Computer simulations of insulator charge neutralisations with a corona ioniser – Influence of initial surface charge distribution

This is a report of a numerical investigation of the phenomena of charge neutralisations of an insulating plate with different initial surface charge distributions with the use of a continuously balanced DC ioniser. The early phase phenomena of the insulator charge neutralisation are complicated and depend significantly on the relationship between the initial surface charge distribution and ioniser placement. In addition, the results of simulations demonstrate that ionisers themselves can cause over-neutralisation during the early phase of neutralisation; however, when ions can move towards the opposite side of the plate, the ioniser can eliminate the over-neutralised charges. We propose having the ioniser face the charged side of an insulator to avoid such problems.

► We investigate insulator neutralisations for different initial charge distributions. ► A 2-D cylindrical EHD model is used. ► Simulations demonstrate that ionisers can cause over-neutralisation. ► The over-neutralisation is caused by charges at the opposite side of the insulator. ► We propose the proper use of ionisers to avoid electrostatic problems.