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Registered Member #3859
Joined: Sun May 01 2011, 03:47PM
Location:
Posts: 179
There are many Gas Discharge arresters out there, they are very cheap and they are meant to protect phone lines and other information lines from lightning and magnetic storms.
Their rating is usually from 50 to 2000 volts. Current rating of 30A at 200V - not planning to use that much current ever.
So if I rectify mains, can I use one of those spark gaps to drive the flyback transformer?
Can I use those things in Marx Generators? Can I use Ne-2 neon lamps in a small Marx generator? I must limit current to keep neon lamps from burning out?
I have many ideas for the spark gaps. Not sure how durable they are if they have to fire continuously and in resonance. I can always parallel them. I already played a lot with an Avramenko fork and a 1000V sparker that would discharge if voltage on this fork exceeded 1000V. Now I want to use them to drive a flyback transformer and for other High Voltage projects.
Registered Member #543
Joined: Tue Feb 20 2007, 04:26PM
Location: UK
Posts: 4992
Gas arrestors are often the protection of last resort, and many designs are guaranteed to stick to the datasheet ratings only for a very limited number of firings, sometimes as few as ten. With each ignition there is electrode ablation, pitting and sputtering, which is amplified where the electrode heat capacity is exceeded by sequential firing with inadeqtare cooling periods between.
Why not think about using automotive sparking plugs which are designed for the job, have gaps that can be set accurately with simple tools, and have screw threads which will make gas-tight seals if you are a careful worker.
Also, never underestimate the properties and usefulness of the solid dielectric gap, which can hold off very high voltages until the moment of ignition, after which the gap must be replaced (i.e. put a new piece of plastic in it). Some solid dielectric gaps have a rotating dielectric wheel, or use a dielectric tape which moves forward to a fresh section of dielectric after each firing. See: Spark gap with disposable solid dielectric between the electrodesUS Patent 3364390
Registered Member #30
Joined: Fri Feb 03 2006, 10:52AM
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Posts: 6706
I've seen the gas discharge tubes used as spark gaps in gas stove and boiler igniters, but these only fire about once per second. At higher break rates they might well overheat and melt down.
Registered Member #4081
Joined: Wed Aug 31 2011, 06:40PM
Location: UK
Posts: 139
I have used gas discharge tubes in a project for some pulse transformers. They are good but do heat up very quickly and erode quickly too. The firing voltage (voltage at which it conducts) varies with temperature and erosion so aren't great for precision applications or if you want a resonant driver circuit, best use a TL494 or 555 for that. If you're looking for some simple sparks then they are good fun in a simple circuit - think tesla coil spark gap circuit.
With the ones I've used they tend to arc continuously at higher input powers which stops the circuit working. I was using an MOT (inverter type) though, so the current was high. With a flyback I managed around 20 - 25kV on a 220VAC gas tube and a 1uF film capacitor.
Overall I'd say they're useful for a bit of quick fun but not much good for more serious projects.
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GAS Discharge Surge arresters as spark gaps.
