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| HIGH PRESSURE LAMPS |
Article posting : Monday February 13, 2006 |
| High-pressure lamps (also known as quartz, or metal halide) used in the tanning industry emit specific strengths of all three UV types - A, B, and C - but the bed employs a series of filters to screen or limit some or all of these UV wavelengths. A majority of the UVA is allowed to penetrate, as is a small amount of UVB in some cases, but in all cases, no UVC is transmitted to the tanner. In a low-pressure tanning system, a combination of UVA and UVB is used to produce a cosmetic tan. While we cannot actually produce more melanin, UVB is the most efficient means to stimulate melanin, which also produces a photo-protective effect. A high-pressure system utilizes mainly UVA, which can in fact produce a cosmetic tan, but in some cases, the tan may not develop into photo-protection if the lamp filters block significant amounts of UVB. When replacing high-pressure lamps, remember that a great deal of care must be used in handling them. You must wear gloves to prevent the oil in your skin from permeating through to the lamp surface. This oil could create a “hot spot” on the lamp, which could then cause premature failure of the lamp envelope. If you are guessing that this means the lamp might explode, you are correct! Of course, with proper handling this should not occur. Manufacturers provide instructions with these lamps that outline the care required, so take heed of this message! High-pressure lamps also produce a high degree of heat - in some cases, 1,200-1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this heat is contained within a cassette that holds the lamp filters and is dissipated through fans or blowers that exhaust it from the tanning system. This has been one of the drawbacks with high pressure - tanner discomfort due to heat. However, there are newer systems in the market that do a great job of getting rid of the excess heat. Remember that periodically, these fans and blowers must be cleaned to allow for proper functioning of the heat removal system. SALON
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