Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Explosion hazzard with small xenons

This is topic Explosion hazzard with small xenons in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Jeff Taylor (Member # 443) on 04-09-2001, 10:19 AM:

I'm running a 300w Ushio xenon I got second hand. I track my hours, but have absolutely no idea how many were on it before I got it. The quartz is clear, the electrodes look just like my unused spare, and it strikes every time with no flicker. Does anyone know if the small xenons are as prome to catastrophic failure as the larger sizes? I would hate to throw away 500-1000 hours unnecessarily. Thanks.

Posted by Jerry Chase (Member # 660) on 04-09-2001, 10:36 AM:

Yes, they do explode. I remember vividly that Mary Gray, a manager/operator of the Cobb Pitcher Show had one explode on her. She was wearing the face shield and gloves, and was protected by a heavy sweater or jacket. She did have a few minor cuts and had to go to the emergency room.

As I remember, the bulb that blew was a new one that she was having difficulty striking. I suspect there was a manufacturing defect.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 04-09-2001, 11:03 AM:

Jeff:

When you encounter a lamp with an unknown history, you need to use judgement. With the proper safety equipment (full face shield, protection of neck area and hands/wrists, etc.), carefully examine the cold lamp. Is the bulb severely darkened or miscolored? Any sign of unusual heating of the contacts, electrodes and seals? Any vitrification (hazy or crystalline appearance) of the quartz? Are the cathode and anode surfaces in good condition, without severe pitting, erosion, or "mushroom" growths? Does the lamp strike reliably? Is the plasma stable or does it tend to wander and flicker? How's the image on the screen (no flicker, good uniformity,meets SMPTE standard)?

If the lamp looks good in all respects, continue to use it, but be more than critical of any change in performance. And of course, keep a good logbook of maintenance, so you can keep track of the performance.

------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Eastman Kodak Company
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7419
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: 716-477-5325 Cell: 716-781-4036 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com
Web site: http://www.kodak.com/go/motion

Posted by Rick Long (Member # 213) on 04-09-2001, 11:10 AM:

And remember the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!".

If you have to change it, please remember to wear the safety equipment. You make your living with your eyes.