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Re: Bombarder I - what is it
Subject: Re: Bombarder I - what is it
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997 06:27:52 -0700
From: Bert Hickman <bert.hickman-at-aquila-dot-com>
Organization: Stoneridge Engineering
To: Tesla List <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
References: 1
Tesla List wrote:
>
> Subject: RE: Bombarder I - what is it
> Date: Sun, 15 Jun 97 23:37:28 UT
> From: "William Noble" <William_B_Noble-at-msn-dot-com>
> To: "Tesla List" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
>
> I've been reading the posts about the bombarder transformer and it's
> attributes, but I don't have a clear idea of what you are talking about
> or what it's intended (original) purpose is - I understand that this is
> a pretty large open frame transformer, and that neon sign shops have
> them, but beyond that I'm in the dark (e.g. the plasma is out) Can
> someone elucidate??
Bill,
These transformers are used to provide a source of high current and high
voltage during the manufactue of neon signs - 10 or more times the
current used in lighting the tube. Typical range is 50 to 750 mA, and
these devices are thus in the 5 KVA power range. The whole idea is to
heat the glass tubing and electrodes to remove any surface impurites.
During bombarding, the glass will be brought up to a temperature that
will scorch paper(!). This is done prior to the stage where the final
lighting gas mixture is put into the tube. Bombarding prevents these
impurities from later changing the operational characteristics of the
tube, thereby extending the its useful life.
Hope this helps!
-- Bert --