Ionic Air Purifier Parts and Their Functions

There are very few parts involved in an ionic air purifier. Electrical current is passed through an ionic generator which creates ozone literally out of thin air. If the unit has a fan mechanism it moves the air faster and produces cleaner air, but many models only have a rudimentary fan. This article will explain what the basic parts of an ionic purifier are, and how the device works to remove dust and other particles from the air.

Ion Generator

The ion generator in an ionic air purifier is the secret to how the whole thing works. As fresh air is passed over the generator it is given a negative charge, creating a negatively charged ion. As this negatively charged particle is expelled into the room, it contacts other particles; it transfers the charge and causes larger particles to stick together. As particles become too heavy to be buoyed up in the air, they fall to the floor.

The Fan Mechanism

In most models, the ionizer fan is a small spinning fan inside the ionizer. it creates a slow, steady circulating pattern that draws in room air and exudes fresher, ionized air. As air travels through the fan, it is filtered through the blades, and larger particles in the air bind to them. Cleaning the blades needs to be done often, and failure to keep them clean will result in the machine not operating properly. Never install damp or wet blades into the ionic purifier or you could cause damage to the machine or yourself.

How Ozone Works

An ozone generator is a basic function of electricity. In nature, ozone is produced by lightning as it slices through the atmosphere, and the same idea is used inside an ionic air purifier. Air is subjected to a heavy flow of current that creates a negative charge on air molecules. This transforms oxygen into ozone, which floats through the air looking for some other particle that the negative charge can be transferred to. These are attracted to positively charged particles, and become too heavy to remain suspended in the room's air.

Dangers Associated With Ionic Purifiers

If you are going to operate an ionic air purifier, make sure that you provide plenty of ventilation in the room. Over time, particles in the air become fewer, and ozone will build up. Ozone has been shown to cause lung irritation in many people, and some research indicates that it increases the frequency of asthma attacks and makes sufferers more susceptible to pollen and other allergens. Both the EPA and the American Lung Association discourage the use of ionic air purifiers as they can be potentially harmful for some people.

Gases and Chemicals

An ionic air purifier is not usually the best choice to filter gases or chemicals out of the air. The ionic process works well on dust and other particles, but it is largely ineffective against gases. Because of this, some odors may seem to be amplified by an ionic air purifier, not because it affects them, but because there are fewer competing particles in the air to be sensed by the nose.