From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Inquiry to Bakelite Limited regarding electrical 'tracking' issues with their Redmanol powder used for mouldings.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 39\3\ Scan290 | |
| Date | 14th March 1928 | |
| X3573 EFC4/T. 14th March, 1928. The Technical Expert, Messrs. Bakelite Limited, 68, Victoria St.{Capt. P. R. Strong}, London, S.W.1. Dear Sir, As you are doubtless aware, we use your Redmanol Powder for mouldings of parts of our electrical equipment, e.g. distributor head and rotor, which are subject to circumstances in which "tracking" can be produced if the insulating material permits. Cases of this on the two pieces mentioned, though rare, have not been unknown with us. We do not know whether it is mainly due to the wood pulp or other filler, or to the synthetic bakelite material itself, and we should appreciate your remark on this point. What we are particularly anxious to know, however, is whether it is possible by any means to produce a non-tracking moulding, using material of this nature of base. Yours faithfully, FOR ROLLS-ROYCE LIMITED. P.S. Just in case you should not appreciate what we mean by "tracking", this is the formation of a carbonized path on the surface of the material through which the H.T. discharge becomes bye-passed to earth and therefore ineffective for the purpose intended. This may be produced originally by the surface becoming slightly conductive by the condensation of moisture thereon, particularly if nitric fumes are also contained in the moisture. | ||