GB1406297A - Arc discharge electrical switches - Google Patents

Abstract

1406297 Spark gaps UNITED KINGDOM ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY 5 Sept 1973 [22 Sept 1972] 44091/72 Heading HID An arc discharge electrical switch comprises inner and outer structures 4 and 5 supporting first and second superimposed electrodes 1 and 2 in a chamber 15 to define a spark gap 3, an insulator 11 separating the inner and outer structures 4 and 5 and displaced axially from the region of the spark gap, the inner surface 8 of the outer structure 5 having an annular recess 9 positioned opposite the spark gap and of an axial length not significantly less than the width of the spark gap and of a depth sufficient to trap erosion products resulting from operation of the switch. The inner and outer metal cylinders 4 and 5 are joined to respective parallel plate external connectors 6 and 7 separated by an insulator 12 which either abuts or is integral with the main insulator 11 which lies in a second recess 10 formed in the inner surface 8 of the outer cylinder 5. End covers 13 and 14 are clamped on to the annular electrodes 1 and 2 by a bolt 16 which carries a trigger electrode 17. Inlet and outlet parts 18 and 19 enable a purging gas to be passed through the chamber 15 between discharges and also enable the chamber to be pressurized. The parts 18 may be positioned so as to impart a spiral trajectory to the gas. With low operating voltages the inlet ports 18 in the end covers 13 and 14 may be omitted.