A new electrode unit for operating in liquids with high specific conductivity

Breakdown in water with high electric conductivity has been investigated with the use of an electrode unit which allows formation of layers of low specific conductivity water around the high-potential electrode point. The influence of the layer parameters on the electric field strength distribution and breakdown development has been studied with numerical simulation and experimental methods of oscillography and optical registration. The electric field strength increase and reduction of the breakdown time is shown to be obtained in the electrode unit proposed.