How does an air ionizer work?

The basic principle of operation of any type of ionizer is the ionization of air masses under the influence of high-tension electrical charges. Observation and study of physical, natural processes led to the conclusion that the number of negative and positive ions in the atmosphere is not a constant value and can change under external influence.

This happens most clearly during a thunderstorm. Under the influence of an electric corona discharge, neutral oxygen molecules collide with free electrons that have a negative charge. As a result, an oxygen ion (aeroion) with a negative tension is formed due to the addition of an additional electron.

Medical research has proven that the presence of negative ions has a positive effect on the general condition of the human body. In nature, the optimal balance of positive and negative particles is maintained naturally. Unfortunately, the general environmental situation is increasingly influencing this process.

A decrease in the concentration of free charged air ions contributes to disruption of the biological activity of the human body and is one of the factors in the manifestation of various diseases.

Principle of operation

The operating principle of any type of ionizer is based on the possibility of creating a flow of negatively charged particles between differently polar electrodes under the influence of external energy sources. The material for electrodes can be very different. The shape of the electrodes may also differ, depending on the design.

How does an ionizer work in a room?

The flow of charged particles (electrons), formed on electrodes of negative polarity, when colliding with air molecules, forms a certain amount of negative oxygen ions.

If the speed of the electrons is high enough, then they are able to knock out additional electrons from neutral air molecules, increasing the overall amount of flow moving towards the positively charged electrodes.

In turn, the flow of positively charged particles is attracted to the negative electrode and, when interacting with it, contributes to an increase in the number of emitted electrons. The created streams of charged particles form an electrical discharge into the aire, promoting the continuous formation of positive and negative oxygen ions.

What type is used in residential premises?

In residential premises, ionizers are mainly used, the operation of which is based on the creation of an artificial corona discharge between the electrodes under the influence of high voltage. Household ionizers are designed for a voltage of 20–30 kV. This interval makes it possible to create optimal conditions for the formation of a sufficient number of charged particles.

At lower voltages, the speed and number of electrons is not able to create a sufficient electric field potential difference to promote the creation of ions.When the voltage is more than 30 kV, there is a possibility of creating spark discharges that contribute to the formation of compounds that negatively affect the human body.

Excess ozone is as harmful as its deficiency

When choosing a device for household use, you should focus on these indicators. Manufacturers' statements about new developments, bipolar ionizers, or ionizers with a reduced minimum voltage threshold, are simply a marketing ploy. There will be no benefit from such devices.

Purpose of household ionizers

All types of household ionizers are designed to create an optimal balance of negative and positively charged particles in a room, which have a beneficial effect on the course of biological processes in the human body.

Who is recommended to use air ionizers?

Medical research in the field of the effects of charged air ions on the human body has proven that artificially maintaining an optimal balance of negative and positive air particles not only creates a comfortable indoor environment, but also contributes to the prevention and treatment of various diseases. According to doctors, ionizers have a positive effect on the following diseases:

• Diseases of the upper and internal respiratory tract (runny nose, laryngitis, bronchitis).
• Diseases associated with the cardiovascular system.
• Various types of neuroses.

In addition to this, the use of an ionizer accelerates recovery processes in case of fractures and burns. It has a general rejuvenating effect for the entire human body, due to the activation of biological processes.

Contraindications for the use of household ionizers

Unfortunately, the activation of biological processes in the human body does not always have a positive direction.It is not recommended to use an ionizer indoors for acute chronic diseases accompanied by high temperature.

Malignant neoplasms exposed to charged particles intensify their development. Therefore, doctors prohibit the use of ionizers for domestic purposes in cases of cancer. It is also not recommended to use the device in areas where there may be children under 3 years of age.

How does an air ionizer work?

The designs of ionizers may differ from each other. In domestic conditions, the design developed by Chizhevsky (Chizhevsky chandelier) is most often used. A negative electrode is one or more thin, highly directional electrodes combined into a single structure. Various objects can be used as a positive electrode (heating pipes, plumbing, wall fittings). In principle, the positive electrode is simply connected to ground.

In modern ionizers, a grid of individual conductors is used as a positive electrode. Depending on the design, ionizers vary in power, range and purpose. As additional functions, the possibilities of humidifying the air in the room, creating a directed air flow (fans), and operating mode timers can be used.