Application notes for Mercury Electrodes
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QuicksilverTM Electrodes with integral mercury capsule |
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The Masonlite Quicksilver TM electrode is a major advance for the neon industry. It removes free mercury from the workroom. No open bottles or spillages. Because individuals are no longer putting mercury into the lamps by a variety of methods the dose can be consistently assured. Treat the QuicksilverTM electrode as a conventional non tubulated electrode and weld on to the tube in the normal manner. Pump and process the tube normally but use only the two outer flexible nickel wires for connecting to the bombarder HT cable. Bend the central dumet wire away to ensure that the two types of wire do not touch. When the process cycle is completed and the tube filled with gas you now seal off the tube and allow to cool. You may now release the mercury away from the bombarding table and so allowing production to continue. Place the tube on a flat surface and connect to a transformer rated at 60mA or even higher is better. Connect the H.T. leads, one to the dumet central wire (ensure the flexible wires are not in contact) and one to the other end of the tube. Switch on and watch the orange glow until the bright blue glow appears (about 4 seconds) then immediately switch off. Notes : Current ratings lower than 60mA can be used but are not recommended. It is always a good idea to run the lamp for a short time after sealing and before releasing the mercury. This allows you to be satisfied with the lamp, for example no leaks. As the mercury has not been released the lamp can be reworked. August 2000
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