Spark gap device for precise switching

Patent · Tue Oct 02 00:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:7250740

Boettcher, G E

A spark gap device for precise switching of an energy storage capacitor into an exploding bridge wire load is disclosed. Niobium electrodes having a melting point of 2,415 degrees centigrade are spaced apart by an insulating cylinder to define a spark gap. The electrodes are supported by conductive end caps which, together with the insulating cylinder, form a hermetically sealed chamber filled with an inert, ionizable gas, such as pure xenon. A quantity of solid radioactive carbon-14 within the chamber adjacent the spark gap serves as a radiation stabilizer. The sides of the electrodes and the inner wall of the insulating cylinder are spaced apart a sufficient distance to prevent unwanted breakdown initiation. A conductive sleeve may envelop the outside of the insulating member from the midpoint of the spark gap to the cap adjacent the cathode. The outer metallic surfaces of the device may be coated with a hydrogen-impermeable coating to lengthen the shelf life and operating life of the device. The device breaks down at about 1,700 volts for input voltage rates up to 570 volts/millisecond and allows peak discharge currents of up to 3,000 amperes from a 0.3 microfarad energy storage capacitor for more than 1,000 operations. 3 figs.

• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 4475055; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 6-343614
• OSTI ID: 7250740
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 28 Jan 1982
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
EXPLODING WIRES
POWER SUPPLIES
CAPACITIVE ENERGY STORAGE EQUIPMENT
SWITCHES
DETONATORS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
WIRES
250400* - Energy Storage- Capacitor Banks
450100 - Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense- Chemical Explosions & Explosives