Industrial applications of high voltage pulsed power techniques: developments at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (FZK)

A broad research and development program has been started at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (FZK) to exploit the potential of high voltage pulsed power techniques for industrial applications. All applications are based on the release of an appreciable amount of energy in matter within a very short time interval. Large area thin films are produced on organic foils to improve the water vapor barrier with the help of pulsed electron beam ablation using arrays of channel spark devices. We use large area (>1000 cm/sup 2/), medium energy (<150 keV) pulsed electron beams of up to 40 /spl mu/s pulse duration for surface treatment in combination with deposition techniques to create corrosion and wear resistant surface layers. Other applications utilize the direct pulsed energy release of the high voltage discharge in matter. A cost effective process for the production of large quantities of nanopowder is the explosive electrical discharge through a thin wire. Pulsed discharges in solid materials can lead to fragmentation. This techniques is used in various configurations to fragment concrete as well as electrical appliances for recycling and to grind glass, minerals, etc.