Description and operation
Pole operation
(Interrupting principle)
GE Information L13- 005EN/04
4/6
08- 2016
Opening, continued
Molecular sieve
The arc has been extinguished.
The SF
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molecules, separated by the arc, are re- formed instantaneously.
Residual gases left over from the interruption operation are adsorbed by the
molecular sieve situated at the base of the pole. A few powdery compounds
are deposited in the form of dust which is quite harmless for the circuit
breaker.
Special case
of small currents
For small currents (example: operating no- load lines, transformers or capa-
citor banks), the thermal energy of the arc is too low to provide enough excess
pressure.
Consequently, the conventional auto pneumatic effect developing in the
volume (Vp) is used mainly, to blast the arc.
Vp