Testing of High Potential Voltage Cable Discharge Arc Using a Cylindrical Vacuum Chamber

Testing of High Potential Voltage Cable Discharge Arc Using a Cylindrical Vacuum Chamber 01
Testing of High Potential Voltage Cable Discharge Arc Using a Cylindrical Vacuum Chamber 01
This cylindrical vacuum chamber is utilized for testing high potential voltage cables for potential discharging at higher altitudes. Since air is acting as an insulator at sea level, no electric discharge is present at lower altitudes. However, once the pressure is decreased as a result of higher altitudes, less air is present to act as an insulator. This creates a problem because if an electric discharge happens, it can result in catastrophic failure of electrical components, especially if these components are critical. It is therefore very important to test these cables for discharge by using a vacuum chamber to simulate an air pressure at higher altitudes. The vacuum requirements for this test where only to go to 35,000 feet pressure equivalent which is about 165 Torr.

Our client provided us with a the test cable, which is a high voltage cable. The requirements were to test only one section of the cable. The challenge here is due to the fact that the test cable has various diameters and therefore a sealing plate must be designed to accommodate the proper thickness at which the cable is to be tested.

What you see here is a cylindrical vacuum chamber about 60 inch long and about 10 inch Inside Diameter. The rear of the chamber has the door clamped against the rear wall. We provided our client with the rear door for easier access to the chamber from the back. The front on the other hand, has a sealing plate that is specifically designed to have a double sealing O-Ring which seals again the sealing plate and against the inside of the Hi-Pot Cable. As soon as the Cable and the O-Ring are in place, the vacuum can be pulled and a pressure of 165 Torr is achieved within minutes. Now the cable can be tested for discharge and a safe airplane component can be successfully tested and made. You can see a video going a little bit more into detail about how this vacuum sealing mechanism works and how a part of the cable is used for testing purposes.

Video of the Setup

Did you know that we carry a many more products?

Our clients prefer to work with us because we are Experts in Vacuum Science and Technology. You should check out some of our other items we carry; click on the links below.

Portable Vacuum Chamber and Pump Systems
We carry a wide range of portable vacuum chamber and pump systems. A Portable Vacuum Chamber and Pump system is placed onto a frame structure and lockable swivel casters which enable you to move your vacuum chamber and pump system around your facility. Our portable vacuum systems are very popular among businesses that are constantly growing, evolving, or sharing. Our portable vacuum systems are moved with ease from location to location.
Diaphragm Vacuum Pumps
Diaphragm Vacuum Pumps are utilized in environments where low noise, no oil mist emissions, low maintenance, and no product cross-contamination are required such as hospitals or labs.
Our Work: Pressure and Vacuum Chamber used for Calibration of Weather Stations across the US
Have you ever wondered how the weather forecast works? You must admit; the weathermen (or weatherwoman) have become a whole lot more accurate over time. 10 years ago, the weather forecast was not as accurate as it is today. Part of the reason is that we have better forecasting technology as in more powerful computers who crunch numbers faster to out a most likely scenario. Another reason is that mathematics, physics, and science has progressed. The main reason however, is that we have better tools and equipment.
Related Articles: Clear Acrylic Vac Chamber Review
In this article we take a closer look into acrylic vacuum chambers, what they are used for, the advantages of using a clear acrylic vac chamber, what to look for, and where to purchase one.