Single sided use of Xray XFMR

[HighVoltageRulezz]

Hi-

my Xray HV tank is bipolar- it has a positive and a negative lead with respect to ground- pretty common I guess.

If I want to use it as a positive OR negative supply- simply fill the unused connector with HV oil and let it float or also put a resistor in the oil connected to ground to make sure there is at least some current flowing from that side of the output?

Futhermore: what current to limit the output in general to to make sure the multiplier diodes are safe? (i.e. what resistance in series with the output)?

Thanks
Roman

[klugesmith]

Over-current protection may be much easier on the primary side, even using a fuse.

Secondary side ballasting would need special high voltage resistors.
Not high voltage inductors, at any place downstream of the rectifier strips.

Do you know the nominal secondary current of the transformer?  It might be guessed from voltage and power considerations, based on nameplate or "size, weight, and professional judgement".   

I guess the "designed" operation is more than 10 kW for short periods (not more than a few seconds) with cooling time in between.  Can you get your job done with a good factor of safety, by not trying to run more than 1 or 2 kW through the transformer?

[HighVoltageRulezz]

Thanks for the reply.

Sure I can limit on primary- but that does not help the diodes in the integrated multiplier or does it?
When I have an arc over the capacitors discharge through the multiplier diodes in the tank giving them extreme stress without external ballast resistors on the secondary side?

I have HV resistor on hand- sure.. But what current limit the output to? 100mA??

And- any idea on the single sided use? Leave the other pole float?

Thanks
Roman