Repetitive high pressure gas switching

This paper discusses some of the findings of an investigation into the repetitive operation of spark gap switches. The investigation has been undertaken over a number of years with the aim of increasing the pulse repetition frequency of spark gap switches into the kHz regime. The first set of experiments involved studying the effect of the operating conditions on the voltage recovery characteristics. The operating conditions considered included gas type, operating gas pressure, gas mixture and conduction current. Further experiments involved the identification of the mechanisms responsible for inhibiting the voltage recovery process in both pulsed charged and DC charged switches. Suitable methods of improving the voltage recovery rate of high pressure gas switches have been identified, some of which are described. (6 pages)