[TCML] Spark gaps (again)

[jimlux]

otmaskin5 at aol.com wrote:
> I've been following earlier discussions about higher losses
> associated with multi-segmented?spark gaps (i.e., Richard Quick type)
> compared to a?single gap.? It's clear that the experience of this
> group has been power losses are significantly less with?a single gap
> style with adequate airflow.? But I'm not sure I caught why that is.?
> What is the reason that a 0.27" single gap loses less power than an
> 9-gap / 10 pipe RQ gap that has total gap size of 0.27"?? If total
> gap spacing is the same for both, why would one be more lossy than
> the other?

The voltage drop across a gap is the sum of a fixed cathode drop (on the 
order of 50-100V) plus a "arc column" loss which is quite small (for 
high current arcs).

So multiple gaps in series has about the same arc column loss, but 
multiple cathode drops.

Good quenching though.


> 
> One other question, has anyone experimented with a RQ style using
> only 2 parallel pipes for a single gap???If so, what were the
> results.? With good air flow, it seems this set up?would be good for
> keeping the gap cool considering airflow goes between, around and
> through the pipes.? And you could make the pipes longer, say 4 to
> 5?inches for better heat sinking ability.?
> 

I use 3 sections of pipe arranged in a triangle.  Two are fixed, and the 
one in the middle is adjustable.

> Sorry to take everyone back to an old topic, but I've been away for a
> while.? Thanks, Dennis Hopkinton MA 
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