GAEP Supplying PFN Capacitors to BNL Spallation Neutron Source (SNS)

General Atomics Energy Products, a Division of General Atomics Electronic Systems

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Randy Hartsock 858-522-8403
January 17, 2003, San Diego, CA

GENERAL ATOMICS ENERGY PRODUCTS SUPPLYING PFN CAPACITORS TO
BNL FOR SPALLATION NEUTRON SOURCE (SNS) EXTRACTION KICKER SYSTEM

General Atomics Energy Products (GAEP) announced today that it is producing additional custom capacitors for the Department of Energy's Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) program. After successful Qualification Test results on prototype quantities of the two designs, GAEP was awarded the production contract by Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). The capacitors are to be used in fourteen Blumlein Pulse Forming Networks that drive the proton beam extraction kicker electromagnets. Details can be found at SNS Extraction Kicker System And First Article BPFN Test

Previously, GAEP supplied seven different plastic case capacitor designs to Los Alamos National Laboratories for use in 80 kV and 140 kV klystron-driver modulators required for the SNS accelerator. (See our September 19, 2001 press release, General Atomics Energy Products To Deliver High Voltage Capacitors For The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS))

The GAEP plastic case capacitors are designed for low inductance, low ESR, and long lifetime under high voltage reversal discharge conditions. A unique feature of these products is that they contain an impregnant that was specified by the customer, and is not used in standard GAEP products. This dielectric liquid serves as a coolant and electrical insulator for the entire PFN assembly. One of the capacitor models is shown here.

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GAEP is a leading supplier of high energy density capacitors for large pulse power systems, medical defibrillators, lithotriptors, lasers, and accelerators, and a variety of other applications. GAEP is part of General Atomics Electronic Systems Inc., an affiliate company of General Atomics. The capacitor product line, formerly part of Maxwell Technologies, Inc., was purchased by General Atomics in March 2000. General Atomics Electronic Systems Inc. also designs and manufactures high voltage power supplies, radiation monitoring systems, and terminal automation products.