Spark gap switch system with condensable dielectric gas

Patent · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:867698

Thayer, III, William J. ^[1]

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1. (Kent, WA)

A spark gap switch system is disclosed which is capable of operating at a high pulse rate comprising an insulated switch housing having a purging gas entrance port and a gas exit port, a pair of spaced apart electrodes each having one end thereof within the housing and defining a spark gap therebetween, an easily condensable and preferably low molecular weight insulating gas flowing through the switch housing from the housing, a heat exchanger/condenser for condensing the insulating gas after it exits from the housing, a pump for recirculating the condensed insulating gas as a liquid back to the housing, and a heater exchanger/evaporator to vaporize at least a portion of the condensed insulating gas back into a vapor prior to flowing the insulating gas back into the housing.

• Research Organization: SPECTRA TECHNOLOGY INC
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-85SF15930
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4990831
• OSTI ID: 867698
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

spark
gap
switch
condensable
dielectric
gas
disclosed
capable
operating
pulse
rate
comprising
insulated
housing
purging
entrance
exit
pair
spaced
apart
electrodes
defining
therebetween
easily
preferably
molecular
weight
insulating
flowing
heat
exchanger
condenser
condensing
exits
pump
recirculating
condensed
liquid
heater
evaporator
vaporize
portion
vapor
prior
gas flow
heat exchange
heat exchanger
molecular weight
spaced apart
spark gap
insulating gas
gas flowing
gap switch
pulse rate
gas exit
gap therebetween
weight insulating
rate comprising
apart electrodes
dielectric gas
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