US3059081A - Self-generated gas blast circuit interrupter embodying high molecular weight polyoxymethylenes - Google Patents

Self-generated gas blast circuit interrupter embodying high molecular weight polyoxymethylenes Download PDF

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Publication number
US3059081A
US3059081A US838332A US83833259A US3059081A US 3059081 A US3059081 A US 3059081A US 838332 A US838332 A US 838332A US 83833259 A US83833259 A US 83833259A US 3059081 A US3059081 A US 3059081A
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United States
Prior art keywords
arc
high molecular
molecular weight
polyoxymethylenes
circuit interrupter
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US838332A
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English (en)
Inventor
Gordon C Gainer
Albert P Strom
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Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Publication date
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Priority to US838332A priority Critical patent/US3059081A/en
Priority to DEW28257A priority patent/DE1113741B/de
Priority to CH955760A priority patent/CH387740A/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3059081A publication Critical patent/US3059081A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T1/00—Details of spark gaps
    • H01T1/02—Means for extinguishing arc
    • H01T1/08—Means for extinguishing arc using flow of arc-extinguishing fluid
    • H01T1/10—Means for extinguishing arc using flow of arc-extinguishing fluid with extinguishing fluid evolved from solid material by heat of arc
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
    • H01B3/00—Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materials; Selection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties
    • H01B3/18—Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materials; Selection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances
    • H01B3/30—Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materials; Selection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances plastics; resins; waxes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
    • H01B3/00—Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materials; Selection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties
    • H01B3/18—Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materials; Selection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances
    • H01B3/30—Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materials; Selection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances plastics; resins; waxes
    • H01B3/42—Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materials; Selection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances plastics; resins; waxes polyesters; polyethers; polyacetals
    • H01B3/427—Polyethers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
    • H01H33/70—Switches with separate means for directing, obtaining, or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid
    • H01H33/76—Switches with separate means for directing, obtaining, or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid wherein arc-extinguishing gas is evolved from stationary parts; Selection of material therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to circuit interrupters which generate arc-extinguishing and confining gases automatically upon the occurence of an arc, and has particular reference to electrical devices embodying high molecular weight polyoxymethylenes as an arc confining and extinguishin g member.
  • the object of this invention is to provide in a circuit interrupter an arc confining and interrupting structure comprising high molecular weight polyoxymethylenes.
  • Another object of the invention is to embody in a self-generated gas blast circuit interrupter an arc confining and interrupting structure comprising a body composed of at least 70% by weight of high molecular weight polyoxymethylenes.
  • FIGURE 1 is a vertical cross-section view through a fuse
  • FIG. 2 is a view in elevation, partly in section, of a self-expulsion type of lightning arrester
  • FIG. 3 is a graph plotting restored kilovolts against amperage for fibre and high molecular weight polyoxymethylenes and boric acid.
  • FIG. 4 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of an oil-type circuit interrupter embodying molded grids in accordance with the invention.
  • arc-confining and arc-extinguishing gas generator portions of circuit interrupters are prepared from formaldehyde polymers, specifically, high molecular weight polyoxymethylenes.
  • the formaldehyde polymers of this invention are obtained by continuously passing gaseous, substantially anhydrous, monomeric formaldehyde into a reaction zone containing a reaction medium which is inert to formaldehyde, under the conditions of reaction, and permitting the formaldehyde to polymerize continuously as the monomer is introduced therein.
  • the high molecular weight polyoxymcthylenes of this invention are disclosed fully in US. Patent No. 2,768,994. The disclosure contained in that patent is incorporated herein by reference. These polymers are defined as either having a minimum of toughness retention, defined as a degree of toughness of at least 1, or having a minimum thermal stability, defined as a reaction rate constant for thermal degradation at 222 C. of less than 1% by weight of the polymer per minute.
  • these polyoxymethylenes may be prepared in several Ways.
  • One satisfactory process for preparing the high molecular weight polyoxymethylenes consists of passing a continuous stream, consisting essentially of monomeric formaldehyde in a concentration of at least 99.5% formaldehyde, into contact with a two component polymerization reaction medium.
  • Said medium consists of (1), a liquid hydrocarbon having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms per molecule.
  • the hydrocarbon may be selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbons, cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons, and aromatic hydrocarbons.
  • the second ingredient of the polymerization reaction medium is (2) a catalytic amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary, and tertiary aliphatic amines; primary, secondary, and tertiary cycloaliphatic amines; and primary aromatic amines.
  • the resultant mixture of formaldehyde and polymerization reaction medium is continuously agitated at a temperature within the range of from about 50 C. to about +70 C. at substantially atmospheric pressure.
  • the polymeric particles formed comprise high molecular weight polyoxymethylene.
  • thermosetting resins may be incorporated with the high molecular polyoxymethylene in amounts up to about 30% by weight.
  • suitable thermosetting resins include polyester resins, epoxy resins, silicone resins, and the like.
  • the high molecular weight polyoxymethylene polymers, either alone or in combination with the thermosetting resins, may be molded conveniently or extruded in the form of tubes, bars, tapes, and the like.
  • the polymer in the form of tubes of one-quarter to one-half inch internal diameter, such tubes then only need to be cut or sawed to length whereby they are ready for use in fuse manufacture.
  • the finished molded polymer may be readily machined to any predetermined shape.
  • the high molecular weight polyoxymethylene polymers of this invention are unique in that they contain no carbon-carbon bonds. Nearly all other known organic polymers contain at least one or more carbon-carbon bonds in a portion of the recurring structural unit. Compounds which contain a carbon-carbon linkage generally carbonize and result in tracking. Since carbon-carbon linkage is absent from the polymers of this invention they do not carbonize or track and are particularly well suited for use as arcand track-resistant resinous materials.
  • high molecular polyoxymethylene compounds are particularly suitable for use in arcand track-resistant molding compounds as well as various rubber compounds.
  • the polymers are particularly suitable for use in forming the insert and tube in expulsion type lighting arresters wherein not only arc-expulsion and quenching is necessary but also where arc-resistance is required.
  • High molecular weight polyoxymethylene polymers also are particularly suitable for use in forming arc-resistant and arc-expulsion apparatus because, unlike hard vulcanized fiber, the polymers can readily be molded by conventional injection molding procedures into intricate and complex shapes. On the other hand, hard vulcanized fiber must be machined and otherwise mechanically fabricated into its desired shape. Unlike hard vulcanized fiber, the high molecular weight polymers of the present invention exhibit excellent dimensional stability as a function of humidity. Thus, the polymers absorb very little moisture.
  • FIG. 1 of the drawings there is illustrated one application of a high molecular weight polyoxymethylene to a self-generating gas blast circuit interrupter.
  • a fuse 10 comprising a strain wire 12 and fusible wire 14, both being connected to an upper terminal 16 which may be connected to one portion of a circuit passing through the fuse and a lower terminal 18 connected by a flexible conductor 20 to a second terminal 22 which is connectible to the complete circuit.
  • a tube 24 surrounding the strain and fuse wires 12 and 14, respectively, is pre' pared from a high molecular weight polyoxymethylene. If desired, only the inner portion of the tube 24 need be composed of high molecular weight polyoxymethylene, and the outer portion may be composed of fiber, paper, or other suitable material.
  • FIG. 3 of the drawing there are plotted curves of restored kilovolts against amperes, showing the interrupting ability of high molecular weight polyoxymethylene in a one-fourth inch by four-inch bore fuse.
  • curves for fiber and boric acid derived from similar fuses are shown in the graph. The curves show interruption in five half cycles or less for each of the materials. It will be noted that for from 45 amperes to approximately 500 amperes, high molecular weight polyoxymethylene was equal to or superior in its ability to interrupt a higher voltage than fiber.
  • High molecular weight polyoxymethylenes may be used in many applications where boric acid is not suitable. Specifically, since the polyoxymethylenes have superior mechanical and chemical properties, moldability and ease of manufacture they are more suitable and indeed are preferable for use instead of boric acid.
  • High molecular weight polyoxymethylene polymers are particularly suitable materials for circuit interrupters because they are nonhygroscopic and do not warp. Also, they possess extremely good electrical insulating properties and are insoluble in water. The polymers possess outstanding mechanical properties and therefore will withstand the pressures developed by the generated gas on exposure to arcs, particularly in confined chambers.
  • the lightning arrester 30 comprises an exterior casing 32 preferably of porcelain to which is affixed an external contact member 34 which is connected to a power line or the like to be protected against lightning.
  • An external gap is arranged between an arcing tip 36 and a cap 38 aflixcd to one end of the casing 32.
  • the cap 38 extends inside of the casing 32, and terminates in an arcing contact 46) disposed inside of a sleeve 42 composed of high molecular weight polyoxymethylene.
  • a hollow contact 44 forming an internal gap with respect to the arcing contact 40 between which an arc is adapted to be drawn upon a lightning surge passing to the arrester 30.
  • the hollow contact 44 is adapted to be grounded through the terminal 48.
  • a slot 46 through the contact permits the expulsion of gases through the hollow contact 44 from the interior of the sleeve 42.
  • the distance and arrangement of the external gap 36-38 in series with the gap between contacts 40 and 44 is predetermined and requires a surge of a given value to be present at 34 before the lightning arrester will operate.
  • High molecular weight polyoxymethylenes also may be used in place of fibre in oil circuit breakers as illustrated in FIG. 4.
  • the grids 50 in such circuit breakers can be molded as a single piece from the polyoxymethylenes instead of assembling a plurality of stampings by bolting or the like.
  • An electric circuit interrupter comprising, in combination, conductor means between which an arc is formed, and arc-confining and extinguishing means disposed along the path of the are from which an arc-extinguishing gas can be evolved by the heat of the arc, the arcconfining and extinguishing means comprising a body com. posed essentially of a high molecular weight polyoxymethylene.
  • An electric circuit interrupter comprising, in combination, a pair of contact members disposed to produce an arc to interrupt a circuit established between them, a chamber within which the contact members are arranged, and arc-confining and extinguishing means disposed along the path of the arc from which an arc-extinguishing gas can be evolved by the heat of an arc, the arc-confining and extinguishing means comprising a body composed essentially of a high molecular weight polyoxymethylene.
  • a fuse device in combination, means adapted to fuse and form an are on the occurrence of an overload in an electrical circuit embodying the fuse device, and an arc-confining and extinguishing means disposed along the path of the arc from which an arc-extinguishing gas can be evolved by the heat of an arc, the arc confining and extinguishing means comprising a body composed essentially of a high molecular weight polyoxymethylene.
  • a lightning arrester in combination, means adapted to form an are when an electrical circuit embodying the arrester is struck by lightning, and an arc-confining and extinguishing means disposed along the path of the are from which an arc-extinguishing gas can be evolved by the heat of an arc, the arc-confining and extinguishing means comprising a body composed essentially of a high molecular weight polyoxymethylene.
  • An oil-type circuit interrupter including contact means for establishing an are, a grid molded of a body composed essentially of a high molecular weight polyoxymethylene, and the are being extinguished within said grid by evolution of gas.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • Arc-Extinguishing Devices That Are Switches (AREA)
  • Thermistors And Varistors (AREA)
US838332A 1959-09-04 1959-09-04 Self-generated gas blast circuit interrupter embodying high molecular weight polyoxymethylenes Expired - Lifetime US3059081A (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US838332A US3059081A (en) 1959-09-04 1959-09-04 Self-generated gas blast circuit interrupter embodying high molecular weight polyoxymethylenes
DEW28257A DE1113741B (de) 1959-09-04 1960-07-28 Lichtbogenausloeschende Bauteile
CH955760A CH387740A (fr) 1959-09-04 1960-08-24 Verwendung eines Polyoxymethylen enthaltenden Bauteiles

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US838332A US3059081A (en) 1959-09-04 1959-09-04 Self-generated gas blast circuit interrupter embodying high molecular weight polyoxymethylenes

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CH (1) CH387740A (fr)
DE (1) DE1113741B (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3160728A (en) * 1960-09-30 1964-12-08 Westinghouse Electric Corp Sectioned molded insulating extinguishing unit for circuit interrupter with sections secured together by hot-wire technique
US3515829A (en) * 1965-05-21 1970-06-02 Gen Electric Current-limiting circuit breaker with novel arc initiating and extinguishing means
US3604873A (en) * 1969-07-14 1971-09-14 Gen Electric Liquid-filled electrical circuit interrupter having a fluid pressure-resistant insulating coating
US3632926A (en) * 1970-04-20 1972-01-04 Gen Electric Current-limiting circuit breaker having arc extinguishing means which includes improved arc initiation and extinguishing chamber construction
US3676623A (en) * 1970-12-17 1972-07-11 Westinghouse Electric Corp Circuit interrupter

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL6501780A (fr) * 1965-02-12 1966-08-15
DE2934238C2 (de) * 1979-08-24 1982-02-18 Dehn + Söhne GmbH + Co KG, 8500 Nürnberg Funkenstrecke
DE2934236C2 (de) * 1979-08-24 1983-02-24 Aeg-Telefunken Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 6000 Frankfurt Überspannungsableiter mit Funkenstrecke
DE3016265C2 (de) * 1980-04-26 1984-05-17 ANT Nachrichtentechnik GmbH, 7150 Backnang Überspannungsableiter mit Funkenstrecke
DE19622753C1 (de) * 1996-06-07 1997-08-28 Daimler Benz Ag Düse für einen Druckgasschalter eines elektrischen Hochspannungsschalters

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2516026A (en) * 1947-11-06 1950-07-18 Westinghouse Electric Corp Self-generated gas blast circuit interrupter embodying polyethylene
US2768264A (en) * 1953-04-28 1956-10-23 Rostone Corp Arc-suppressing device
US2768994A (en) * 1952-08-30 1956-10-30 Du Pont Polyoxymethylenes
US2806109A (en) * 1954-03-19 1957-09-10 Westinghouse Electric Corp Arc resistant molded members and electrical apparatus embodying them
US2952878A (en) * 1956-08-02 1960-09-20 Du Pont Stretchable crystalline polyoxymethylene film and process for providing such film by rolling

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2516026A (en) * 1947-11-06 1950-07-18 Westinghouse Electric Corp Self-generated gas blast circuit interrupter embodying polyethylene
US2768994A (en) * 1952-08-30 1956-10-30 Du Pont Polyoxymethylenes
US2768264A (en) * 1953-04-28 1956-10-23 Rostone Corp Arc-suppressing device
US2806109A (en) * 1954-03-19 1957-09-10 Westinghouse Electric Corp Arc resistant molded members and electrical apparatus embodying them
US2952878A (en) * 1956-08-02 1960-09-20 Du Pont Stretchable crystalline polyoxymethylene film and process for providing such film by rolling

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3160728A (en) * 1960-09-30 1964-12-08 Westinghouse Electric Corp Sectioned molded insulating extinguishing unit for circuit interrupter with sections secured together by hot-wire technique
US3515829A (en) * 1965-05-21 1970-06-02 Gen Electric Current-limiting circuit breaker with novel arc initiating and extinguishing means
US3604873A (en) * 1969-07-14 1971-09-14 Gen Electric Liquid-filled electrical circuit interrupter having a fluid pressure-resistant insulating coating
US3632926A (en) * 1970-04-20 1972-01-04 Gen Electric Current-limiting circuit breaker having arc extinguishing means which includes improved arc initiation and extinguishing chamber construction
US3676623A (en) * 1970-12-17 1972-07-11 Westinghouse Electric Corp Circuit interrupter

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Publication number Publication date
DE1113741B (de) 1961-09-14
CH387740A (fr) 1965-02-15

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