Automated qualification and analysis of protective spark gaps for DC accelerators
- Accelerator and Pulse Power Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai (India)
Protective spark gaps are used in the high voltage multiplier column of a 3 MeV DC Accelerator to prevent excessive voltage build-ups. Precise gap of 5 mm is maintained between the electrodes in these spark gaps for obtaining 120 kV± 5 kV in 6 kg/cm{sup 2} SF{sub 6} environment which is the dielectric medium. There are 74 such spark gaps used in the multiplier. Each spark gap has to be qualified for electrical performance before fitting in the accelerator to ensure reliable operation. As the breakdown voltage stabilizes after a large number of sparks between the electrodes, the qualification process becomes time consuming and cumbersome. For qualifying large number of spark gaps an automatic breakdown analysis setup has been developed. This setup operates in air, a dielectric medium. The setup consists of a flyback topology based high voltage power supply with maximum rating of 25 kV. This setup works in conjunction with spark detection and automated shutdown circuit. The breakdown voltage is sensed using a peak detector circuit. The voltage breakdown data is recorded and statistical distribution of the breakdown voltage has been analyzed. This paper describes details of the diagnostics and the spark gap qualification process based on the experimental data. (author)
- Research Organization:
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai (India); Indian Vacuum Society, Mumbai (India)
- OSTI ID:
- 22597194
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: ISDEIV-2014: 26. international symposium on discharges and electrical insulation in vacuum, Mumbai (India), 28 Sep - 3 Oct 2014; Other Information: Country of input: India; 4 refs., 4 figs.; This record replaces 48041822; Related Information: In: Proceedings of the twenty sixth international symposium on discharges and electrical insulation in vacuum. V. 2| 392 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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