Lucalox Lamps
Lucalox lamps are High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps. .High pressure sodium lamps are so
called to distinguish them from low pressure sodium lamps but the difference is relative and the
actual arc tube pressure is not much above atmospheric pressure. This means there is no violent
failure should an arc tube rupture. Also there is no significant UV radiation from the lamp and
consequently HPS lamps can be used safely in open luminaires. When running in a stable condition
after a few minutes, the yellow light from the Sodium discharge is absorbed and re- radiated as
blue green and red light and colours become visible.
Lucalox lamps are different in
construction, operation and light radiation to the other HID lamps. However, there are some
similarities as shown in Figure 9.15. The Lucalox lamps have fewer internal parts than Kolorlux or
Multi-Vapor lamps.
Figure 9.15. Lucalox/Kolorlux lamp
comparison.
Figure 9.16. Lucalox arc tube
components.
Firstly the arc tube is a special
translucent aluminium oxide ceramic material designed
-
to withstand temperatures up to
1300 degrees Celsius.
-
to transmit 92% of visible
wavelength.
-
that be free of pores that can leak
or weaken the tube.
-
not to deteriorate in the presence
of hot sodium.
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