Useful HV PSU's from x-ray equipment

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: "Carl Litton" <Carl_Litton@xxxxxxxxxx>

In our recent research, we have been extensively testing and modifying
used x-ray equipment to make it useful for Tesla projects and other high
voltage work.  The majority of postings that we have seen here regarding
the use of x-ray transformers and controllers have been negative.  The
consensus of opinion seems to be that this equipment is too dangerous,
too complicated, and generally not useful.  We have found this to be
anything but true.

The transformers themselves are truly amazing in their potential to
produce voltages to nearly a quarter of a megavolt in some cases.  A few
simple modifications will convert them in to useful durable AC power
supplies that may be operated at 120V or 240V input from residential
mains.  These modifications include removal of rectifiers and low
voltage circuitry and reconnecting the secondaries in various
configurations to achieve the desired output from the available input
voltage.

The controller boxes/panels may also be modified to provide control that
often exceeds even the most beefy and expensive of commonly seen Variac
type controllers.  Most contain very heavy duty selectable output
autotransformers that can handle continuous duty current at 100, 200 or
more Amps.  Although the units may appear complex, the modifications
needed to make them useful for HV work are quite simple - quickly and
easily done with common hand tools.  By stripping and removing the oil,
many of these units may be reasonably shipped without having to resort
to motor freight options.

For anyone interested, we have written and published a preliminary
article to our site, which gives the details of these modifications for
most of the common types (single/dual transformers, grounded and
floating secondaries, full-wave bridge and non-bridge rectification,
series and parallel rewiring) of units that are available these days:

http://hvgroup.dawntreader.net/rework.html



Comments and questions are welcome as always.  We are more than willing
to amend the page with amplifications, clarifications, and corrections.


Carl Litton
Raleigh-Bartlett Science Club