1039 — Double-Anode Rectifying Valve

The 1039 is a mercury vapour and gas-filled, double-anode rectifying valve designed for industrial applications, specifically battery charging. It is capable of delivering up to 15 A per valve and is suitable for charging systems with a maximum of 20 lead-acid (Pb) cells.

Mechanical Design and Physical Dimensions

The 1039 features a robust physical construction designed for vertical, base-down mounting. Its physical dimensions and mechanical characteristics include:

• Base Type: Goliath base.
• Compatible Socket/Support: 65909 BG/01.
• Maximum Overall Height: 264 mm.
• Maximum Bulb Diameter: 94 mm.
• Anode Connections: Two M6 screw terminals located at the top of the bulb, spaced 18 mm apart.
• Weight: Net weight of 340 g, with a shipping weight of approximately 1100 g.

The valve must always be operated in a vertical position with the base down to ensure proper distribution of the mercury fill.

Filament and Heating Requirements

The valve utilizes a directly heated, oxide-coated filament. Due to the mercury-vapour fill, strict heating and timing protocols must be observed to prevent damage to the cathode during start-up:

• Filament Voltage ($V_f$): 1.9 V (A.C. heating).
• Filament Current ($I_f$): 20 A.
• Recommended Preheating Time ($T_w$): 2 minutes. Under urgent conditions, this preheating time may be decreased to a minimum of 1 minute.
• Special Preheating Conditions: After transport or a long interruption of service, the preheating time ($T_w$) must be extended to 5 minutes.
• Control Auxiliary: A type 4152 time delay switch can be utilized to ensure the proper delay is maintained before anode voltage is applied.

Electrical and Operating Characteristics

The electrical behavior of the 1039 is characterized by low internal voltage drops typical of gas and mercury-vapour rectifiers. Its primary electrical parameters include:

• Arc Voltage ($V_{\text{arc}}$): 9 V
• Ignition Voltage ($V_{\text{ign}}$): 16 V

Typical Battery Charging Operation

When operated in a typical charging circuit (designated as Circuit a) with an AC transformer voltage ($V_{\text{tr}}$) of 60 $V_{\text{eff}}$ and a series resistance ($R_t$) of 0.85 $\Omega$, the operating parameters vary depending on the charge state of the battery bank:

Absolute Maximum Ratings

To ensure safe operation and prevent premature failure of the valve, the following absolute limiting values must not be exceeded:

• Peak Inverse Anode Voltage ($V_{\text{invp}}$): Maximum 185 V
• Average Anode Current ($I_a$): Maximum 7.5 A
• Peak Anode Current ($I_{\text{ap}}$): Maximum 45 A
• Series Resistance ($R_t$): Minimum 0.75 $\Omega$
• Mercury Temperature ($t_{\text{Hg}}$): 30°C to 80°C