Influence of diaphragm configuration on DC diaphragm discharge breakdown in electrolyte solution

Abstract

This paper deals with generation of diaphragm discharge in water solutions of sodium chloride with fixed conductivity of 275 μS. The photos were recorded by high-speed iCCD camera at defined times synchronized by the current passing through the system. Three different phases in the current-voltage curve were recognized under all conditions. Only electrolysis proceeds during the first phase at the lowest applied voltage (300 - 1200 V depending on the orifice dimensions), while bubbles were created thanks to the intense Joule heating inside the orifice during the second phase. Finally, the discharge was ignited at applied voltages over 1600 V. These facts were confirmed by iCCD images taken during all three phases. We concluded, by comparing current-voltage characteristics of different orifice diameter sizes, that this parameter had an important influence on the bubbles generation phase. On the contrary, the diaphragm thickness played an important role at the discharge breakdown.