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World new from Osram: Ceramic lamps with new arc tubes

FRANKFURT - World premier for Osram. At light + building, Osram will be presenting its HCI metal halide lamps with round ceramic arc tubes for the first time. The new "Powerball" HCI lamps provide a higher quality of light. The colour rendering quality has been increased, with a better colour rendering index at the red end of the spectrum compared with conventional metal halide lamps with ceramic discharge vessels.

Source: OSRAM

The round shape of the discharge tube offers a number of advantages over its old cylindrical counterpart:

• The new arc tube has no corners in which the fluid filling can collect and react with the ceramic wall. Fewer deposits inside the discharge tube mean that the filler gas is used more efficiently for generating light in the arc. This in turn reduces luminous flux losses and increases the stability of the light throughout the life of the lamp.
• Higher temperatures are possible in the round ceramic vessel because the distance between the hot discharge arc and the ceramic wall is greater. This means that more light can be generated in the arc without increasing the ceramic wall temperature. Luminous efficacy increases for the same amount of power and remains at a higher level throughout the life of the lamp than is the case with conventional metal halide lamps with ceramic discharge vessels.
• The filling is distributed more evenly and can be used just as effectively for the discharge in any burning position. The lamp is less dependent on the burning position. This means greater freedom for luminaire designers.
• The discharge vessel now consists of just two rounded components. There are therefore no sensitive points where the wall thickness or diameter changes abruptly. The lamp is therefore more mechanically stable. The end result is that the Powerball HCI is less susceptible to vibrations.

Ceramic lamps are ideal for shop window and shop interior lighting, as a high-quality work light and wherever colour perception is an important consideration.

From April the Osram Powerball will be available as an HCI/WDL lamp in 70 W and 150 W versions. By the end of 2002 Powerball HCI 250W/WDL will be on the market. Further wattages and types will then follow.

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