An Automatic Arc-Current Regulator

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The desirability of eliminating errors in spectrographic analyses, resulting from fluctuations in arc current normally present in uncontrolled or manually controlled d.c. arcs, led to the design and construction of an electronic type of automatic current regulator. This regulator operates from a 250‐volt d.c. supply, handles currents from 4 to 8 amperes, and maintains them within 0.02 percent per volt variation in arc voltage over a range of from 30 to 70 volts in arc voltage or 40 volts variation in supply voltage. Oscillograms of the arc current and voltage during a typical run show no detectable fluctuations in the current and less variation in voltage than is normally present. Standard curves obtained using the regulator are much more regular and reliable, and the individual points can be reproduced more closely than those from the uncontrolled arc. Analyses made using the regulator can also be reproduced more closely, and the results are in better agreement with chemical analyses than those obtained with the uncontrolled arc. In addition, the use of the automatic regulator eliminates the necessity for having an operator to regulate the arc current and the results obtained with one operator are better than two men could obtain without the regulator.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: