Inductors - hdbk109220040190

DOE-HDBK-1092-2004

12. A capacitor that develops an internal open circuit may retain substantial charge internally

even though the terminals are short-circuited. Such a capacitor can be hazardous to

transport, because the damaged internal wiring may reconnect and discharge the

capacitor through the short-circuiting wires. Any capacitor that shows a significant

change in capacitance after a fault may have this problem. Action should be taken to

minimize this hazard when it is discovered.

10.10.2 INDUCTORS

This section covers inductors as well as electromagnets and coils that are used in the following

typical applications:

1. Energy storage

2. Inductors used as impedance devices in a pulsed system with capacitors

3. Electromagnets and coils that produce magnetic fields to guide or confine charged particles

4. Inductors used in do power supplies

5. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), and

Magnetic Susceptibility Systems.

10.10.2.1

HAZARDS

Examples of Inductor hazards include:

1. Overheating due to overloads, insufficient cooling, or failure of the cooling system could

cause damage to the inductor and possible rupture of the cooling system.

2. Electromagnets and superconductive magnets may produce large external force fields that

may affect the proper operation of the protective instrumentation and controls.

3. Magnetic fields could attract nearby magnetic material, including tools and surgical implants,

causing injury or damage by impact.

4. Whenever a magnet is suddenly de-energized, production of large eddy currents in adjacent

conductive material can cause excessive heating and hazardous voltages. This state may

cause the release or ejection of magnetic objects.

5. The worker should be cognizant of potential health hazards.

6. Interruption of current in a magnet can cause uncontrolled release of stored energy.

Engineered safety systems may be required to safely dissipate stored energy. Large

amounts of stored energy can be released in the event of a "quench" in a superconducting

magnet.

10.10.2.2

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

The following should be considered:

10-27