Hi David,
Dielectric oil is designed to prevent arcing in transformers and to withstand the occasional HV spikes that might be encountered over a 10-15 year period. At 120 arcs per second, it should take about 3-4 minutes to put 15 years' worth of designed stress on the oil.
I believe Tesla tried a vibrator-type spark gap in oil in the late 1880s with a motor-driven paddle to stir the oil for cooling, but abandoned it as being to leaky, too messy, and with only a marginal difference in efficiency, although the contacts did last somewhat longer.
Matt D
-----Original Message-----
From: David Boyle <twoten@xxxxxxxxx>
To: Tesla Coil Mailing List <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wed, Apr 9, 2014 8:48 am
Subject: Re: [TCML] fluid quenched rotary spark gap
"filled with dielectric oil."
I will be using an oil specifically made for quenching electric arcs. If
the manufacturers claims are to be believed it will not break down.
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