From: SFPhysics@aol.com
Date: Thu Apr 29 2004 - 14:32:24 PDT
From: SFPhysics@aol.com Message-ID: <9b.472bb16f.2dc2ce68@aol.com> Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2004 17:32:24 EDT Subject: Van de Graaff
Greetings Mike:
A while back I posted on Van de Graaff generator maintenance. It was lengthy
so I won't repeat it here and use too much bandwidth. Essentially you need
to have all parts oil and dust free. The belt and rollers must be clean. Any
rubber depositied on the rollers must be removed. The column (inside &
outside) and collecting sphere surface must be clean. Use a laboratory denatured
alcohol on a soft cloth. Dish soaps and household products have skin softening
oils added that are left on the surface. Do not use isopropyl rubbing alcohol
from Long's, Walgreen;s, etc., as these most often have mineral oils added to
keep the human skin on which they are applied from drying out. Any oil at
all will degrade the performance.
Any scratches on the sphere need to be buffed out smooth. The sharp edges of
scratches on the sphere surface provide discharge points (St. Elmo's Fire)
that can bleed away the charge.
Check to make sure both charge wires are in place. They cannot touch but
should be close to the belt. If your unit has a charger power supply it should
be carefully checked for operation.
If you are still having trouble after the thorough cleaning then feel free to
contact me off list for more suggestions.
Best wishes to everyone on the list,
Al Sefl
Who finds working on Van de Graaff generators to be a hair raising
experience...
<SFPhysics@aol.com>
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