hydrogen? spark gap

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "Alfred Erpel by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <alfred-at-erpel-dot-com>

 
 
 
Howdy All,
 
 
        I just recently posted a picture of an oil quenched spark gap that I
built and solicited advice on.
<http://www.neongold-dot-com/public/1/oil_quenched_spark_gap.jpg>www.neongold.c
om/public/1/oil_quenched_spark_gap.jpg . Instead of perfecting this, I have
decided on building a hydrogen (or helium) quenched gap. I know that hydrogen
has the fastest recovery time, but helium absorbs heat better. It will have a
similar enclosure, but be pressurized to 100 psi (or so) of whatever gas I
select. There will be a fan inside directing a jet of gas between each pair of
tungsten carbide balls. I am aware of the mechanical issues. 
 
I seek advice on what gas to use, pressure, etc. to maximize performance in a
tesla coil ciruit. I could make it a vacuum too, but I was thinking that I
could get it to quench better with an atmosphere dense enough for a fan to
work. When it is functioning I will let it be known here and make plans
available.
 
 
Regards,
 
Al Erpel