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Operation is simple: point the gun at the object you want de-staticised
and SLOWLY pull the trigger. If you hear any "clicks" you've pulled it
too fast. Whatever you do, DON'T press the "muzzle" against any part of
your body and squeeze the trigger. It really hurts!
This amazing
little device known as the Zerostat Antistatic Gun is an antistatic
"generator" which has numerous applications in any microscopy
laboratory. Just squeeze the "trigger" of the Zerostat and a steady
stream of ions is released. The "magic" comes from two powerful
piezoelectric crystals and a patented compression trigger. Originally
developed for removing dust from "vinyl" or before that, normal
"phonograph records", in later years the Zerostat antistatic gun was
discovered to have great applicability for use in a photographic
darkroom to remove dust from film and negatives. After that, a wider
range of applications came into being when people running SEM labs found
out that it was also idea for eliminating dust from critical samples or
other critical surfaces when the dust attraction was being caused by
electrostatic charge. Others have reported that certain insulating
specimens, when treated this way, can actually be viewed (admittedly
briefly) by SEM without the need to apply further coating.
In the
laboratory, the Zerostat keeps film, glass, plasticware, and lenses
dust and lint free. It also prevents charged particles from flying
during weighting or transfer of particles. And the Zerostat gun finds
wide use among those who possess and maintain phonograph record
collections.
Each Zerostat unit is shipped with complete Use
Instructions and also, information about a special "Test Procedure" to
validate that the unit is working properly.
How it Works
Each
Zerostat unit has a "two cycle" type of operation, when the trigger is
squeezed, positive ions are generated and when the trigger is relaxed,
negative ions flow. This means that it is possible to induce a charge on
a neutral surface using the Zerostat. If the trigger is squeezed, and
the Zerostat is then removed from the surface (and before allowing the
trigger to return to its original position), a positive charge will be
induced. Similarly, pointing the Zerostat at the surface only for the
release of the trigger will induce a negative charge.
How much charge is given off?
Each squeeze of the trigger results in a discharge, when stated in units of charge, is 1.5 Coulumbs.
How long will it last?
One
can reasonably expect on the order of 10,000 such "squeeze cycles"
during the lifetime of the Zerostat unit. The Zerostat needs no
batteries or electrical supply nor does it contain any radioactive
components.
Where can it be used?
The Zerostat gun,
theory, will work in any atmosphere, but we would add great caution
before using it with or in proximity to flammable or combustible
gases/liquids.
Spare parts:
The Zerostat 3 is designed
to be a disposable (throw-away) product. It is not built to be taken
apart and there are not replacement parts.
What does it weigh?
The net weight of the Zerostat gun is 135g (0.297 lbs) The unit is highly portable and easy to control and handle.
Give it a shot!
The Zerostats charging element should last many years, and its construction is rugged enough to survive any abus
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