How to make a "Static electricy generator"

Other Hardware General Electronics
1

Hi all!

I've been googling for a device that will "push away" electrically charged particles, and came to a conclusion that a static electricity generator possibly will do that for me.

I'm using an Arduino with an ultrasonic sensor, and I want particles to move "away" from it so that it doesn't attach to the sensors. Does anyone have an idea how to do this?

I can buy components and solder myself, but electronics design is not my field of expertise.

P.S. Sorry for posting another thread, but this is a spin-off (after some googling) from this thread (detailed project/problem information):
https://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=449199

2

I'm using an Arduino with an ultrasonic sensor, and I want particles to move "away" from it so that it doesn't attach to the sensors. Does anyone have an idea how to do this?

That's theoretically possible because like-charges repel (similar to like-poles of magnets). But practically speaking, it's not going to be possible to charge the particles.

You might try some [u]anti-static treatment[/u]. That won't repel the particles but it should help to minimize the attraction.

Somewhat ironically, it's insulators (usually plastic) that gets a charge-build-up because there's no discharge path to ground. These treatments usually add a conductive coating.

3

You have to make sure that the particles are all charged and all charged the right way. Otherwise the static will encourage them to stick more.

If you're intentionally emitting the particles (like from a nozzle or something) then you can charge them. But general dust in the air is difficult to charge.

For further reading, have a look at how powder-coating works. That relies on static electricity to initially stick the coating to the parts.

4

Well..

you could take your (presumed tiny) particles in a moving airstream, and pass it through a metallic gauze at a high voltage - that would charge some of them...

then use a same polarity charge to repel them.

All very theoretical - what do you want it for?

regards

Allan

5

ElCaron:
There's more than one way to skin a cat, you know.

You do not have to go that far, just rub the cat with a baloon. :slight_smile:

6

Boardburner2:
You do not have to go that far, just rub the cat with a baloon. :slight_smile:

I think it's better to be thorough.

7

Thanks all for your input. It seems my initial idea wasn't "that good", so I'll look into other means like the antistatic approach suggested above.

Regarding the 'cat-procedure' I think I'll find a different solution :grinning:

8

True, the balloon won't last long I fear!

9

One of those "ion generators" of otherwise questionable merit may be enough to work as dust repellor (or attractor.)
http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G20840

You should note that one normally wants to keep high voltage "static electricity" FAR AWAY from microcontrollers and ordinary electronics, but you might be able to do something clever...

10

Solid fuelled power stations use electrostatic precipitators to remove dust particles from the gas stream in their exhaust stack - a load of parallel plates charged alternately to a high + and - voltage...

that sort of thing?

Allan