Abstract: A gas ionization system for use in an enclosure having an inlet and an outlet. The system includes at least a pair of spaced electrodes, each electrode being formed of a wire screen, and the wire screens being parallel to each other. A stream of gas is passed through the enclosure and between and parallel to the wire screen electrodes. An electrical power source applies positive and negative voltages to the electrodes to generate an electric field between. The wire screen electrodes have discharge points for field emission of electrons. Free electrons are movable between the electrodes in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the gas stream. The intensity of the electric field is sufficiently large to cause substantially all free electrons in the electric field other than those electrons which ionize gas molecules to be retained in the space between the electrodes.

Abstract: A system and method for neutralizing a static charge using positive and negative ion discharge units. These units are operated alternately at a rate inversely proportional to the static voltage detected. The system and method operates the ion discharge units in a manner discharging a substantially equal number of positive and negative ions to travel at a selected velocity differential therebetween to selectively modulate the neutralization of ions in transit.