The new spark gaps for pulse high-current commutation

To increase commuted current up to 300 kA and electric quantity up to 200 C the IRT-5 ignitron of 10 kg weight and 150x400 mm overall dimensions has been constructed. The ignitron is designed for application under two conditions: during an oscillating discharge with up to 300 kA current amplitude and up to 50 C charge of electricity per one pulse and in a mode of unipolar pulses with up to 100 kA current amplitude and up to 200 C charge of electricity. Results of testing ignitrons with anoicades of compact graphite, silicted graphite or molybdenum are given. The investigations resulted in constructing the IRT-6 ignitron with anode of silicicated graphite. An increase in the guaranteed service life up to 5x104 pulses at 100 kA cUrrent was achieved;. at 20 kA current it was equal to 5x105 pulses. High-current spark gaps of low pressure, similar to ignitrons are described