The Use of Oil in Arc Rupture With Special Reference to System Stability

The relationship of the rupturing ability of oil circuit breakers to system stability problems is discussed, and conclusions are drawn as to the effectiveness with which the oil must be used in arc rupture if the requirements of stability are to be met. Past attempts to improve the rupturing performance of oil circuit breakers are reviewed and the results of an investigation of the processes of a-c. arc extinction in oil are discussed, from which conclusions are drawn as to the degree of efficiency with which oil has been used in conventional oil circuit breakers. A description is given of a new device, known as the deion-grid, developed to permit the application of scientific principles to arc extinction in oil, and its theory of operation is discussed together with the results of interrupting tests in both the laboratory and field. Conclusions are drawn as to the effectiveness of this device in improving the rupturing performance of oil breakers and its suitability for use where questions of system stability are involved.