UDC 621.387.32
ELECTRICAL STRENGTH OF UNCONTROLLED SPARK
GAP-SHARPENER DESIGN FOR VOLTAGE UP TO 500 KV
D. S. Makhanko, senior researcher, JSC Plasma, Ryazan, Russia;
orcid.org/0000-0002-7609-9970, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The problem of determining the factors affecting electrical strength of uncontrolled spark gapsharpeners
is investigated. The aim of this work is to study the influence of geometric dimensions and
shapes of a high-voltage ceramic insulator, high-voltage connector of electrode and the casing of a highpressure
spark gap-sharpener on its electrical strength in the range of dynamic breakdown voltage from 100
to 500 kV. The basic design of spark gap-sharpener has been developed. Practical recommendations are
given for engineering of uncontrolled gas-filled soldered spark gap-sharpeners in metal-ceramic design,
providing minimum geometric dimensions at voltages up to 500 kV, subnanosecond response times and a
resource of at least 3x106 actuations in a given operating mode. The industrial production of a series of
spark gap-sharpeners of RO –48, –43, –49, –72 type has been mastered for operating voltages from 100 to
500 kV for use in pulsed X-ray technology.
Key words: spark gap-sharpener, electrical strength, ceramic insulator, breakdown on insulator surface,
spark gap-sharpener design, duration of high-voltage pulse leading edge, high-voltage pulse generator