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Product photo: STABLO-AP-Ar Corona Discharge-Type Ionizer that can Eliminate Static Charges in Argon Gas Environments (Shown with Dedicated Stand)

Product photo: STABLO-AP Ionizer for Atmospheric Environments (Shown Installed in an Analytical Balance)

Shimadzu Corporation has launched the STABLO-AP-Ar, the world’s first corona discharge-type ionizer capable of eliminating static charges in argon gas environments. This breakthrough was made possible by integrating Shimadzu’s proprietary static discharge control program into the existing STABLO-AP model, originally designed for atmospheric environments. As a result, the new device achieves static charge removal in argon gas environments—something unattainable with conventional corona discharge-type ionizers (static charge removers). The STABLO-AP-Ar can be used in two configurations: either built into Shimadzu’s AP W-AD or AP series analytical balances, or as a standalone unit mounted on a dedicated stand.

New materials and their ingredients used for green transformation or carbon neutrality applications, such as in batteries, semiconductors, and toner films, are often highly reactive, making them difficult to handle in atmospheric environments where they are prone to degradation by moisture, nitridation or oxidation. To prevent this, research is typically carried out in airtight gloveboxes filled with inert argon gas (max. 1 ppm oxygen and moisture content). However, conventional ionizers cannot be used in argon gas environments, as they risk generating static charges or causing discharge sparks. While radiation-based ionizers (such as soft X-ray or vacuum ultraviolet types) are an alternative, they present significant drawbacks, including radiation exposure for workers, UV-induced degradation of samples, in addition to their high purchase and operating costs.

In contrast, the STABLO-AP-Ar ionizer includes a proprietary program that enables precise control of the discharge level and timing, making it the first corona discharge-type ionizer in the world to be effective in eliminating static charges in argon gas environments. 
Shimadzu Corporation, a pioneer in the development of electronic balances—essential for precision weight measurements demanded by both scientific research and manufacturing—continues to drive innovation in this field. Looking ahead, Shimadzu remains committed to delivering ever higher-performance, user-friendly products aimed to enhance operational efficiency and user experience.

New Product Features

1. World’s First Static Charge Removal in Argon Gas environments via Corona Discharge method

This product removes static charges in argon gas environments safely and easily using a corona discharge-type ionizer, avoiding the risks and drawbacks of radiation-type ionizers.

2. Can be Used in Two Configurations, Either as a Separate Unit or Installed Inside an Analytical Balance

The product can be used either on a dedicated stand placed inside a glovebox or integrated directly into a Shimadzu analytical balance. Additionally, AP W-AD and AP series balances are available with the ionizer pre-installed.

3. Economical Ionizer Price and Operating Cost

Radiation-type ionizers for argon gas environments are typically three to four times more expensive than the STABLO-AP-Ar and require frequent replacement of costly consumables such as discharge needles and lamps. In contrast, the STABLO-AP-Ar offers a more economical solution in terms of both purchase price and running costs.

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STABLO-AP-Ar

The contents of this page were revised after the announcement.