Re: Spark Gap: Flat vs. Cylinder

To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
Subject: Re: Spark Gap: Flat vs. Cylinder
From: Bert Hickman <bert.hickman-at-aquila-dot-com> (by way of Terry Fritz <twf-at-verinet-dot-com>)
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 1999 18:22:32 -0600
Approved: twf-at-verinet-dot-com

Tesla List wrote:
> 
> Original Poster: ARSONIST01-at-aol-dot-com
> 
> Hello All,
>         I'm planning on building a Flat spark gap using the following design:
> 
> _______________
> |OOOOOOOOOO |
> |_______________|
> 
>         Using this design, i'd have my actual copper tubes enclosed on the
> top, bottom, and sides. On the back side, i plan to put in a series of fans
> to blow into the apparatus to cool it off. The side plates ensure that
> airflow will go in one direction and flow throughout this apparatus.
>         Does anyone know if this design will work on the same or better level
> as the Cylindrical gaps? this design, though a little more costly, will be
> easier to build, and will be way easier to clean out.. airflow through it
> will also work out pretty well because like the cyclindrical design, the air
> has one way in and one way out.
> thanks.
> alan

Alan,

Any design which forces air through the gaps will work better, since the
air cools the gaps, helps remove hot ions, and promotes better
quenching. Go for it!

-- Bert --