LOW MERCURY LEAD FREE TUBES

Quantum BL UV tubes are 100% more effective and 40% more powerful than standard UV tubes. Where other inferior tubes have long since failed, Quantum BL will maintain their high-power output to the end of their working life. These tubes are now used in all PestWest® professional equipment.

Sylvania, the British manufacturer of UV tubes, has identified that by concentrating the energy distribution of the internal phosphors to peak around 365-nanometer wavelengths, the bulbs show a vast improvement in the attractiveness to flying insects and this prolongs the life of the tube, making them more attractive to flying insects for longer.

The European Unions’ new Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) restricts the use of 6 key substances. Two of those substances are Mercury and Lead, both of which would normally be used in the manufacture of UV tubes.

The manufacturing process used to make a Quantum BL UV tube uses a different phosphor-mix than the one used to make other UV tubes. This unique mix does not require the hazardous material Lead to improve its performance. That coupled to other constructional techniques results in the Quantum BL UV tube being totally lead-free.

Unfortunately, any fluorescent bulb requires a minimum quantity of Mercury to enable it to work and so responsible bulb manufacturers have sought to reduce the quantity used in each bulb to the lowest practical level.

With some bulbs, 1kg of Mercury, which is about the size of a hen’s egg, is sufficient to produce over 60,000 tubes. In the Quantum BL bulbs, through improved technology, the same 1kg of Mercury will produce up to 200,000 tubes, bringing a considerable reduction in the potential for environmental pollution.

Quantum BL lamps, are available as replacements, fit into all fly control units, and are an essential requirement for all pest management programs, when controlling flying pests in food preparation and processing areas.

To maintain maximum effectiveness, tubes should be changed at ideally every 6 months, but at least every 12 months, preferably at the onset of warmer weather.

For further information about this press release please contact Pest IT Pty. Ltd. Tel: 1300 66 56 57 E-mail: info@pestIT.com.au

November 2006