High Coulomb Spark-gap Switch is an extremely rugged high-voltage, high-current spark gap switch that has been indigenously designed and fabricated for large charge transfers applications in high-energy pulsed power systems for e.g. Large Laser-driven Systems, Electromagnetic Launchers, Pulse Forming Networks etc.

On contrary to limitations of Ignitron switches, our newly made ‘High Coulomb Spark-gap Switch’ is cost effective, refurbishable, can be operated in any physical orientation and utilizes environmental friendly gas for its operation. The HCS-500T Spark-gap switch employs proprietary uniform field geometry to ensure reliable triggering and evenly erosion of electrode surface. Trigger electrode of tungsten material has been used for reducing the localized ablation of trigger-pin. Several features have been incorporated in the design to maximize the shot-life and prevent structural failure of the switch envelope (due to shock generated during large charge transfer) without compromising its high current and high charge transfer capability.

Sr. No.	Specification	Value
1	Operating voltage range	10kV – 25kV
2	Switch Inductance	<200nH
3	Peak current	500kA*
4	Dielectric gas	N2 or N2:SF6
5	Charge transfer	100 C*
6	Electrode shot-life	20k Coulombs**

* Switch can be operated at higher peak current and charge transfer but at reduced tip-life.
** It is approximated on the basis of observed erosion rate, electrodes are easily replaceable.

High Coulomb Spark-gap Switch is an extremely rugged high-voltage, high-current spark gap switch that has been indigenously designed and fabricated for large charge transfers applications in high-energy pulsed power systems for e.g. Large Laser-driven Systems, Electromagnetic Launchers, Pulse Forming Networks etc

Conventionally in large charge transfer applications, Ignitron is the most widely used switch but major issues in its utilization are:

1. Ignitrons are very expensive.
2. It’s a sealed switch with limited shot-life and non-refurbishable.
3. Ignitrons are banned in several countries as it contains mercury.
4. Ignitrons can only be utilized in vertical orientation because of the mercury pool used inside.
5. Proprietary manufacturing of Ignitrons possess import restrictions with monopoly in supply.

On contrary to above limitations of Ignitron switches, our newly made ‘High Coulomb Spark-gap Switch’ is cost effective, refurbishable, can be operated in any physical orientation and utilizes environmental friendly gas for its operation. The HCS-500T Spark-gap switch employs proprietary uniform field geometry to ensure reliable triggering and evenly erosion of electrode surface. Trigger electrode of tungsten material has been used for reducing the localized ablation of trigger-pin. Several features have been incorporated in the design to maximize the shot-life and prevent structural failure of the switch envelope (due to shock generated during large charge transfer) without compromising its high current and high charge transfer capability.

1. Wide working voltage range.
2. Electrical/ Pressure triggering either can be used as per application requirement.
3. Rugged stainless steel enclosure to ensure safety against structural failure of switch.
4. Easy maintenance and refurbishable.
5. Special copper-tungsten alloy electrodes have been used for longer shot-life.
6. Fabrication is totally indigenous and all materials are available within India.

This switch has been specifically designed for use in high energy pulsed power systems requiring switching/crowbarring of high currents along with large charge transfers in single pulse discharges such as:

1. Large laser-pumps
2. Electromagnetic launchers
3. Electrothermal guns
4. High energy capacitor banks
5. Pulse Forming Networks (PFN’s)

SPECIFICATIONS

Sr. No.	Specification	Value
1	Operating voltage range	10kV – 25kV
2	Switch Inductance	<200nH
3	Peak current	500kA*
4	Dielectric gas	N2 or N2:SF6
5	Charge transfer	100 C*
6	Electrode shot-life	20k Coulombs**

Facilities Required

The firm undertaking the job for commercial production must have an established machine shop equipped with Center lathe, Milling (DRO), Surface grinding, Radial drilling, Tapping and heavy duty welding machines will suffice the requirement for commercial production of developed switch. Firms having prior experience of fabricating components of high voltage and pulsed power will be preferred.