Streamer Propagation in a Long Gap in Model Liquids

A summary of streamer propagation in Exxsol-D140
and Marcol-52 under various experimental conditions is
given. The results are compared to those of cyclohexane
and mineral transformer oil. Streamer propagation is
polarity and liquid dependent. The breakdown and
acceleration voltages are also governed by liquid
chemistry. Reduced pressure largely enhances streamer
propagation of both polarities. A low ionization
potential additive significantly affects positive streamers
while an electron scavenger markedly impacts negative
streamers. Adding a low ionization potential additive
caused positive streamers to behave like those in
mineral transformer oil while adding an electron
scavenger had the same influence on negative streamers.
Processes at the streamer heads are suggested to be
responsible for streamer propagation.