What is an ionizer and what is it for?
In an urban environment, where activity, high performance and health are constantly required, a curious invention helps to compensate for the lack of healthy air - an air ionizer. Gas pollution, constant operation of household and industrial electrical appliances significantly reduce the amount of useful negatively charged oxygen ions.
To replenish their number, artificial ionization is carried out. Private houses and apartments, hospitals, organizations, your own car and even a refrigerator - this is the range of places where air enrichment is required.
Who may need this procedure? First of all, elderly people, children and all those who are weakened due to any chronic illness. It is also recommended during epidemics, for example, influenza and SARS. In addition, if you are forced to stay in a closed, unventilated room throughout the working day, then the use of an ionizer becomes extremely necessary.
Important! According to research, the number of negatively charged particles in a closed room is about 10-15 times less than the required values. In the long term, such "ionic starvation" can lead to a decrease in immunity, fatigue and loss of performance.
The operation of the device for forced ionization has the desired effect, eliminating the source of possible allergic reactions, improving the body's immune system, making breathing easier.
The power of the discharge produced by the device is variable, which makes it possible to use the ionizer for therapeutic purposes and as a preventive measure. Household models create a favorable atmosphere inside the living space, the so-called Chizhevsky chandelier is used in hospitals. Its capacity is much higher than analogs for private houses and apartments. For drivers whose work is associated with a constant stay at the wheel of a car, special devices are produced that operate from a cigarette lighter.
Ionization inside the machine is indispensable, otherwise there is a threat of decreased concentration and rapid fatigue. Finally, every housewife dreams of long-term storage of products while preserving their useful properties. Devices installed in the refrigerator are produced especially for these purposes. The result is elimination of unpleasant odors, prevention of mold and mildew formation.
Views
The classification of devices can be carried out on the following grounds: the presence of a filter element, functionality, location and method of ionization. Most of the models are equipped with a filter. It can be water, coal, catalytic, etc.
In terms of functionality, some models are equipped with an additional humidifier. Thanks to him, the humidity in the room can be maintained at the proper level, which is especially important in the cold season, when heating devices are working.
A separate item is the way in which ionizers enrich the air. The types of devices will be as follows:
- crown;
- radioactive;
- radioisotope;
- thermionic;
- photovoltaic;
- hydrodynamic;
- ultraviolet.
Other options are also possible. However, it should be noted that only corona-type ionizers should be used in rooms where people are expected to stay. Bulky isotopic devices will only reduce usable living space, and ultraviolet models will be completely harmful due to their harmful effects on the body. Compact and environmentally friendly ionizers are the best choice. But more on that below.
Principle of operation, technical characteristics and features of use
The principle of operation resembles the scheme of the Chizhevsky chandelier. Inside the instrument are the negative and positive electrodes with sharp ends. A voltage is applied to them, which causes a corona discharge. As a result, a large number of charged particles are released into the air, which mix with oxygen molecules. Thus, particles with a negative charge saturate the air in the room. Moreover, the action of the particles spreads over a radius of approximately 2-3 meters.
The design features of ionizers make it possible to distinguish two types of them: unipolar - models that produce only negatively charged ions, and bipolar, producing also positively charged particles. Bipolar models have proven themselves well in residential buildings, unipolar ones are installed in office premises.
The defining technical characteristic of an ionizer is the amount of ions it produces. In terms of power consumption, the models are economical, since the average figures are about 10 W per hour.
Reference! When the device is turned on for the first time, dizziness and fatigue may occur as a side effect. This phenomenon is quite normal, over time the body gets used to it and ceases to react so strongly to the work of the ionizer.
However, if the state of health continues to deteriorate, then the use of the device should be discontinued and a doctor should be consulted. In general, it is advisable to ensure that no people are in the room during the operation of the device.
Pros and cons
The positive aspects of ionizers are as follows:
- they help eliminate viral pathogens and allergens;
- their use acts as a prophylaxis for diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- help to increase the general immunity of the body;
- reduce fatigue;
- able to create a comfortable indoor environment;
- eliminate the lack of oxygen enriched with negative particles;
- reduce the harmful effects of toxins released into the air from plastic items, linoleum, etc.;
- they are harmless to computers, microwave ovens and other household appliances;
- neutralize an excessive amount of positively charged particles that accumulate in the room due to the action of electrical engineering;
- economical and easy to operate.
The negative sides are as follows:
- with intensive use of the device and a low level of humidity, electrification of the air occurs, the likelihood of a static discharge increases;
- with poor ventilation of the room, air is oversaturated with ions, which can cause respiratory diseases;
- if installed incorrectly, there is a risk to the health of people in the room;
- the operation of the device leads to the accumulation of dust, which entails the need for regular wet cleaning;
- the ozone content in the air may be exceeded, which can lead to poisoning;
- some models are expensive.
It becomes clear that almost all negative aspects are associated with non-observance of the rules for the installation and operation of ionizers.
Selection recommendations
Users who already have experience using air ionization devices are advised to carefully study the characteristics of the various models before deciding on the choice. Studying the reviews on the relevant sites will come in handy. General recommendations call for attention to a number of significant factors.
The most important selection criterion is the indicator of the concentration of negative ions, which is created by the device. The range of optimal values is quite large - from 400 to 50,000 units / cm3. It is important to take into account the area of the room and know that the maximum permissible concentration is 0.03 mg / m3.
The instructions for the device, as a rule, indicate the ideal operating time of the device in a room with a particular area. In addition, you need to have a clear idea of where the ionizer will be located. This is extremely important, since the presence of a person near a working device is fraught with negative consequences for his health.
If the installation of additional equipment for air humidification is not thought out in the room, then it makes sense to pay attention to models with a built-in humidifier. Modern ionizers are equipped with special sensors and indicators, a control panel, which undoubtedly simplifies the operation of the device, but does not affect its functional side in any way. Whether or not to give preference to the latest technical innovations is up to the buyer himself.