(19) &     

(11) EP 1 609 170 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: H01J 61/28 (2006.01) H01J 61/72 (2006.01) 05.05.2010 Bulletin 2010/18 C02F 1/32 (2006.01)

(21) Application number: 04758635.9 (86) International application number: PCT/US2004/009814 (22) Date of filing: 31.03.2004 (87) International publication number: WO 2004/089429 (21.10.2004 Gazette 2004/43)

(54) GERMICIDAL LOW PRESSURE MERCURY VAPOR DISCHARGE LAMP WITH AMALGAM LOCATION PERMITTING HIGH OUTPUT KEIMTÖTENDE NIEDERDRUCK-QUECKSILBERDAMPFENTLADUNGSLAMPE MIT AMALGAMANORDNUNG ZUR ERMÖGLICHUNG EINER HOHEN AUSGANGSLEISTUNG LAMPE A DECHARGE A VAPEUR DE MERCURE BASSE PRESSION GERMICIDE A EMPLACEMENT D’AMALGAME PERMETTANT D’OBTENIR UN RENDEMENT ELEVE

(84) Designated Contracting States: (56) References cited: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR GB-A- 2 203 283 JP-A- 1 117 265 HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR JP-A- 5 290 806 US-A- 5 352 359 US-A- 5 352 359 US-B1- 6 310 437 (30) Priority: 03.04.2003 US 406759 US-B1- 6 337 539 US-B1- 6 456 004

(43) Date of publication of application: • BLOEM J ET AL: "SOME NEW MERCURY 28.12.2005 Bulletin 2005/52 ALLOYS FOR USE IN FLUORESCENT LAMPS" JOURNAL OF THE ILLUMINATING (73) Proprietor: Light Sources, Inc. ENGINEERING SOCIETY, ILLUMINATING Orange, CT 06477 (US) ENGINEERING SOCIETY. NEW YORK, US, vol. 6, no. 3, 1 April 1977 (1977-04-01), pages 141-147, (72) Inventor: PIROVIC, Arpad, L. XP000615021 ISSN: 0099-4480 Woodbridge, CT 06525 (US)

(74) Representative: Grünecker, Kinkeldey, Stockmair & Schwanhäusser Anwaltssozietät Leopoldstrasse 4 80802 München (DE)

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 1 609 170 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 1 609 170 B1 2

Description smaller than the amalgam pellet are formed between the small tube and the lamp tube, thereby preventing the FIELD OF THE INVENTION pellet from falling when the lamp is positioned vertically. [0004] There is a need for a low pressure mercury va- [0001] The present invention relates generally to low 5 pordischarge germicidal lamp forproducing a high output pressure mercury vapor discharge germicidal lamps of ultraviolet radiation that reduces the possibility of an used to disinfect or purify fluids, and more particularly to amalgam melting or moving out of a desired location dur- a germicidal lamp having a structure permitting high out- ing high loading. put and relatively high temperature operation. 10 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0005] The present invention relates to a germicidal [0002] Low pressure mercury vapor discharge lamps low pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp as defined are commonly used to generate ultraviolet radiation and in claim 1 for operating under a high load having improved used to irradiate a fluid to kill potentially harmful organ- 15 operation and output. An amalgam is positioned out of isms contained in the fluid. Often, relatively high doses the arc path during operation of the lamp. An amalgam of ultraviolet radiation are required. The necessary rela- container is positioned behind the electrode in a relatively tively high doses of ultraviolet radiation typically require cool location or cold spot. The amalgam container is the use of multiple germicidal lamps. The use of multiple open, permitting the surface of the amalgam to be ex- germicidal lamps increases expenses, as well as main- 20 posed to the interior space of the lamp, yet restricted to tenance. Therefore, it is desirable to use fewer higher prevent the amalgam from moving out of position from output germicidal lamps. However, producing a high out- behind the electrode where it is out of the arc path. put germicidal lamp is not without difficulties. During op- [0006] One embodiment comprises a germicidal lamp eration of a low pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp, system having a plurality of elongated lamps held verti- the vapor pressure of the mercury greatly affects lamp 25 cally within a fluid. The amalgam container holds amal- operation. A predetermined vapor pressure is desirable gam in a location behind the electrode preventing the for efficient operation of the lamp. However, under heavy amalgam from moving out of position during high loading loads used to produce a high output, mercury vapor pres- of the germicidal lamps. The positioning of the amalgam sure may increase reducing the efficiency and operation in a cooler location makes possible the higher loading of of the lamp. Amalgam has often been used to control the 30 the germicidal lamp. mercury vapor pressure within the lamp, permitting the [0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present inven- lamp to operate more efficiently. However, the higher tion to provide a high output germicidal lamp capable of temperatures occurring at high loading of the lamp often operating at high wall loads. cause the amalgam to melt. If the amalgam melts, it will [0008] It is another object of the present invention to move out of position and could make contact with an35 provide a germicidal lamp that is capable of using amal- electrode and cause possible shorting or ineffective op- gams that may melt at the internal operating temperature eration of the lamp. of the germicidal lamp. [0003] A germicidal lamp using an amalgam is dis- [0009] It is another object of the present invention to closed in Patent Cooperation Treaty international appli- provide a germicidal lamp that can effectively operate cation No. PCT/DE96/00647 having a publication40 over a wide temperature range. number of WO96/31902 and published October 10, [0010] It is an advantage of the present invention that 1996, entitled "Low Pressure Mercury Vapor Discharge the germicidal lamp can be held vertically during opera- Lamp". Therein disclosed is a low pressure mercury va- tion. por discharge lamp having an amalgam placed along the [0011] It is another advantage of the present invention inner wall between the electrodes. The lamp tube is in 45 that the amalgam is held in a cooler location outside of mechanical contact with a cooler on the outside of the the arc path or positive column. lamp adjacent the location of the amalgam. While this [0012] It is a feature of the present invention that the lamp structure is helpful in keeping the amalgam cool amalgam is held in a position behind an electrode. and therefore permitting higher loading of the lamp to [0013] It is another feature of the present invention that improve output, the amalgam could still melt causing the 50 a container is used to prevent the amalgam from moving amalgam to move out of position. This is particularly prob- out of a desired position. lematic in applications where the lamp is held vertically [0014] These and other objects, advantages, and fea- rather than horizontally, which could result in the amal- tures will become readily apparent in view of the following gam falling downward onto one of the electrodes. JP 05 more detailed description. 290 806 discloses a fluorescent lamp comprising a small 55 tube where an amalgam pellet is placed and wherein the BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS small tube is formed in the stem which is sealed with the end of the lamp tube. A plurality of communicating holes [0015]

2 3 EP 1 609 170 B1 4

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a plurality of germi- loading may be greater than 250 milliwatts per centimeter cidal lamps and a germicidal system according to squared. Comparatively, a conventional fluorescent the present invention. lamp is generally only operated at a wall load of about Fig. 2A is a partial view illustrating one end of a ger- 100 milliwatts per centimeter squared. During high cur- micidal lamp according to the present invention. 5 rent operation, with the resulting high wall load, the in- Fig. 2B illustrates the end portion of the germicidal ternal temperature of the lamp may increase to greater lamp illustrated in Fig. 2A rotated 90°. than 140° centigrade. At these temperatures, the mercu- Fig. 3A is a partial view illustrating one end of a ger- ry vapor pressure within the germicidal lamp increases micidal lamp according to another embodiment of to unacceptable levels. In order to keep the mercury va- the present invention. 10 por pressure within predetermined limits for effective op- Fig. 3B is an enlarged view illustrating an amalgam eration of the lamps, amalgams are used to absorb and container of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3A. release mercury as required to maintain efficient opera- tion. However, at high temperatures, the amalgam may DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EM- melt, limiting their effectiveness and causing them to BODIMENTS 15 move out of position within the germicidal lamp. The present invention positions the amalgam outside of the [0016] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a germicidal sys- arc path or outside of the positive column at a location tem 10 of the present invention. A container 12 holds a behind the electrode in a cooler spot. The amalgam is fluid 14 therein. The fluid may be waste water, air, or any positioned at a location where the internal temperature other fluid type material that is to be purified or disinfected 20 or wall temperature of the germicidal lamp is less than using ultraviolet radiation. The fluid or waste water 14 about 140° centigrade, even under high load. The loca- flows in the direction indicated by arrow 16. A plurality of tion of the amalgam and containing the amalgam within germicidal lamps 18 are vertically placed within the fluid the location permits efficient operation of the germicidal 14. Each of the plurality of lamps 18 may have a variety lamp at higher loading, and resulting higher tempera- of different configurations. By way of example, several 25 tures. Additionally, by containing the amalgam in a re- differently configured germicidal lamps are shown for il- stricted location yet open to the interior of the germicidal lustrative purposes. Additionally, each of the germicidal lamp, the amalgam may function effectively but be re- lamps 18 may be placed in a protective sleeve 20. At tained in the desired location if the amalgam melts during each end of the lamp, end caps 22 are placed. The end the high temperature occurring during high wall loads. caps 22 may be made of a plastic material and sealed 30 This is particularly important in a germicidal application against the glass tube of the germicidal lamp. The ger- where the germicidal lamp is held vertically. Unless the micidal lamp may be sealed within the protective sleeve amalgam is held in position according to the present in- 20 by rubber seals or any other equivalent or conven- vention, it would fall out of position upon melting and tional technique. For illustration purposes, a double end- could possibly contact an electrode, greatly shortening ed lamp 24 is shown. The double ended lamp 24 has 35 the life of the germicidal lamp. electrical connections or pins at either end of the lamp. [0018] Additionally, different amalgams may be uti- A single ended lamp 26 may also be used. The single lized that may melt at the internal operating temperatures ended lamp 26 has two pins on one end for connecting therein improving operating efficiencies. The germicidal to an electrical power source with a conductive wire ex- lamp of the present invention is capable of operating at tending along the length of the lamp to form an electrical 40 external wall temperatures ranging from about 40°C to connection with an electrode at the opposite end of the 140°C. This temperature range is particularly advanta- germicidal lamp. Such a single ended lamp 26 is more geous in a germicidal lamp submerged in a liquid where fully disclosed in United States Patent 4,700,101 entitled the temperature of the liquid may vary. Accordingly, the "Elongated Tubular Lamp Construction" and issuing to present invention is particularly well suited and solves Ellner et al on October 13, 1987, which is herein incor- 45 problems associated with germicidal lamps vertically po- porated by reference. The germicidal lamp may also be sitioned and operated under high loads. a single ended pigtail type lamp 28. The single ended [0019] Fig. 2A illustrates one end of one of the plurality pigtail lamp 28 has a pigtail 29 attached to the electrical of germicidal lamps 18 illustrated in Fig. 1. The opposing terminals of the electrodes to facilitate an electrical con- end of the germicidal lamp is similar. An end cap, illus- nection. The pigtail 29 comprises flexible wires electri- 50 tratedas 22 in Fig. 1, typically would cover this endportion cally attached or coupled to the electrodes and a con- of the germicidal lamp. However, for purposes of illustra- nector having pins for connecting to a power source. Any tion, the end cap has been removed to better view the conventional or equivalent electrical connection may be structure of the end of the germicidal lamp. A tubular made with different types of germicidal lamps, as is well quartz envelope 30 has a pressed portion 32 sealing an known. 55 end thereof. The pressed end 32 seals the end against [0017] In a germicidal lamp held vertically within a fluid ribbon conductors 34. Wires 36 are electrically coupled column, it is often desirable to operate the germicidal to the ribbon conductors 34. The wires 36 extend out of lamp at high wall loading to improve output. The high wall the end cap,not illustrated,and are electrically connected

3 5 EP 1 609 170 B1 6 to pins for making an electrical connection to the lamp. the sealing stem 132 is an amalgam container 146. The The electrical connection to the germicidal lamp may be amalgam container 146 has a sealed end 148 and a re- of any conventional electrical connection technique. stricted open end 150. Also formed adjacent the restrict- Electrode supports 38 extend into the interior of the ger- ed open end 150 is a metal hook retainer 152. The com- micidal lamp and hold a filament electrode 42. Placed on 5 bination of the restricted open end 150 and the hook re- one of the electrode supports 38 may be auxiliary amal- tainer 152 prevents amalgam 144 from passing there- gam 40. The auxiliary amalgam 40 preferably is com- through and into the interior of the glass tubular envelope posed of an amalgam with a high melting point to prevent 130. The restricted open end 150 and the hook retainer melting during the high temperatures associated with 152 are configured such that a gap formed there between high wall loads. However, this auxiliary amalgam 40 is 10 is capable of retaining the amalgam even when in a fluid generally not sufficient to maintain the desired mercury or liquid state. The amalgam typically being a mercury vapor pressure for efficient operation of the germicidal compound, generally has a property of being viscous yet lamp. Additionally, this auxiliary amalgam 40 may not be capable of being retained within an opening having small required but may be utilized in some applications. enough dimensions. Accordingly, the surface of the [0020] Formed on the quartz envelope 30 between the 15 amalgam 144 is opened to the interior of the tubular en- sealed end 32 and the filament electrode 42 is an amal- velope 130 of the germicidal lamp, but is retained in po- gam container 46. The amalgam container 46 may be a sition behind the filament electrode 142 and adjacent the quartz or glass tube communicating with the interior of end of the germicidal lamp. The amalgam container 146 the quartz envelope 30. A restricted open end 50 is may be a small tube that is also used to evacuate the formed adjacent the quartz envelope 30. Amalgam 44 is 20 interior of the germicidal lamp as well as introduce other placed within the amalgam container 46. The amalgam materials, such as an inert gas, during manufacture of container 46 is sealed at sealed end 48. During manu- the germicidal lamp prior to sealing. facture of the germicidal lamp, the amalgam container [0023] Fig. 3B is an enlarged view illustrating a portion 46 may be used to evacuate the quartz envelope 30 as of the amalgam container 146. As more clearly illustrated well as to introduce other substances, such as an inert 25 in Fig. 3B, the restricted open end 150 is formed by a gas, prior to the placement of an amalgam 44 and being hole 154 within the amalgam container 146 and the hook sealed at sealed end 48. The restricted open end 50 is retainer 152. The hook retainer 152 may be made of a sufficiently small to prevent the amalgam 44 from passing metal material that is imbedded within a side of the glass therethrough. However, the amalgam is in communica- amalgam container 146. The amalgam 144 is thereby tion through the restricted open end 50 to the interior of 30 retained in position even when the germicidal lamp is the quartz envelope 30. Therefore, the mercury vapor held vertically during operation. pressure within the quartz envelope 30 may be controlled [0024] The present invention makes possible a high by the absorption and release of mercury by the amalgam output mercury vapor gas discharge germicidal lamp that 44. The amalgam 44 may be any conventional amalgam can be heavily loaded without overly heating an amal- well known for the purpose of controlling the mercury35 gam. The position of the amalgam outside of the arc path vapor pressure in a low pressure mercury vapor gas dis- and in a cooler location behind the electrode prevents charge lamp. However, because the amalgam 44 is re- the amalgam from being overheated. Overheating of the tained in the amalgam container 46, the type of amalgam amalgam compromises the efficient operation of the ger- 44 selected could be an amalgam that has desirable micidal lamp. Additionally, the restriction and containing properties, but would melt at the expected high temper- 40 of the amalgam within the desired location makes pos- atures resulting from high wall loads and improved out- sible operation of the germicidal lamp in a vertical position put. while under high load. The present invention also makes [0021] Fig. 2B illustrates another view of a portion of possible the efficient operation of a germicidal lamp over the end of the gas discharge lamp illustrated in Fig. 2A. a relatively wide range of operating temperatures. This In Fig. 2B, the end of the gas discharge lamp is rotated 45 is particularly important when used in waste water treat- 90° from the view illustrated in Fig. 2A. ment due to the range of waste water temperature. Ad- [0022] Figs. 3A and 3B illustrate another embodiment ditionally, since a higher load high output germicidal lamp of an amalgam container for retaining the amalgam be- is obtained with the present invention, fewer lamps are tween the end of the lamp and the electrode. In Fig. 3A, needed to achieve a desired germicidal action thereby a glass cylindrical or tubular envelope 130 has a sealing 50 resulting in the need for fewer lamps and resulting in low- stem 132 used to seal the end of the tubular envelope er cost. Further, maintenance costs are reduced due to 130. The sealing stem 132 has electrode supports 138 the use of fewer germicidal lamps. formed therein. One end of the electrode supports 138 [0025] While the present invention has been described hold a filament electrode 142 with the other end of the with respect to various embodiments, it should be appre- electrode supports 138 passing through the sealing stem 55 ciated by those skilled in the arts that various modifica- 132 and are electrically coupled to wires 136. Wires 136 tions may be made without departing from the scope of are electrically connected to pins, not illustrated in Fig. the appended claims. 3A, used to power the germicidal lamp. Formed within

4 7 EP 1 609 170 B1 8

Claims wherein:

1. A germicidal ultraviolet low pressure mercury vapor said amalgam container is capable of retaining discharge lamp (18) comprising: an amalgam in position when the germicidal ul- 5 traviolet low pressure mercury vapor discharge an elongated glass tube (30) having a first end lamp is operated at wall loads greater than two and a second end and an interior and exterior hundred and fifty milliwatts per centimeter wall surface; squared. a first electrode (42) placed in the first end of said elongated glass tube; 10 6. A germicidal ultraviolet low pressure mercury vapor a first pressed end (32) sealing the first end of discharge lamp as in claim 1, having a predeter- said elongated glass tube; mined operating temperature for use in the treatment a second electrode placed in the second end of of waste water, wherein said amalgam container ca- said elongated glass tube, an arc path formed pable of retaining an amalgam in a predetermined between said first and second electrodes,15 position out of the arc path formed between said first whereby when the germicidal ultraviolet low and second electrodes during operation of the ger- pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp is en- micidal ultraviolet low pressure mercury vapor dis- ergized an arc is formed between said first and charge lamp; and an amalgam placed in said amal- second electrodes; gam container, said amalgam having a melting point a second pressed end sealing the second end 20 lower than the predetermined operating temperature of said elongated glass tube; and of said germicidal ultraviolet low pressure mercury an amalgam container (46) attached to the ex- vapor discharge lamp. terior wall surface adjacent said first pressed open to the interior of the elongated glass tube, 7. A germicidal ultraviolet low pressure mercury vapor end of said elongated glass tube and 25 discharge lamp having a predetermined operating located between said first electrode and the first temperature for use in the treatment of waste water end of said elongated glass tube; as in claim 6 wherein:

whereby the germicidal ultraviolet low pressure mer- said amalgam container comprises a tube hav- cury vapor discharge lamp is capable of being posi- 30 ing an opening. tioned vertically and operated at high wall loads while retaining an amalgam (44) in the predetermined po- 8. A germicidal ultraviolet low pressure mercury vapor sition out of the arc path. discharge lamp having a predetermined operating temperature for use in the treatment of waste water 2. A germicidal ultraviolet low pressure mercury vapor 35 as in claim 7 further comprising: discharge lamp as in claim 1 further comprising: a metal hook (152) placed adjacent the opening electrical pin contacts coupled to said first and (150). second electrodes and positioned adjacent the first end. 40 9. A germicidal ultraviolet low pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp having a predetermined operating 3. A germicidal ultraviolet low pressure mercury vapor temperature for use in the treatment of waste water discharge lamp as in claim 1 as in claim 6 wherein: wherein: 45 the germicidal ultraviolet low pressure mercury said amalgam container comprises a glass tube vapor discharge lamp is operable at wall loads having a restricted opening (50) communicating greater than two hundred and fifty milliwatts per with the interior of the germicidal ultraviolet low centimeter squared. pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp. 50 10. A germicidal ultraviolet low pressure mercury vapor 4. A germicidal ultraviolet low pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp having a predetermined operating discharge lamp as in claim 1 further comprising: temperature for use in the treatment of waste water as in claim 6 wherein: a protective sleeve (20) placed over said elon- gated glass tube. 55 the germicidal ultraviolet low pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp is operable at an internal 5. A germicidal ultraviolet low pressure mercury vapor temperature between said first and second elec- discharge lamp as in claim 1 trodes greater than one hundred and forty de-

5 9 EP 1 609 170 B1 10

grees centigrade and at the predetermined po- dampfentladungslampe gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei sition of the amalgam less than one hundred and der Amalgambehälter eine Glasröhre mit einer ver- forty degrees centigrade. engten Öffnung (50) umfasst, die mit dem Inneren der keimtötenden ultravioletten Niederdruck- Queck- 11. An ultraviolet water treatment germicidal system (10) 5 silberdampfentladungslampe in Verbindung steht. comprising: 4. Keimtötende ultraviolette Niederdruck-Quecksilber- a fluid container (12); dampfentladungslampe gemäß Anspruch 1, die des a plurality of germicidal ultraviolet low pressure Weiteren eine Schutzhülse (20), die auf die längliche mercury vapor discharge lamps (18) as in claim 10 Glasröhre aufsetzbar ist, umfasst. 1, vertically positioned within said fluid contain- er. 5. Keimtötende ultraviolette Niederdruck-Quecksilber- dampfentladungslampe gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Amalgambehälter in der Lage ist, das Amalgam Patentansprüche 15 in Position zu halten, wenn die keimtötende ultravio- lette Niederdruck-Quecksilberdampfentladungs- 1. Keimtötende ultraviolette Niederdruck-Quecksilber- lampe mit Belastungen der Wände von mehr als 250 dampfentladungslampe (18) mit: mWcm-2 betrieben wird.

Einer länglichen Glasröhre (30), die ein erstes 20 6. Keimtötende ultraviolette Niederdruck-Quecksilber- Ende und ein zweites Ende und eine innere und dampfentladungslampegemäß Anspruch 1mit einer eine äußere Wandoberfläche aufweist; vorbestimmten Betriebstemperatur für die Verwen- Einer ersten Elektrode (42), die an dem ersten dung in der Abwasseraufbereitung , wobei der Amal- Ende der länglichen Glasröhre angeordnet ist; gambehälter in der Lage ist, ein Amalgam, während Einem ersten verpressten Ende (32) zur Abdich- 25 des Betriebes der keimtötenden ultravioletten Nie- tungdes ersten Endes derlänglichen Glasröhre; derdruck-Quecksilberdampfentladungslampe in ei- Einer zweiten Elektrode, die an dem zweiten En- ner vorbestimmten Position aus dem bogenförmigen de der länglichen Glasröhre angeordnet ist, Pfad, der zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Elek- Einem bogenförmigen Pfad zwischen der ersten trode gebildet wird, zu halten; und einem Amalgam, und der zweiten Elektrode, wobei bei der Akti- 30 das in dem Amalgambehälter angeordnet ist, vierung der keimtötenden ultravioletten Nieder- wobei das Amalgam einen Schmelzpunkt aufweist, druck-Quecksilberdampfentladungslampe ein der niedriger als die vorbestimmte Betriebstempe- Bogen zwischen der ersten und der zweiten ratur der keimtötenden ultravioletten Niederdruck- Elektrode gebildet wird; Quecksilberdampfentladungslampe ist. Einem zweiten verpressten Ende zur Abdich- 35 tung des zweiten Endes der länglichen Glasröh- 7. Keimtötende ultraviolette Niederdruck-Quecksilber- re; und dampfentladungslampe mit einer vorbestimmten Einem Amalgambehälter (46), der zum Inneren Betriebstemperatur für die Verwendung in der Ab- der Glasröhre hin offen, an der äußeren wasseraufbereitung gemäß Anspruch 6, wobei der Wandoberfläche neben dem ersten verpressten 40 Amalgambehälter eine Röhre mit einer Öffnung um- Ende der länglichen Glasröhre befestigt und fasst. zwischen der ersten Elektrode und dem ersten Ende der länglichen Glasröhre angeordnet ist; 8. Keimtötende ultraviolette Niederdruck-Quecksilber- dampfentladungslampe mit einer vorbestimmten wobei die keimtötende ultraviolette Niederdruck-45 Betriebstemperatur für die Verwendung in der Ab- Quecksilberdampfentladungslampe für eine vertika- wasseraufbereitung gemäß Anspruch 7, die des le Anordnung geeignet und mit hoher Belastung der Weiteren einen Metallhaken (152) umfasst, der ne- Wände betreibbar ist, während ein Amalgam (44) in ben der Öffnung (150) angeordnet ist. der vorbestimmten Position aus dem bogenförmigen Pfad gehalten wird. 50 9. Keimtötende ultraviolette Niederdruck-Quecksilber- dampfentladungslampe mit einer vorbestimmten 2. Keimtötende ultraviolette Niederdruck-Quecksilber- Betriebstemperatur für die Verwendung in der Ab- dampfentladungslampe gemäß Anspruch 1, die des wasseraufbereitung gemäß Anspruch 6, wobei die Weiteren elektrische Stiftkontakte, die an die erste keimtötende ultraviolette Niederdruck-Quecksilber- und die zweite Elektrode gekoppelt und neben dem 55 dampfentladungslampe mit Belastungen der Wände ersten Ende angeordnet sind, umfasst. von mehr als 250 mWcm-2 betreibbar ist.

3. Keimtötende ultraviolette Niederdruck-Quecksilber- 10. Keimtötende ultraviolette Niederdruck-Quecksilber-

6 11 EP 1 609 170 B1 12

dampfentladungslampe mit einer vorbestimmten 2. Lampe germicide à ultraviolets à décharge à vapeur Betriebstemperatur für die Verwendung in der Ab- de mercure basse pression selon la revendication wasseraufbereitung gemäß Anspruch 6, wobei die 1, comprenant également : keimtötende ultraviolette Niederdruck-Quecksilber- dampfentladungslampe mit einer internen Tempe- 5 des contacts à broches électriques couplés aux ratur zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Elektrode première et seconde électrodes et placés près von mehr als 140°C und an der vorbestimmten Po- de la première extrémité. sition des Amalgams von weniger als 140°C betreib- bar ist. 3. Lampe germicide à ultraviolets à décharge à vapeur 10 de mercure basse pression selon la revendication 11. Ultraviolettes keimtötendes Wasseraufbereitungs- 1, dans laquelle : system (10) mit: le récipient pour amalgame comprend un tube Einem Fluidbehälter (12), und de verre qui a une ouverture resserrée (50) com- Mehreren keimtötenden ultravioletten Nieder- 15 muniquantavec l’intérieur dela lampe germicide druck- Quecksilberdampfentladungslampen à ultraviolets à décharge à vapeur de mercure (18) gemäß Anspruch 1, die vertikal in dem basse pression. Fluidbehälter angeordnet sind. 4. Lampe germicide à ultraviolets à décharge à vapeur 20 de mercure basse pression selon la revendication Revendications 1, comprenant également :

1. Lampe germicide à ultraviolets à décharge à vapeur une gaine de protection (20) qui est placée sur de mercure basse pression (18) comprenant : le tube de verre allongé. 25 un tube de verre allongé (30) qui a une première 5. Lampe germicide à ultraviolets à décharge à vapeur extrémité, une seconde extrémité et des surfa- de mercure basse pression selon la revendication ces de paroi intérieure et extérieure ; 1, dans laquelle : une première électrode (42) qui est placée dans la première extrémité du tube de verre allongé ; 30 le récipient pour amalgame est apte à maintenir une première extrémité comprimée (32) qui rend un amalgame en position quand la lampe ger- étanche la première extrémité du tube de verre micide à ultraviolets à décharge à vapeur de allongé ; mercure basse pression fonctionne à des char- une seconde électrode qui est placée dans la ges de paroi supérieures à deux cent cinquante seconde extrémité du tube de verre allongé, une 35 milliwatts par centimètre carré. trajectoire d’arc étant formée entre les première et seconde électrodes, moyennant quoi lorsque 6. Lampe germicide à ultraviolets à décharge à vapeur la lampe germicide à ultraviolets à décharge à de mercure basse pression selon la revendication vapeur de mercure basse pression est activée, 1, qui a une température de fonctionnement prédé- un arc se forme entre les première et seconde 40 terminée, pour une utilisation dans le traitement électrodes ; d’eaux usées, le récipient pour amalgame étant apte une seconde extrémité comprimée qui rend à maintenir un amalgame dans une position prédé- étanche la seconde extrémité du tube de verre terminée, en dehors de la trajectoire d’arc formée allongé ; et entre les première et seconde électrodes pendant le un récipient pour amalgame (46) qui débouche 45 fonctionnement de la lampe germicide à ultraviolets à l’intérieur du tube de verre allongé, qui est fixé à décharge à vapeur de mercure basse pression ; à la surface de paroi extérieure près de ladite et un amalgame placé dans ledit récipient pour amal- première extrémité comprimée du tube de verre game, l’amalgame ayant un point de fusion inférieur allongé, et qui se trouve entre la première élec- à la température de fonctionnement prédéterminée trode et la première extrémité du tube de verre 50 de la lampe germicide à ultraviolets à décharge à allongé ; vapeur de mercure basse pression. la lampe germicide à ultraviolets à décharge à vapeur de mercure basse pression pouvant être 7. Lampe germicide à ultraviolets à décharge à vapeur placée à la verticaleet fonctionner à des charges de mercure basse pression ayant une température de paroi élevées tout en maintenant un amalga- 55 de fonctionnement prédéterminée, pour une utilisa- me (44) dans la position prédéterminée, en de- tion dans le traitement d’eaux usées selon la reven- hors de la trajectoire de l’arc. dication 6, dans laquelle :

7 13 EP 1 609 170 B1 14

le récipient pour amalgame comprend un tube avec une ouverture.

8. Lampe germicide à ultraviolets à décharge à vapeur de mercure basse pression ayant une température 5 de fonctionnement prédéterminée, pour une utilisa- tion dans le traitement d’eaux usées selon la reven- dication 7, comprenant également :

un crochet en métal (152) qui est placé près de 10 l’ouverture (150).

9. Lampe germicide à ultraviolets à décharge à vapeur de mercure basse pression ayant une température de fonctionnement prédéterminée, pour une utilisa- 15 tion dans le traitement d’eaux usées selon la reven- dication 6, qui est apte à fonctionner à des charges de paroi supérieures à deux cent cinquante milliwatts par centimètre carré. 20

10. Lampe germicide à ultraviolets à décharge à vapeur de mercure basse pression ayant une température de fonctionnement prédéterminée, pour une utilisa- tion dans le traitement d’eaux usées selon la reven- 25 dication 6, qui est apte à fonctionner à une température interne qui est supérieure à cent quarante degrés centigrade entre les première et seconde électrodes, et qui est inférieure à cent quarante degrés centigrade au ni- 30 veau de la position prédéterminée de l’amalgame.

11. Système germicide à ultraviolets de traitement de l’eau (10) comprenant : 35 un récipient pour fluide (12) ; plusieurs lampes germicides à ultraviolets à dé- charge à vapeur de mercure basse pression se- lon la revendication 1, placées à la verticale dans le récipient de fluide. 40

45

50

55

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10 EP 1 609 170 B1

11 EP 1 609 170 B1

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• DE 9600647 W [0003] • JP 05290806 B [0003] • WO 9631902 A [0003] • US 4700101 A [0016]

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