer is installed becomes more frequent. The device synthesizes ozone, which belongs to the category of oxidizing gases. The substance accumulates in a closed microclimate and is harmful to health. Ionization should not be done in highly smoky and dusty air in the presence of a person.

When it is not recommended to use an ionizer in an apartment

Experts have identified cases when the device cannot be turned on to electrify the air. Air ions accelerate metabolism, which improves the nutrition of cells, including tumor cells, and leads to the progression of the disease.

The list of diseases for which the unipolar type of device cannot be used:

• organic lesions of the nervous system;
• acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis;
• active stage of pneumonia;
• severe circulatory disorders;
• emphysema of the lungs;
• severe bronchial asthma;
• depression.

In this case, you need to choose a bipolar ionizing device and work with it according to the instructions.

Any type of device cannot be turned on at high body temperature, because the state of health may worsen. If the atmosphere is heavily smoky or there is visible dust, ionization is carried out without people until the dust settles on hard surfaces. After wet cleaning, the presence of people is allowed.

The listed circumstances are preventive measures. In other cases, bipolar types improve well-being and improve the microclimate.

Features of use

Molecules of soot, dust and smoke are charged under the action of the device and move to the plus pole, which is the floor, walls, ceiling and other surfaces in the room. Manufacturers argue the benefits of ionizers by the fact that all these microparticles enter the human body if they are in the air.

Sanitary and hygienic standards set out in the document SanPiN 2.2.4.12.94 - 2003:

• the minimum allowed concentration of 400 negative or positive ions in 1 cm³ of the atmosphere;
• the maximum concentration is allowed at the level of 50 thousand charged particles in 1 cm³ of air.

Ionization initiates the appearance of sediment on the area of ​​solid objects.

Use in the presence of children

Ionizers in the children's room are necessary if the windows of the house face a gas-polluted street and there is no way to ventilate the room. The formation of ozone will benefit the baby in dry and stale air. The ionizer will make breathing easier and will give freshness to the internal microclimate.

For a nursery, a salt lamp is suitable, which looks stylish and exciting in the interior of the room. When the salt is heated, ozonized streams are released from it, which prevent respiratory diseases of the respiratory organs. It is recommended to install a purifier with a HEPA filter and a built-in ionizing device so that two useful processes take place simultaneously.

Effect on newborns

In a home with babies, you need to purchase an ionizer with an electrostatic precipitator to trap dust and organic particles. When buying, you need to look at the technical characteristics in the passport and pay attention to the number of produced air ions - it should not be higher than 50 thousand ions.

For a newborn's room, it is better to purchase a device with a medical certificate. Ions are good for children's health. Sleep improves, metabolic processes in the body are accelerated.

Impact on animals in the apartment

Professor Chizhevsky conducted a study of the effect of air ions on animals and concluded that an insufficient amount of ions worsens the well-being of pets. They lose weight, their behavior is lethargic and indifferent.

With artificial ozonation, birds and animals increase their offspring, their appetite is activated, and the digestibility of food improves. Behavior is friendly and flexible.

Disadvantages of the ionizer

When turned on, static electricity increases as a result of using the appliance in dry air. Heavy ions accumulate in the atmosphere, the phenomenon arises from poorly organized ventilation in the room. Electrified particles can enter the respiratory tract.

The device is installed in a room where there is an inflow and outflow of fresh air. Incorrect placement can cost a person a lot of ill health, especially for asthmatics, allergy sufferers and weakened people. Continuous operation during the day is not recommended; the installation must be turned off at night.

Basic selection rules

First, the type of device is determined, then its technical indicators are studied to compare them with the area of ​​the room.

Pay attention to the characteristics:

• concentration of charges and maintenance of such a level at a distance of 1 - 2 meters from the installation;
• ionizer power;
• the manufacturer's recommended operating time from start to shutdown, during this period the air must be fully ionized;
• mode of operation, for example, impulsive or continuous;
• complete set with nozzles and filters, depending on the needs of people living in the house;
• body material - natural wood or high quality plastic is recommended;
• control method (manual or remote control).

If the room is large, the appliance must have the appropriate power to process the air at different points. It is better to choose ionizers that work silently.