Re: static spark gaps

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: G Hunter <dogbrain_39560@xxxxxxxxx>


--- Tesla list <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Original poster: Neal Namowicz
> <mr_neal@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
>
> Hi guys,
> I've got a couple questions re: static spark gaps.
> First, what difference does
> it make regarding how much surface area is exposed
> for the gap? Specifically,
> which is better, less or more? Also, can a ssg be
> "over" quenched? At the
> moment I'm using a blower that was scavenged from an
> old air-hockey table.
> Should I use a dimmer switch to vary the speed,
> since it does seem to move a
> lot of air? Thanks in advance for any advice!
>
> Neal.
>
Neal,

By surface area I assume you mean the actual sparking
electrode surface.  If so, then more area is better.
A slender spark gap electrode with a small sparking
surface can devolep a hot spot and break down into
power arcing, like a welder.  When this happens, spark
production declines and the stench of metal vapor
fills the air.  The ideal static spark gap runs cold,
as gap performance tends to decline as the electrodes
heat up.

Can a gap be over quenched? Yes, it can, although I've
never experienced it myself.  However, the "right"
volume of moving air can only be determined by
experiment.  In my own air blast spark gaps, I use
vacuum cleaner blowers running at full speed.  I
experimented with RPM control, but found no benefit to
reduced airflow.  Even on my smallest (9kv/120ma NST)
coil, max air seems to work best.  I have included
links to my air blast static gaps.  These pages
include links to Gary Lau's air blast spark gaps as
well.

http://hot-streamer.com/greg/vacgap.htm
http://hot-streamer.com/greg/blogap.htm
http://hot-streamer.com/greg/inside.htm

Cheers,

Greg




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