High pressure mercury lamps. Switching diagram, marking and designation of mercury lamps. Mercury discharge lamp

High Pressure Discharge Lamps

This group of ICs includes high-pressure mercury lamps (HRL), metal halide lamps (DRI), sodium lamps (DNaT), xenon lamps (DKsT, DKsSh).

An electric discharge in mercury vapor is accompanied by electromagnetic radiation in the visible region of the spectrum and in the near ultraviolet region not only at low vapor pressures (which is used in LL), but also at fairly high pressures - about 10 5 Pa. This discharge is used in high- and ultra-high-pressure mercury arc lamps, which are often called high intensity lamps.

High- and ultra-high-pressure mercury lamps have long been the most common and numerous group of ICs among high- and ultra-high-pressure RLs. This is due to the fact that with the help of a mercury discharge it is possible to create very effective sources in the ultraviolet, visible and near-visible infrared regions of the spectrum. These ICs have a wide range of nominal powers, a burning time of tens of thousands of hours, are quite compact, and have, if necessary, very high brightnesses.

Based on the design features, high-pressure (RLVD) and ultra-high-pressure (RLSVD) mercury lamps are divided into the following groups:

– RLVD (DRT type);

– RLVD with corrected color (such as DRL and DRVE);

– tubular RLSVD with natural cooling;

– capillary radars with forced (air or water) cooling;

– spherical RLSVD with natural cooling.

Most types of RLVD and RLVD have a specific application and are not used for lighting purposes. Thus, RLVDs, being effective sources of ultraviolet radiation, are used in medicine, agriculture, measuring and photocopying equipment. The areas of application of RLSWD are beam oscilloscopes, photolithography, projection systems, luminescence analysis, i.e. those cases when high brightness sources in the visible and near ultraviolet regions of the spectrum are required.

A characteristic feature of a discharge in mercury vapor under high pressure is the almost complete absence of radiation in the red wave region of the spectrum. The discharge has a line spectrum and contains only 4 lines in the visible region. Therefore, the task arises of correcting the color of the discharge of a mercury lamp. This problem can be solved in one of the following ways:

– the use of phosphors - such lamps are called DRL (mercury arc fluorescent);

– adding emitting additives to the discharge tube - halides (metal halide lamps of the DRI type);

– a combination of a phosphor with a radiating additive (DRIL lamps);

– combining a mercury lamp with an incandescent lamp (DRVE lamp - arc mercury-tungsten erythema).

Mercury-tungsten lamps, in which, along with a mercury burner, there is a tungsten spiral, which simultaneously acts as an active ballast, are used in irradiation installations for erythemal (redness of the skin, which is replaced by pigmentation - tanning) lighting of people (for example, in solariums) and animals.

Arc mercury fluorescent lamps (MAFL)

DRL lamps (Fig. 57) are a tube (burner) 7 made of transparent quartz glass, designed for an operating temperature of about 800 ° C and secured with a crossbeam 3 inside the outer ellipse-shaped flask 2 (this shape ensures uniform temperature distribution). After carefully removing foreign gases, a strictly dosed amount of mercury and argon are introduced into the tube at a pressure of 1.5...3 kPa. Argon serves to facilitate the discharge and protect the electrodes from sputtering in the initial stage of lamp flaring, since at room temperature the mercury vapor pressure is very low.

Two activated (coated with a layer of alkaline earth metal oxides) self-heating tungsten electrodes 4 are soldered at the ends of the burner and next to each of them there is one additional ignition electrode 5 2 mm long. Such lamps are called four-electrode lamps, in contrast to the previously produced two-electrode lamps, which did not have igniting electrodes. The presence of ignition electrodes ensures the ignition of unheated lamps at a voltage not lower than 90% of the nominal voltage, since the initial discharge occurs between the adjacent working and ignition electrodes. Voltage is supplied to the electrodes through the threaded base 1. After a discharge occurs in the lamp, the igniting electrodes do not affect its operation, because a current-limiting resistance 6 is included in their circuit.

The outer flask is coated on the inside with a phosphor and filled with a mixture of argon and nitrogen to prevent oxidation and remove heat from the burner. The phosphor converts ultraviolet radiation from a high-pressure mercury discharge, accounting for 40% of the total radiation flux, into the missing radiation in the red part of the spectrum. The quality of color rendition correction of DRL type lamps is determined by its “red ratio”, i.e. the share of the luminous flux in the red region of the spectrum (600...780 nm) in the total luminous flux of the lamp. In general, DRL lamps, even with the highest “red ratio” value, are significantly inferior to LL in color rendering. The color rendering index of these lamps is one of the lowest - 40...45.

DRL lamps are connected to the network in series with a ballast choke (Fig. 58), the power loss in which is approximately 10% of the lamp power. Only at low ambient temperatures (below –30 °C) is it necessary to use a pulsed ignition device (IZU), which ensures its ignition at temperatures up to –45 °C.

The ignition of DRL lamps is characterized by a burn-up period reaching five to seven minutes (Fig. 59). During this period, the main characteristics of the lamp undergo a change due to changes in the pressure of mercury vapor in the burner - for 80 W lamps the pressure increases to 10 6 Pa, for 1000 W lamps - to 2.5 10 5 Pa. In particular, the starting current of the lamp is twice the rated current.

Due to the fact that after the DRL lamp is turned off, the vapor pressure remains high, it can be re-ignited only after cooling down after 5...10 minutes. Therefore, DRL lamps are not used in emergency lighting networks.

If the supply voltage disappears for half a cycle or drops below 90% of the nominal voltage for two periods, the lamp will go out and light up again when it cools down.

The pulsation of the light flux of these lamps is very significant (pulsation coefficient is 63...74%).

The optimal position of the lamp is vertical. In a horizontal position, the luminous flux decreases by 2...5%.

DRL lamps are produced with powers from 50 to 2000 W. Their luminous efficiency ranges from 40 to 60 lm/W.

The average burning time is up to 20,000 hours. By the end of its service life, the luminous flux is reduced to 60% of the nominal value (after 100 hours of combustion). When the supplied voltage changes from 90 to 110%, the burning duration changes from 140 to 70%, and the luminous flux changes from 65 to 130%.

It is important to emphasize that recently DRL lamps have been replaced by other RL lamps, as they are inferior to them in terms of the most important characteristics.

The symbol for DRL-type lamps indicates their power, red ratio (in parentheses) and development number, for example, DRL400(6)-4, where 6 is the proportion of rays in the red-wave region of the spectrum.

Mercury arc lamps with emitting additives (mg)

Metal halide lamps (MHLs) appeared in the 60s of the twentieth century. and due to their high luminous efficiency, acceptable emission spectrum and sufficiently high power, they are one of the most promising light sources.

Correcting the color of MGL radiation is based on the fact that chemical compounds are introduced inside the discharge tube, which make it possible to correct the spectral composition of the radiation of the mercury discharge itself without the use of a phosphor. This is facilitated by the fact that the halides of many metals evaporate more easily than the metals themselves and do not destroy quartz glass. Therefore, inside the MGL discharge flasks, in addition to mercury and argon, as in the RLVD, alkaline (sodium, lithium, cesium) and other aggressive metals (cadmium, zinc), which are in pure form cause very rapid destruction of quartz glass. After ignition of the discharge, when the operating temperature of the flask is reached, the halides partially transform into a vapor state. Once in the central zone of the discharge with a temperature of several thousand degrees Kelvin, the halide molecules dissociate into halogen and metal. Metal atoms become excited and emit their characteristic spectra. Diffusing outside the discharge channel and entering a zone with a lower temperature near the walls of the flask, they recombine into halides, which evaporate again. The use of halides sharply increased the number of chemical elements introduced into the discharge tube and, as a result, made it possible to create MGLs with a variety of spectra.

Most MGLs are produced with only two working electrodes and do not have (or have one) ignition electrodes. For this reason, they are connected to the network through a pulsed ignition device (IZU) and are ignited by a pulse of increased voltage, close to 2 kV (Fig. 60).

Depending on the application there are:

1) general purpose MGL (DRI type);

2) tubular and spherical (DRISH type) MGLs with improved color rendering quality, used for color television and film shooting;

3) MGL for numerous special applications, mainly technological, for example, for irradiating plants.

Metal halide lamps for general lighting type DRI

DRI type lamps are similar in design to DRL type lamps with burners. The outer bulb, unlike DRL lamps, of most types of DRI lamps is not coated with phosphor, but sometimes standard bulbs of DRL lamps with a phosphor coating (DRIL type) are used.

The burning position significantly affects the parameters of DRI lamps, therefore some types of MGLs are produced in various modifications designed for different burning positions (vertical and horizontal).

The pulsation of the light flux of DRI lamps is significantly lower than that of DRL lamps and is about 30%.

Ambient temperature has a slight effect on the ignition process and the operation of DRI lamps.

When the supply voltage changes, the characteristics of DRI lamps change more noticeably than those of DRL type lamps: a change in voltage for each percent leads to a change in the luminous flux by approximately 2.5%.

DRI lamps are produced with power from 125 to 3500 W and, given their small volume, have a high power density. The luminous efficiency of DRI lamps is comparable to the luminous efficiency of the best LLs - more than 100 lm/W and in the future should reach 120 lm/W. The average burning time is 10,000...12,000 hours. The color rendering index is low, but higher than that of DRL lamps - from 45 to 65. In lamps with tin halides and dysprosium iodides, the color rendering index is from 80 to 90.

Some DRI lamps (DRIZ type) are produced in mirror reflective bulbs.

In terms of cost, DRI lamps are significantly inferior to other high-power RLs. The price (2006) of DRI250 is 900 rubles, versus 115 rubles. for DRL 250 and 325 rubles. at DNAT250.

The fluorescent lamps discussed in the previous article are low-pressure lamps. Discharge in them occurs at a mercury vapor pressure of no more than 0.1 mm Hg or 10 pascals (Pa). The emission spectrum of the discharge at such pressures has a line character, and, as already mentioned, up to 80% of the discharge power comes from two UV lines: 257 and 185 nm, and the share of five lines in the visible part of the spectrum is only about 2%.

If the pressure of mercury vapor increases, then at first all the lines “blur” and turn into stripes, then a redistribution of energy occurs: radiation in the UV region weakens, and in the visible region it increases. At a mercury vapor pressure of about 1000 mmHg, the proportion of visible radiation increases so much that the luminous efficiency of the discharge reaches 20-25 lm/W, that is, it becomes greater than that of general-purpose incandescent lamps. But at the same time, all visible radiation is concentrated in the blue-green part of the spectrum, and yellow and red light are completely absent. Many people are familiar with the light of medical UV irradiators - a rather unpleasant blue-green color, which greatly distorts the appearance of illuminated objects, in particular, human faces. These irradiators use high-pressure mercury lamps of the DRT type (arc, mercury, tubular).

Despite the relative weakening of the share of UV radiation, it still remains in the discharge spectrum in a fairly large amount (about 40% of the power supplied to the discharge). As in low-pressure fluorescent lamps, this radiation can be converted into visible radiation using a phosphor. But if in ordinary fluorescent lamps the temperature of the walls of the bulb is only slightly higher than the ambient air temperature, then in high-pressure lamps the dimensions of the bulbs are much smaller, and the temperature on the walls reaches 500 - 600 oC. It has not yet been possible to find phosphors that operate effectively at such temperatures.

The problem was solved in the early 50s of the last century. A small-sized high-pressure mercury lamp was placed inside another, much larger flask, and a phosphor was applied to the inner surface of this flask, which has the greatest efficiency at a temperature of 200 - 300 oC and emits predominantly in the red region. Nowadays, europium-activated yttrium vanadate phosphate is most often used as a phosphor. Since 1952, mass production of such lamps began by the world's leading manufacturers - General Electric, Philips, Osram. Today, in terms of production volume, high-pressure mercury lamps with phosphor occupy third place after incandescent lamps and fluorescent lamps.

In Fig. Figure 1 shows the device of a mercury lamp.

Rice. 1. with phosphor

Discharge tube 1 (“burner”) made of quartz with holders 2 made of fairly thick nickel wire is fixed to leg 3 (for high-power lamps, the burner is also supported by a spring holder 4, resting on the outer bulb). Leg 3 is hermetically sealed into an outer flask 5, coated on the inside with a layer of phosphor 6. High-pressure mercury lamps use self-heating electrodes 7 in the form of a spiral wound onto a tungsten rod (core) and coated with an activating substance. In addition to the main electrodes 7, the lamps have ignition electrodes 8, located near the main ones and electrically connected to the opposite electrodes through limiting resistances 9. A standard threaded base 10 is attached to the outer bulb using high-temperature mastic. A heat shield 11 is attached between the burner and the base (usually from mica). The internal volume of the burner is filled with inert gas argon with a pressure of 10 to 50 mm Hg (depending on the power of the lamp) and mercury.

Unlike fluorescent lamps, in which mercury is always in a liquid state, high pressure lamps the amount of mercury is strictly dosed, and when the lamps are operating, the mercury in the burners is only in a gaseous state at a vapor pressure of 1000 - 1500 mm Hg (1.5 - 2 atmospheres). To obtain such high mercury vapor pressures, the temperature of the burner walls must be at least 500 °C. Therefore, high-pressure lamp burners are made only from quartz. The space between the burner and the outer flask is filled with gas (technical argon).

Connection diagram for high-pressure mercury lamps simpler than fluorescent lamps (Fig. 2).

Rice. 2. Connection diagram for high-pressure mercury lamps 

Due to the presence of ignition electrodes located very close to the main ones, a discharge occurs between these electrodes at voltages below the mains voltage. This discharge is very weak, since its current is limited by resistances 9, but it creates an initial ionization of the gas in the burner, due to which the discharge passes to the main electrodes. The main discharge current is limited only by the choke, and its value in the first time after switching on is 2 - 3 times greater than after the lamp has completely burned out. The discharge current heats the main electrodes to a temperature that ensures sufficient emission of electrons from them (1000 - 1200 °C). Due to the high discharge current, the burner walls begin to heat up, the mercury on them gradually completely evaporates, and the processes in the lamp stabilize. The combustion process lasts quite a long time - from 7 to 10 minutes.

As in circuits with fluorescent lamps, the inductor creates a phase shift between current and voltage (cos p ~ 0.5). To compensate for this shift, a compensating capacitor is connected in parallel to the chain of the lamp and the inductor.

High pressure mercury lamps with phosphor Available in power ratings of 80, 125, 250, 400, 700 and 1000 W; Occasionally there are lamps with a power of 50 and 2000 W. Lamps with a power of 50, 80 and 125 W are available with an E27 base, more powerful lamps with an E40 base. Power losses in chokes, as a rule, are no more than 10%.

The luminous efficiency of modern lamps is from 40 to 60 lm/W; service life - up to 24,000 hours. According to these parameters, high-pressure mercury lamps are significantly superior to incandescent lamps, which predetermined their very wide distribution.

In addition to high luminous efficiency and long service life, high-pressure mercury lamps have other advantages: relative compactness; ease of inclusion; wide power range; very weak dependence of parameters on ambient temperature.

Disadvantages of such lamps:

1. Low quality of color rendering (Ra = 45 - 50; for foreign Delux and Super Delux lamps - no higher than 55).
2. Large pulsations of the light flux (65 - 75%).
3. Long burn-up time (up to 10 minutes).
4. Impossibility of turning on a hot lamp again - if the lamp accidentally goes out, it can only be turned on again after the burner has cooled down.
5. High temperature on the outer flask (250 - 300 oC).

High-pressure mercury lamps are widely used where quality of color rendering is not required - in street lighting, warehouses, industrial plants (in the presence of rotating parts - with the obligatory inclusion of adjacent lamps in different phases), etc.

Classification, marking and designation of mercury lamps

High pressure mercury lamps are classified by power.
In Russia, lamps are produced under the name DRL (arc, mercury, fluorescent), then the power is indicated in watts.

Abroad, each company produces lamps under its own name: Philips - HPL; Osram - HQL; General Electric - MBF; Sylvania - HSL and HSB; Radium - HRL. According to the international designation system ILCOS, all these lamps are called QE.

Table 1 shows the average parameters of some types of high-pressure mercury lamps with phosphors.

To name all types of such light sources in domestic lighting technology, the term “discharge lamp” (RL), included in the International Lighting Dictionary approved by the International Commission on Illumination, is used. This term should be used in technical literature and documentation.

Depending on the filling pressure, there are low-pressure RLs (RLND), high-pressure RLs (RLVD) and ultra-high-pressure RLs (RLSVD).

RLND includes mercury lamps with a partial pressure of mercury vapor in steady state less than 100 Pa. For RLVD this value is about 100 kPa, and for RLSVD - 1 MPa or more.

Low-pressure mercury lamps (RLND) High-pressure mercury lamps (HPHM)

RLVDs are divided into general and special purpose lamps. The first of them, which include, first of all, the widespread DRL lamps, are actively used for outdoor lighting, but they are gradually being replaced by more efficient sodium and metal halide lamps. Special-purpose lamps have a narrower range of applications; they are used in industry, agriculture, and medicine.

Emission spectrum

Mercury vapor emits the following spectral lines used in gas-discharge lamps:

The most intense lines are 184.9499, 253.6517, 435.8328 nm. The intensity of the remaining lines depends on the discharge mode (parameters).

Kinds

High pressure mercury lamps type DRL

DRL (D ugovaya R mulberry L luminescent) - a designation adopted in domestic lighting technology for RLVDs, in which, to correct the color of the light flux, aimed at improving color rendering, the radiation of a phosphor applied to the inner surface of the bulb is used. To produce light, DRL uses the principle of constant burning of a discharge in an atmosphere saturated with mercury vapor.

It is used for general lighting of workshops, streets, industrial enterprises and other facilities that do not have high requirements for the quality of color rendering and rooms without permanent occupancy.

Device

The first DRL lamps were made with two electrodes. To ignite such lamps, a source of high-voltage pulses was required. The device used was PURL-220 (Starting Device for Mercury Lamps for a voltage of 220 V). The electronics of those times did not allow the creation of sufficiently reliable ignition devices, and the PURL included a gas discharger, which had a service life shorter than that of the lamp itself. Therefore, in the 1970s. industry gradually stopped producing two-electrode lamps. They were replaced by four-electrode ones, which do not require external ignition devices.

To match the electrical parameters of the lamp and the power source, almost all types of RL that have a falling external current-voltage characteristic require the use of a ballast, which in most cases is a choke connected in series with the lamp.

A four-electrode DRL lamp (see figure on the right) consists of an external glass flask 1, equipped with a threaded base 2. A quartz burner (discharge tube, RT) 3, mounted on the geometric axis of the outer flask, filled with argon with the addition of mercury, is mounted on the lamp leg. Four-electrode lamps have main electrodes 4 and auxiliary (ignition) electrodes 5 located next to them. Each ignition electrode is connected to the main electrode located at the opposite end of the RT through a current-limiting resistance 6. Auxiliary electrodes facilitate ignition of the lamp and make its operation more stable during the start-up period. The conductors in the lamp are made of thick nickel wire.

Recently, a number of foreign companies have been producing three-electrode DRL lamps, equipped with only one ignition electrode. This design differs only in greater manufacturability in production, without having any other advantages over four-electrode ones.

Operating principle

The burner (RT) of the lamp is made of a refractory and chemically resistant transparent material (quartz glass or special ceramics), and is filled with strictly dosed portions of inert gases. In addition, metal is introduced into the burner, which in a cold lamp looks like a compact ball, or settles in the form of a coating on the walls of the flask and (or) electrodes. The luminous body of the RLVD is a column of arc electric discharge.

The process of igniting a lamp equipped with ignition electrodes is as follows. When supply voltage is applied to the lamp, a glow discharge occurs between the closely located main and ignition electrodes, which is facilitated by the small distance between them, which is significantly less than the distance between the main electrodes, therefore, the breakdown voltage of this gap is lower. The appearance in the RT cavity of a sufficiently large number of charge carriers (free electrons and positive ions) contributes to the breakdown of the gap between the main electrodes and the ignition of a glow discharge between them, which almost instantly turns into an arc.

Stabilization of the electrical and light parameters of the lamp occurs 10-15 minutes after switching on. During this time, the lamp current significantly exceeds the rated one and is limited only by the resistance of the ballast. The duration of the start-up mode strongly depends on the ambient temperature - the colder it is, the longer the lamp will light up.

The electrical discharge in the torch of a mercury arc lamp creates visible blue or violet radiation, as well as powerful ultraviolet radiation. The latter excites the glow of a phosphor deposited on the inner wall of the outer lamp bulb. The reddish glow of the phosphor, mixing with the white-greenish radiation of the burner, gives a bright light close to white.

A change in the supply voltage up or down causes a change in the luminous flux: a deviation of the supply voltage by 10-15% is acceptable and is accompanied by a corresponding change in the luminous flux of the lamp by 25-30%. If the supply voltage decreases to less than 80% of the rated value, the lamp may not light up, and the burning lamp may go out.

When burning, the lamp becomes very hot. This requires the use of heat-resistant wires in lighting devices with mercury arc lamps and places serious demands on the quality of cartridge contacts. Since the pressure in the burner of a hot lamp increases significantly, its breakdown voltage also increases. The supply voltage is insufficient to ignite a hot lamp, so the lamp must cool down before re-igniting. This effect is a significant disadvantage of high-pressure mercury arc lamps: even a very short interruption in the power supply extinguishes them, and re-ignition requires a long pause to cool down.

Traditional areas of application of DRL lamps

Lighting of open areas, industrial, agricultural and warehouse premises. Wherever this is due to the need for great energy savings, these lamps are gradually being replaced by low-pressure lamps (lighting of cities, large construction sites, high production workshops, etc.).

The Osram HWL series RLVDs (analogue of the DRV) are distinguished by a rather original design, having as a built-in ballast a conventional filament placed in an evacuated cylinder, next to which a separately sealed burner is placed in the same cylinder. The filament stabilizes the supply voltage due to the barter effect, improves color characteristics, but, obviously, very noticeably reduces both the overall efficiency and the service life due to the wear of this filament. Such RLVDs are also used as household ones, as they have improved spectral characteristics and are included in a regular lamp, especially in large rooms (the lowest-power representative of this class creates a luminous flux of 3100 Lm).

Arc mercury metal halide lamps (MAH)

Lamps DRI (D ugovaya R mulberry with AND radiant additives) is structurally similar to DRL, however, strictly dosed portions of special additives are additionally introduced into its burner - halides of some metals (sodium, thallium, indium, etc.), due to which the luminous efficiency significantly increases (about 70 - 95 lm / W and above) with sufficiently good color radiation. The lamps have ellipsoidal and cylindrical flasks, inside of which a quartz or ceramic burner is placed. Service life - up to 8 - 10 thousand hours.

Modern DRI lamps use mainly ceramic burners, which are more resistant to reactions with their functional substance, due to which over time the burners darken much less than quartz ones. However, the latter are also not discontinued due to their relative cheapness.

Another difference between modern DRIs is the spherical shape of the burner, which makes it possible to reduce the decline in light output, stabilize a number of parameters and increase the brightness of the “point” source. There are two main versions of these lamps: with sockets E27, E40 and soffit - with sockets like Rx7S and the like.

To ignite DRI lamps, a breakdown of the interelectrode space with a high voltage pulse is required. In “traditional” circuits for switching on these vapor light lamps, in addition to the inductive ballast choke, a pulsed ignition device is used - IZU.

By changing the composition of impurities in DRI lamps, it is possible to achieve “monochromatic” glows of various colors (violet, green, etc.). Thanks to this, DRIs are widely used for architectural lighting. DRI lamps with index “12” (with a greenish tint) are used on fishing vessels to attract plankton.

Arc mercury metal halide lamps with a mirror layer (DRIZ)

Lamps DRIZ (D ugovaya R mulberry with AND harmful additives and Z mirror layer) is a conventional DRI lamp, part of the bulb of which is partially covered from the inside with a mirror reflective layer, due to which such a lamp creates a directed flow of light. Compared to the use of a conventional DRI lamp and a mirror spotlight, losses are reduced by reducing reflections and light transmission through the lamp bulb. This also results in high accuracy of torch focusing. In order to change the direction of radiation after screwing the lamp into the socket, DRIZ lamps are equipped with a special base.

Mercury-quartz ball lamps (MSB)

Lamps DRSH (D corner R mulberry Sh ar lamps) are ultra-high pressure mercury arc lamps with natural cooling. They have a spherical shape and give off strong ultraviolet radiation.

High-pressure mercury-quartz lamps (PRK, DRT)

High pressure mercury arc lamps DRT (D corner R mulberry T ribbed) are a cylindrical quartz flask with electrodes soldered at the ends. The flask is filled with a dosed amount of argon, in addition, a metal

Mercury lamps type DRL

The quartz burner discussed in the article “Operation of a DRL lamp” is strongly influenced by the external environment, on which the cooling conditions depend. The stability of the lamp with such a burner is ensured by placing it inside the outer bulb. The inner surface of the outer flask is covered with a layer of phosphor, which, due to the absorption of the ultraviolet part of the radiation of the mercury discharge, adds to the visible radiation of this discharge the radiation missing in the red region of the spectrum. To ensure cooling of the quartz burner not only by radiation, but also by convection and heat transfer, the outer flask is filled with gas, which must be inert with respect to the phosphor and lamp mounting parts. A mixture of argon and nitrogen is used as a filling gas.

The structure of the DRL lamp is shown in Figure 1. The lamps are connected to the network using threaded sockets similar to those used for incandescent lamps: E27 - for lamps with a power of up to 250 W and E40 - for lamps of higher power. To facilitate ignition, the lamp is made with three or four electrodes. In the latter, the main and auxiliary electrodes are connected through resistors.

The shape and dimensions of the outer flask and the position of the burner in it are chosen so that all the ultraviolet radiation of the burner falls on the phosphor layer and during operation and during operation of the lamp the phosphor layer has an optimal temperature for its operation.

Heating of the outer flask occurs due to the absorption of part of the discharge radiation by the layer of phosphor applied to it and glass, as well as heat transfer through the inert gas filling the flask. Cooling occurs due to radiation from the heated glass and heat transfer through the surrounding air.

Uniformity of the flask surface temperature can be achieved if, neglecting to a first approximation the convection of the inert gas filling the flask, it is designed in the form of a surface that ensures uniform irradiation. Calculations show that the central part of the flask should have a surface close to an ellipsoid of rotation, with a major axis coinciding with the axis of the burner. Correction for convection forces a slight increase in the diameter of that part of the bulb that is at the top when the lamp is operating. Since the lamps are practically used in any position, no corrections are made to the shape of the bulb.

In a number of lamp designs, the bulb serves as an optical element that redistributes the light flux. In this case, the shape and size of the bulb must be calculated, as is done for lamps, and its thermal regime must also be taken into account in the calculation.

To correct the color of DRL lamps, various types of phosphors are used. The use of phosphate-vanadate-yttrium phosphor instead of magnesium fluorogermanate made it possible to improve the parameters of DRL type lamps.

The use of a phosphor applied to the inner wall of the outer flask, on the one hand, leads to the addition of missing red radiation in the spectrum, and on the other hand, causes the absorption of part of the visible radiation in this layer. As the thickness of the phosphor layer increases, the lamp radiation flux has a maximum at a certain layer thickness, while the discharge luminous flux passing through the phosphor layer gradually decreases. To resolve the issue of the optimal thickness of the phosphor layer and a general assessment of its effectiveness for characterizing DRL type lamps, the concept of “red ratio” was introduced. The red ratio is the percentage ratio of the red luminous flux added by the phosphor to the total luminous flux of the lamps, expressed as a percentage. Obviously, the best will be the phosphor and its layer, which, when creating a red ratio sufficient to ensure correct color rendering, provide the maximum luminous flux of the lamp as a whole, that is, the greatest luminous efficiency.

The red ratio is usually expressed as a percentage by dependence

Where φ (λ) - spectral flux density of the lamp; V(λ) - relative sensitivity of the eye.

The red ratio for DRL type lamps with the optimal thickness of phosphor made of fluorogermanate and magnesium arsenate reaches 8%, and the luminous flux is 87% of the luminous flux of a lamp without phosphor. The use of zinc orthophosphate phosphors with the addition of strontium makes it possible to obtain a luminous flux that is 15% higher than the luminous flux of a lamp without a phosphor, and r kr = 4 - 5%.

During the ignition of lamps, cathode sputtering of the active substance of the cathode and the rod part of the electrode takes place. In the steady-state combustion mode on alternating current, due to the re-ignition of the discharge in each half-cycle, sputtering of the rod part of the electrode continues. This worsens over time the emissive properties of both parts of the electrodes, and the voltage required to ignite the lamps increases accordingly. Sputtering of the electrodes simultaneously leads to the absorption of molecules of the inert gas filling the lamp, the initial pressure of which was selected from the conditions for ignition of the discharge. These processes lead to the formation of a dark coating on the walls of the burner from particles of sprayed electrodes, which absorbs radiation, especially its ultraviolet component, and the red ratio decreases. Stopping ignition determines the full service life of DRL type lamps, and the normalized decrease in luminous efficiency determines their useful service life.

Figure 2. High-pressure mercury lamp burner design details: 1 - main electrode; 2 - molybdenum foil inputs of the main electrode and ignition electrode; 3 - additional resistor in the ignition electrode circuit; 4 - ignition electrode circuit

The symbol for DRL lamps is deciphered as follows: D - arc, R - mercury, L - fluorescent. The numbers after the letters correspond to the power of the lamp in watts, then in parentheses the red ratio is given as a percentage and separated by a hyphen - the development number. The vast majority of DRL type lamps are produced with four electrodes, that is, with additional electrodes to facilitate ignition (see Figure 2). Such lamps are lit directly from the mains voltage. A small part of DRL lamps are made of two-electrode lamps; special ignition devices are used to ignite them.

DRL lamps are used in outdoor lighting installations and for lighting high rooms of industrial enterprises, where there are no strict requirements for the quality of color rendering.

The influence of ambient temperature primarily affects the ignition voltage of lamps. At negative temperatures, ignition of DRL type lamps is difficult, which is associated with a significant decrease in mercury pressure, as a result of which ignition occurs in pure argon and requires higher voltages than in the presence of mercury vapor. According to GOST 16354-77, DRL type lamps of all powers must be ignited at a voltage of no more than 180 V at an ambient temperature of 20 - 40 ° C; at a temperature of -25 °C, the ignition voltage of lamps increases to 205 V, at -40 °C, the ignition voltage for lamps with a power of 80 - 400 W is no more than 250 V, with a power of 700 and 1000 W - 300 V. For the light and electrical parameters of DRL type lamps Changes in external temperature have virtually no effect. Table 1 shows the parameters of DRL type lamps. The lamps have two modifications with a red ratio of 6 and 10%.

Table 1

Main parameters of DRL type lamps according to GOST 16357-79

Mercury-tungsten lamps

The difficulty of igniting DRL lamps at subzero temperatures, the use of inductive ballasts, as well as the need to correct the color of the radiation, led to the creation of high-pressure lamps with ballast in the form of an incandescent lamp filament. Note that the large power losses in the active ballast, which is an incandescent filament, compared to losses in the inductive ballast, are compensated by the simplicity of the active ballast with the possibility of simultaneously obtaining the missing red radiation with its help.

By placing a ballast filament in an external flask in which a quartz burner is placed to reduce the dependence of its parameters on the external temperature, it was possible to obtain a lamp suitable for direct connection to the network. The design of such a lamp is shown in Figure 3. Placing the filament inside the lamp bulb creates the additional advantage of reducing the burn-up period due to the heating of the burner by the radiation of the coil.

The main thing when calculating mixed light lamps, as mercury-tungsten lamps are sometimes called, is the choice of filament parameters. The filament power is selected based on the condition for stabilizing the mercury discharge. The luminous output of the filament has to be reduced in order to obtain a sufficiently red ratio, while at the same time ensuring a filament service life commensurate with the service life of quartz burners. During the start-up period, the network voltage falls entirely on the coil, but as the mercury lamp burns up, the voltage on it increases, and the voltage on the ballast coil decreases to the operating value. The luminous efficiency of mercury-tungsten lamps is 18 - 20 lm/W, since about 50% of the power is spent on heating the coil. Therefore, in terms of efficiency, these lamps cannot compete with DRL lamps and other high-pressure lamps. Their use is limited to specialized areas, such as radiation technology.

DRVE type lamps have an outer bulb made of special glass that transmits ultraviolet radiation. Such lamps are used for combined lighting and irradiation, for example in greenhouses. The service life of such lamps is 3 - 5 thousand hours, it is determined by the service life of the tungsten filament.

Tubular mercury lamps

In addition to lamps operating on the basis of a high-pressure discharge in mercury vapor and intended for lighting purposes, several types of radiation sources are manufactured, the development of which is associated with the need to use not only visible, but also ultraviolet radiation. As is known, ultraviolet radiation has chemical and biological effects. Actinicity of ultraviolet radiation, that is, the effect on photosensitive materials used in the printing industry, is widely used. Powerful flows of bactericidal radiation, greater than those of bactericidal ones, make it possible to use high-pressure mercury lamps for the purpose of disinfecting water and other substances. The chemical activity of ultraviolet radiation and the ability to concentrate large radiation powers on small surfaces have led to the widespread use of high-pressure mercury lamps in the chemical, woodworking and other industries.

Lamps of this type require bulbs made of mechanically strong and refractory quartz glass. The quartz glass used, which transmits ultraviolet radiation starting from a wavelength of 220 nm, that is, almost the entire radiation spectrum of a mercury discharge, allows you to change the radiation parameters only by changing the operating pressure. The opacity of quartz glass for resonant radiation with a wavelength of 185 nm is of no practical importance, since ultraviolet radiation of this wavelength is almost completely absorbed by air.

This led to the creation of high-pressure mercury lamps, which differ in design depending on the operating pressure and area of ​​application. the main parameters of high-pressure lamps are given in table 2.

table 2

Main parameters of high-pressure mercury tube lamps according to GOST 20401-75

The industry produces mercury lamps of the DRT type (mercury arc tube) with a pressure of up to 2 × 10 5 Pa in the form of straight tubes with a diameter of 14 - 32 mm. Figure 4 shows the general view and overall dimensions of DRT type lamps of various powers. Both ends of the tubes have extensions of smaller diameter, into which molybdenum foil is soldered, serving as inputs. On the inside of the lamps, tungsten activated self-heating electrodes are welded to the inputs, the design of which is shown in Figure 5. To secure the lamps in the fittings, the lamps are equipped with metal clamps with holders. The spout in the middle of the flask is the remnant of the plug, sealed off after vacuum treatment of the lamp. To facilitate ignition, the lamps have a special strip to which the ignition pulse is applied.

Figure 4. General view of DRT type lamps (mercury vapor pressure up to 0.2 MPa) power, W:
A - 230; b - 400; V - 1000

Figure 5. Electrodes (cathodes) of high-pressure mercury lamps:
1 - active substance (oxide); 2 - tungsten core; 3 - spiral

Tubular xenon lamps

High-pressure tubular lamps also include lamps that use xenon radiation at pressures ranging from hundreds to millions of pascals. A characteristic feature of a discharge in inert gases at high pressures and high current densities is a continuous emission spectrum, which provides good color rendition of illuminated objects. In the visible region, the spectrum of a xenon discharge is close to that of the sun with a color temperature of 6100 - 6300 K. An important feature of such a discharge is its increasing current-voltage characteristic at high current densities, which makes it possible to stabilize the discharge using small ballast resistances. Xenon tubular lamps of considerable length can be connected to the network without any additional ballast. The advantage of xenon lamps is the absence of a burn-up period. The parameters of xenon lamps are practically independent of ambient temperature down to temperatures of -50 °C, which allows them to be used in outdoor lighting installations in any climate zone. However, xenon lamps have a high ignition voltage and require the use of special ignition devices. The small potential gradient led to the use of more massive bushings in lamps.

The luminous efficiency of lamps increases with increasing specific power and diameter of the discharge tube. At high current densities, a discharge in inert gases has a very high brightness. According to theoretical estimates, the maximum brightness of a discharge in xenon can reach 2 × 10³ Mcd/m². The main parameters of high-pressure xenon lamps are shown in Table 3. Tubular xenon lamps operate with both natural and water cooling. The use of water cooling made it possible to increase the luminous efficiency of lamps from 20 - 29 to 35 - 45 lm/W, but somewhat complicated the design. The burner of water-cooled lamps is enclosed in a glass vessel, and distilled water circulates in the space between the burner and the outer cylinder vessel.

Table 3

Main parameters of high pressure xenon lamps

High tube temperatures (about 1000 K) require the use of quartz glass and appropriate designs of molybdenum bushings designed for high currents. The lamp electrodes are made of activated tungsten. One design of a water-cooled xenon lamp is shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6. General view of a 6 kW water-cooled tubular xenon lamp

The parameters of ballastless xenon lamps are strongly influenced by the mains voltage. When the mains voltage deviates by ±5% of the nominal value, the lamp power changes by approximately 20%.

The designation of the lamps consists of the letters D - arc, Ks xenon, T - tubular, V - water-cooled and numbers indicating the lamp power in watts and, separated by a hyphen, the development number.

Have you decided to organize a system of rich, bright and economical lighting on the street and in the yard by purchasing mercury lamps for these purposes? Today, on the market of lighting equipment and related elements, mercury-containing products are presented in a wide range and at reasonable prices, right? But you doubt the feasibility of such a decision and don’t know which light bulb model is best to choose?

We will help you understand all the intricacies of purchasing and using mercury lighting devices - the article discusses the existing varieties of these lamps, their advantages and disadvantages. Attention is paid to safe operation and proper disposal at the end of use.

The best manufacturers of mercury modules are listed, offering a good range of excellent quality. The article is provided with photographic samples of mercury-containing devices, as well as videos with an overview of various types of lamps and the nuances of their disposal.

The presence of a toxic substance significantly reduces the attractiveness of products. However, they have not yet been completely abandoned and it is too early to consider mercury devices obsolete.

High pressure mercury devices are great for lighting large indoor and outdoor spaces. The intensity of their glow at equal power is almost 10 times higher than the results of standard incandescent lamps

Classification of lamp devices

The primary classification of mercury products occurs depending on the internal filling pressure and has the following letter abbreviation:

• RLND– low pressure lamps;
• RLVD– high pressure modules;
• RLSWD– ultra-high pressure devices.

The first group contains products that, in steady state, have a base partial pressure of mercury vapor less than 0.01 MPa. In the second, this value ranges from 0.1 MPa to 1 MPa, and in the third, it exceeds 1 MPa.

No. 1 - features of low pressure products

The list of low pressure mercury products includes linear and compact fluorescent lamps, available for organizing household lighting systems in residential, office and work areas.

They can be circular, linear, U-shaped or standard in shape.

Low pressure devices perform best at ambient temperatures of 18-25 °C. Deviations from these figures have a bad effect on work, reducing saturation, brightness and light flux.

Spectral color rendering exceeds that of traditional incandescent lamps. The glow temperature is dominated by natural shades.

Low-pressure products produce uniform, soft light that is not irritating to the eye, reaching a saturation of 75 Lm/W. Their service life can be up to 10,000 hours

The devices are criticized for their dependence on ambient temperature indicators, the impossibility of DC power supply and the effect of periodic pulsation.

No. 2 - differences between high pressure lamps

The main representative of the class of high-pressure gas-discharge devices are mercury-containing arc lamps (DRL) general and highly specialized purposes.

The former are mounted in modules for organizing external lighting systems, and the latter are used in some industrial sectors, medicine and agriculture.

In classic DRL lamps, a phosphor coating is used to correct the color rendition of the emitted flux. It is applied to the inner surface of the bulb, providing more saturated, high-quality light

The power of the devices ranges from 50 to 1000 W. The lamps are suitable for general lighting of highways, streets, local areas, indoor and outdoor areas, workshops, warehouses and other objects where permanent presence of people is not provided.

This same class includes more advanced mercury-tungsten lamps. They have similar indicators, but differ from simple mercury in that mercury-tungsten lamps can be correctly connected to the network without a ballast.

This capability is provided by a tungsten filament. It plays two roles at the same time: being an incandescent light source, it also serves as an electric current limiter.

Arc metal halides (DRI) also belong to the category of mercury lamps. Their main difference lies in special emitting additives, which significantly increase the efficiency of the glow.

To connect to the electrical network, a choke element must be built into the circuit.

The metal halide flask can be ellipsoidal or cylindrical. Inside there is not a standard quartz burner, but a more efficient and reliable ceramic one

Lamps of this type are relevant for illuminating buildings, historical sites and architectural structures, sports arenas, football fields, shopping, advertising and exhibition halls, both indoor and outdoor.

Metal halide mercury modules with mirror layer (DRIZ) are similar in functionality to DRI devices. However, due to the dense layer of mirror coating, they are capable of producing a saturated beam of light that can be directed to a specific area.

DRIZ products are most effective in conditions of low and poor visibility. With their help, it is easy and convenient to illuminate specific objects to which you want to draw attention.

Mercury-quartz tube lamps (DRT) have a flask in the shape of an elongated cylinder, where working electrodes are located at the ends. They are used for UV drying, photocopying and other highly technological purposes.

No. 3 - nuances of ultra-high pressure modules

Ball devices of mercury-quartz type (DRSH) belong to the class of ultra-high pressure lamps. The specific round shape of the bulb allows it to produce intense radiation with a relatively low base power and compact size.

The DRSh device requires a power supply to operate. It helps activate the lamp and performs the initial ignition of the burner.

The scope of application of such units is much narrower. They are usually used in projection systems and various laboratory equipment, for example, in high-power microscopes.

Shades of radiation from devices

The product containing mercury contains a phosphor inside. Thanks to its presence, the outgoing light flux has a rich, bright shade, as close as possible to the natural white color.

The neutral tone of the light flux in lamps can be obtained as a result of correct mixing of the radiation of gaseous substances present in the bulb with phosphor components

Mercury vapor concentrated in the space inside the flask is capable of regenerating not only natural white, but also colored lighting, for example, orange, green, violet or blue.

Advantages and disadvantages of mercury lamps

Some experts call mercury light sources technically obsolete and recommend reducing their use not only for domestic but also for industrial purposes.

However, such an opinion is somewhat premature and it is too early to write off gas-discharge lamps. After all, there are places where they perform at the highest level and provide bright, high-quality light with reasonable consumption.

Advantages of gas-discharge modules

• high and efficient light output throughout the entire operational period - from 30 to 60 Lm per 1 Watt;
• wide range of capacities on classic types of sockets E27/E40 - from 50 W to 1000 W, depending on the model;
• extended service life in a wide ambient temperature range - up to 12,000-20,000 h;
• good frost resistance and correct operation even at low thermometer readings;
• possibility to use light sources without connecting ballasts– relevant for tungsten-mercury devices;
• compact dimensions and good hull strength.

High-pressure devices demonstrate maximum efficiency in street lighting systems. They perform well in illuminating large indoor and outdoor areas.

Disadvantages of mercury-containing products

Like any other technical element, mercury gas-discharge modules have some disadvantages. This list contains only a few items that must be taken into account when organizing a lighting system.

The first disadvantage is weak color rendering level R a, on average not exceeding 45-55 units. This is not enough for lighting residential premises and offices.

Therefore, in places where increased demands are placed on the spectral composition of the light flux, it is not advisable to install mercury lamps.

Mercury devices are not able to fully convey the tonal range of the color spectrum of human faces, interior elements, furniture and other small objects. But on the street this drawback is almost invisible

Low threshold of readiness to turn on Doesn't make it any more attractive either. To enter the full glow mode, the lamp must warm up to the required level.

This usually takes from 2 to 10 minutes. Within the framework of a street, workshop, industrial or technical electrical system, this does not matter much, but at home it turns into a significant drawback.

If, during operation, a heated lamp suddenly turns off due to a drop in voltage in the network or due to other circumstances, it is not possible to turn it on immediately. First, the device must cool completely before it can be activated again.

The products do not have the ability to adjust the brightness of the supplied light. For their correct operation, a certain electrical supply mode is required. All deviations occurring in it negatively affect the light source and significantly reduce its working life.

The problematic aspect of the functioning of mercury-containing elements is the basic start mode and subsequent return to nominal operating parameters. It is at this time that the device receives maximum load. The less activation a light bulb experiences, the longer and more reliable it lasts.

Alternating current has an extremely negative effect on gas-discharge lighting devices and ultimately leads to flicker with a network frequency of 50 Hz. This unpleasant effect is eliminated with the help of electronic ballasts, and this entails additional material costs.

Assembly and installation of lamps must occur strictly according to the scheme developed by qualified specialists. During installation, it is necessary to use only high-quality heat-resistant components that are resistant to severe operating loads.

When using mercury modules in residential and work areas, it is advisable to cover the flask with special protective glass. In the event of an unexpected lamp explosion or short circuit, this will protect people nearby from injury, burns and other damage.

What is the danger to humans?

Violation of the integrity of the flask is a big problem because mercury entering the atmosphere harms everything around it.

A failed product cannot be stored at home and is not suitable for disposal in a regular trash container.

An environmental project “Dispose Correctly” has been launched in the northern districts of Russia. As part of this event, special containers have been placed on city streets where the population can place spent mercury and fluorescent light bulbs

The product must be disposed of correctly in accordance with accepted regulations. Only organizations with a special license can do this.

Their responsibilities include receiving lamps from the public, transporting them, storing them in a warehouse equipped with sealed boxes, and subsequent disposal.

The processing process is carried out in the following ways:

• amalgamation;
• demercurization;
• heat treatment;
• high temperature firing;
• vibro-pneumatic technology.

The most appropriate disposal option is chosen by the disposer. All further actions are carried out strictly according to the instructions regulating the process.

In small Russian cities, the recycling program is organized somewhat differently. There, once a month, special vehicles go to certain places, and employees of authorized enterprises accept waste light sources with toxic filling from the population.

In early autumn 2014, the Russian Federation signed an international document - the Minamata Convention on Mercury. According to the information contained there, from 2020 all mercury-containing products will be prohibited from production, import and export.

Among lighting sources, high-pressure mercury vapor lamps, in particular, modules marked DRI and DRL, fall under this provision.

Review of the best models on the market

Since light bulbs equipped with toxic mercury are mainly used in outdoor lighting systems, indoor industrial and technical premises, and are used extremely rarely in everyday life, their appearance is not original.

Place #1 - Osram brand light bulbs

Even reputable brands stick to the classics and do not consider it necessary to give devices an unusual shape or complex configuration.

Mercury-type devices can be installed in the garage. They will provide a stable and bright stream of light, promoting concentration.

Mercury modules HQL Standard, manufactured at Osram factories, are reliable and are not afraid of intense operating loads. The power range is very wide and starts from 50 W and ends at 1000 W.

For correct connection of lamps and subsequent normal operation, the installation of a ballast is required.

Mercury-type devices from the German brand Osram are suitable for lighting large-sized warehouses and industrial premises, in which maximum requirements are placed on the brightness of the radiation, but there are no such strict requirements for the level of color rendering

The products are produced with a drop-shaped matte bulb, equipped with a phosphor coating and an E27/E40 base. The internal burner is made of durable quartz.

Devices of lower power, up to 125 W, transmit a neutral white glow, and modules from 250 W and above produce slightly more natural daylight.

Osram light bulbs, made on a mercury-tungsten basis, are superior to conventional gas-discharge bulbs in all respects. Their service life is much longer, and their scope is wider. The second parameter is due to the improved color spectrum of the modules.

With a power of 160 W, the products produce light of 3600 K, close to a warm range. A whiter shade of 3800 K is produced by 250 W lamps. And only 500-watt ones provide a neutral white glow of 4000 K.

Such modules are suitable for creating attractive, bright and effective lighting in park areas, open spaces and central city alleys, walking areas, concert halls and other places of mass, but not permanent, presence of people.

Place #2 - Philips assortment

For the most part, they are used for arranging outdoor lighting in open areas, adjacent areas and other similar places.

Inside the bulb part of Philips light bulbs there is a high-pressure quartz burner filled with mercury vapor and a mixture of argon. The output light flux, depending on the power, is 1800 lumens for a 50W device and up to 58,500 lumens for a 1000 W module

The peculiarity of the products is that they do not waste time on ignition, but immediately from the moment of activation they provide uniform, bright and high-quality lighting of the space.

The drop-shaped matte flask is produced in two versions:

• S.G.– fusible glass with a phosphor coating applied in three layers;
• HG- refractory glass, sometimes containing some quartz - demonstrates increased resistance to record high temperatures.

SG elements are used for low and medium power lamps, and HG elements are used in modules from 500 W to 1000 W.

The tint range of light sources is 3900-4200 K. These numbers indicate a neutral shade of light, close to natural. The company warranty is given for 1 year.

IN ML series includes innovative mercury-tungsten lamps with phosphor coating inside the bulb. Their distinctive feature is a uniform, rich and bright flow of light with high-level color rendition.

They are available with E27/E40 sockets and have base powers of 100, 160, 250 and 500 W.

Using mercury-tungsten ML modules, you can create visually pleasing, aesthetic, economical and durable lighting in your home area

The temperature of the light flux ranges from 3400-3700 K. Lamps of this type can be called one of the warmest in their class. They are convenient to use not only for street lighting, but also for large stores, concert halls and shopping centers.

Place #3 - Delux brand offers

The young and promising Ukrainian brand Delux, registered in 2005, competes quite successfully with foreign manufacturers. The main enterprises of the brand are located at industrial sites in China.

The high level of manufacturing and impeccable build quality make Delux lamps relevant and in demand.

The Delux mercury module provides powerful light output with a good level of dispersion. The company warranty is given for 12 months, subject to compliance with the basic rules and operating conditions specified in the accompanying documents

Standard products are presented GGY line and are designed for effective external use. The working flask has a slightly elongated drop-shaped shape.

Models with a power of 125 W are equipped with a metal base E27. The remaining products are equipped with an E40 base element. Their power range is between 250-1000 W.

A more advanced series of mercury-tungsten devices GYZ includes E27/E40 modules with operating power of 160, 250 and 500W.

The products serve reliably and for a long time, producing a dense and rich flow of light with an optimal level of color rendering throughout the entire time.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

What a mercury-type lamp looks like and works, manufactured at the production facilities of the German company Osram. Detailed inspection of the packaging, description of the indicated digital designations and letter abbreviations:

About DRL-type mercury modules in detail. General overview of the product from Philips, nuances of connection methods to the socket and features of subsequent operation:

A story about recycling mercury-type lamp products. Why is it important that this process is carried out by professionals and always using special specialized equipment:

Mercury-type lamps are still widely used, however, this time is gradually ending.. They are being forced out of the market by more progressive, economical, aesthetically attractive and safe devices. True, the not too high cost and long service life still play a role, often forcing buyers out of old memory to give preference to mercury-containing devices.