Mercury Arc Rectifier - Glowing in Operation

Invented in 1902 the Mercury Arc Rectifier can convert AC power to DC. The glass structure was often called a squid because of its odd appearance. The tubes are breakable and large. Eventually they were replaced by a more efficient means. They are quite impressive to watch in person. There is a spark at the bottom to ignite the thing, then as it heats up the mercury vaporizes and the whole tube lights up with a pink, blue, orange glow. This one is in operation at Siemens in Munich. This video is property of the Edison Tech Center which promotes learning about the amazing legacy of engineering and electricity. EdisonTechCenter.org

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Mercury
• arc lamp
• regulator
• controller
• electric
• history
• car charger
• battery charger
• historic
• historisch
• glass tubes
• vacuum tubes
• liquid mercury
• conversion
• energy conversion
• direct current
• alternating current
• Edison Tech Center
• Edison Exploratorium

[Electron1944]

YES. These were normally housed inside metal cabinets for that reason. The cooling fan must be running or the thing will overheat and can explode the glass vessel.

[HappyDiscoDeath]

@Electron1944 potential to explode?

[MsMarciax]

@Electron1944 - LOL.

I can imagine with all the high volts/current flowing through that baby.

[Electron1944]

@MsMarciax Not SO magical i.e. if ever the fan stops....RUN LIKE HELL

[vambreace]

sound and look like a sci fi ufo power reactor. i like very much the way that look the glow and sound. thanks for sharing XD

[MsMarciax]

Magic! :)