Electrical conduction in insulating liquids under the action of ionizing radiation: Theory and comparison with experiments

An exact solution using the ionic model for the d.c. conduction of electricity in insulating liquids is obtained in the case of equal mobilities of the carriers and absence of diffusion effects. The potential profile in the conductivity cell is derived and the well known characteristic conduction curves with its two regions explained with theoretical expressions for the conductivities. Potential profile and characteristic conduction experimental curves may be analized graphically to give the rate generation of carriers, the recombination coefficient. conductivities and ionic mobility. Computed curves using the equations de rived show excellent agreement with experimental curves obtained with liquid hydrocarbons and liquefied gases such as nitrogen and helium.