Triggered Spark Gap Switch with Gas Circulation for Repetitively Operated Multistage Marx Generator

A column type set of spark gap switches for 12-stage 5 kJ Marx generator repetitively operated with rep-rate of up to 10 pps was designed and constructed. The Marx generator design (peak voltage of 600 kV at 50 kV charging) meets the requirements of pulsed power technologies like concrete construction crashing, removing of concrete surface layers, drilling and cutting of stones. The column of Marx switches includes one triggered switch and eleven self-breakdown two-electrode gaps. A long-time of operation of the switches is ensured by intensive gas circulation through the column and its cooling. High stability of dynamic parameters (stable pulsed self-breakdown voltage and a small discharge time delay) is achieved by gas preionization in the spark gaps by additional corona discharges. The results of experimental tests including the measurements of electrodes erosion provide the estimations for electrode lifetime of about 10⁶ pulses.