AU472425B2

AU472425B2 - Measurement ofthe ion content and electric field ofthe atmosphere

Info

Publication number: AU472425B2
Application number: AU38543/72A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Satriani Taishuke
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-02-02
Filing date: 1972-02-02
Publication date: 1976-05-27
Also published as: AU3854372A

Description

38.54 3n2 This invention relates to measuring the

ion content and electric field of the atmosphure in

an improved way. Among many methods of measuring ions in

vacuum, various kinds of gas, or atmosphere, the

most common method is to use a tubular co-axial

counter. This ion counter hitherto used has one

disadvantage; that is, it is incapable of measuring

ions of diverse mobility consecutively with precision

and stability. Since the above measuring apparatus needs

an electric field therein for counting ionic contents

of various mobility, direct current has to be impressed

on the electrode as an applied voltage, which in

turn influences, through various insulators and

other fittings, the measuring conductor electrode,

thereby preventing the counter from precise and

stabilized reading of the ionic contents. As for the atmospheric electric field

measurement, the prior art calls for an electricity

collector, utilized together with a conductor

electrode exposed to atmosphere, in order to equalize

the electric potential of the conductor as quickly

as possible with the surrounding atmospheric electric

potential. This collector system, however, has

a disadvantage in that the system cannot help mutating

the natural atmosphere to a considerable extent,

whereby the disturbed atmospheric conditions render

precise factual study of the real conditions of the

atmosphere impossible.

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38. 5 4 3 /72

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for measuring atmospheric ion content or electric field, comprising

a central electrode for collecting atmospheric ions or sensing atmospheric electric field,

with or with-out a further electrode to which a potential difference is applied, an electric field shielding means surrounding a part or a substantial part of said electrode or electrodes, said shielding means being concetric with the electrodes and earthed, and

insulators supporting the electrodes separately to the shielding means.

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38.543/72

For measuring of atmospheric ion contents, the lenduRto and its supporting insulators are arranged so as not to have the impressed voltage affect the function of theenduteper, with the aim of improving precision and stability in measuring. For measuring of atmospheric electric field, the collector is not employed therein, and all component parts of the measuring apparatus are earthed except for the eendeter which is exposed to the atmosphere to be measured and held fast, reliable measuring being guaranteed with no disturbance to the atmospheric conditions to be measured. For a better understanding of the principles of the invention, reference is made to the following description of embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is an exemplary arrangement for measuring atmospheric ion contents, and Figure 2 is an exemplary arrangement for measuring atmospheric electric potential.

47 2.425

38, 54 3-72 In the drawings, a conductor electrode 1 is held in the axial direction within a shield tube 2, forming a co-axial type measuring apparatus A. In the ion measuring apparatus in Figure 1, the conductor 1 is held at both its ends by insulators 3, which in turn are secured to the inner wall of the shield 2. An electrode sleeve 4, mounted between the conductor 1 and the shield tube 2, is fitted to the shield tube 2 by insulators 5. The conductor 1 is connected by a lead wire 7 to an amplifier B, while the electrode 4 for the impressed voltage has a lead wire 8 either for earthing, leaving the circuit open, or for connection to a DC power source E by appropriate change-over switches as occasion

may require. In Figure 2, for measuring the electric potential of the atmosphere, one end of the conductor

1 is arranged to protrude from the shield tube 2,

and is connected with an electric meter C by a

lead line 7. Now, in order to measure atmospheric ion content, the co-axial type measuring apparatus A

in Figure 1 is first mounted at the designated site for themeasuring, and an air current is formed within the shield tube 2. Thus the ionic electricity sensed by the conductor 1, due to the voltage impressed between the conductor 1 and the electrode 4, is led to the electric meter C and to a recorder D for measuring and recording of the measured counts. In the above-mentioned case, inasmuch as

47 2.4

38.543n2 there are no insulators fitted between the conductor

1 and the electrode 4 for the impressed voltage, this

absence of Insulators precludes any undesirable

influence the voltage, impressed on the electrode 4,

would otherwise have upon the conductor 1, thereby improving the precision measuring of micro-electricity

generated by atmospheric ions.

As regards the measuring of atmospheric

electric field as shown in Figure 2, the co-axial

type measuring apparatus A is fitted to the required place for appropriate measuring, with one end 6 of

conductor 1 exposed to the atmosphere throughout such

measuring.

The shield tube 2, properly earthed, is not .only free from any restrictions in its mounting location but also does not need a collector, which

otherwise would be instrumental in disturbing the

electric field to be measured.

There is also found a phenomenon where marked electricity readings in accordance vwith varying

atmospheric humidity are noticeable as attributable to:

a) certain combinations of the insulators,

used for supporting the conductor 1 within the

shield tube 2, and agents used for binding thereof and

b) humidity of the binding agents used for the insulators.

This phenomenon makes it possible to use the measuring apparatus as a hygrometer as well.

472.4

38,5 4.3 n2

As described in the foregoing, the

arrangements according to the invention remove the

interference of the impressed voltage with the conductor in measuring the atmospheric ion content,

remove any disturbance of atmospheric conditions in

the measuring of atmospheric electric potential in the

absence of a collector, and further render it possible to measure the atmospheric humidity with the co-axial type measuring apparatus, of which component parts

are to be given specific conditions fit for this

particular purpose.

When measuring apparatus of the prior art is replaced by apparatus according to this invention, valuable data for more precision in meteorological

information can well be obtained.

7 47 2.4-25

Claims

38.543 n2 THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A device for measuring atmospheric ion content or

electric field, comprising

a central electrode:for collecting atmospheric ions

or sensing atmospheric electric field,

with or without a further electrode to which a

potential difference is applied, an electric field shielding means surrounding a part or a

substantial part of said electrode or electrodes,

said shielding means being concentric with the

electrodes and earthed, and

insulators supporting the electrodes separately

to the shielding means.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the further electrode

is in the form of a sleeve co-axially surrounding the spaced from

the.central electrode, this sleeve being located between, and

shorter than, the distance between said insulators, and being

itself mounted within the shielding means by means of further co-axial insulators.

3. Apparatus for measuring atmospheric ion content or electric

field, substantially as described with reference to Figure 1 or Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.

DATED: 24TH MARCH, 1976.

PHILLIPS ORMONDE AND FITZPATRICK

ATTORNEYS FOR:

TAISUKE SATSUTANI

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38,54 3 n72

Fig. 1

2

Fig. 2 A

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