What Are the UV Radiation Risks of Using a Thyratron Tube?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential UV radiation risks associated with using an RCA Thyratron tube (model 3C23) in an art installation. Participants explore the properties of the tube's glass, the presence of mercury vapor, and the implications for UV emission based on the operating conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether UV radiation is a concern when using the Thyratron tube, noting uncertainty about the glass material and its ability to block UV.
  • Another participant suggests that if the tube contains mercury vapor, it could emit UV radiation, and mentions that quartz transmits UV well while regular glass absorbs some UV wavelengths.
  • A suggestion is made to test for UV emission using fluorescent materials, such as laundry powder, to see if they glow under the light produced by the tube.
  • Discussion includes the idea that the spectrum of emitted light will depend on the mercury present and raises questions about the color of the light generated and its appearance on the tube's surfaces.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the UV emission risks, with some asserting that mercury vapor could lead to UV radiation while others remain uncertain about the glass's properties and the actual risk involved. The discussion does not reach a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in their knowledge regarding the specific properties of the glass used in the Thyratron tube and the exact conditions under which UV radiation may be emitted.

bwinter
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So I have an old RCA Thyatron tube (model 3C23) I'm using in an art piece as a glowing element. Just feeding maybe 50-60 watts through the anode to make it glow.

My question is, do I have to be worried about UV radiation? I heard somewhere the glass was quartz or borosilicate and blocked it, but I'm not sure.

This might be a reach, but assuming this is a mercury vapor, is there a way to calculate the spectra at a given wavelength given the voltage and current through the gas?
 
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bwinter said:
So I have an old RCA Thyatron tube (model 3C23) I'm using in an art piece as a glowing element. Just feeding maybe 50-60 watts through the anode to make it glow.

don't know if you have seen this page relating to powering them ?
https://www.pocketmagic.net/thyratrons/

bwinter said:
My question is, do I have to be worried about UV radiation? I heard somewhere the glass was quartz or borosilicate and blocked it, but I'm not sure.

I have yet to find anything specific
 
If the tube contain Mercury vapor then yes it can radiate UV. Quartz I believe is a good transmitter of UV while glass in general absorbs some of it especially the longer wavelengths. A way to test if UV is being emitted you might try getting some laundry powder like TIDE or a fluoresenct paint and see if it glows. Some detergents contain substances that fluoresce in sun light making the cloths look brighter.
 
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