A generalized method for predicting the sparking potentials of electronegative gases

A simplified method for predicting the sparking potentials in electronegative gases used for high-voltage insulation is proposed. The method employs the electron-energy distribution function and the swarm properties of the gas, the ionization potential, the momentum transfer, and ionization cross sections. The method has been tried successfully in a number of industrially important gases and good agreement has been obtained with the measured values.