Philips ALTO triphosphor lamps contain only three milligrams or 70 percent less mercury than standard halophosphor lamps, offering a clean, green lighting solution that meets the requirements of the new Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and has proven long term peak performance and reduced operating costs.
Philips ALTO technology is said to deliver the lowest mercury content on the market, due to a specially developed mercury capsule which accurately measures a metered amount of mercury into each lamp. Mercury is an essential ingredient in fluorescent lighting, however it is toxic and can have serious effects on the environment when lamps are disposed of.
During the metering process, the exact amount of mercury is placed in a tiny glass capsule which is attached to a lamp cathode. In the final stage, the capsule is opened by introducing a high-frequency current, resulting in the mercury flowing into the tube.
The ALTO lamp’s metering process has several key advantages - it makes it possible to control the lamp’s exact mercury content, ensures the lamp will perform at its key illuminance and prevents loss of mercury by glass absorption.
Testing has revealed that over 16,000 hours the Philips’ ALTO maintains an average 90 percent lumen and has a 60 percent increase in economic life when compared to the average halophosphor lamp. Using a three hour switching cycle and conventional gear, the average life of the lamp is 13,000 hours or 16,000 hours using an electronic gear with a warm start.
Source: Building Products News.
