Lightsources

IMT applies a range of sophisticated technologies for its lighting systems:
fluorescence, induction, LED and Xenon.

Fluorescent lighting

A fluorescent lamp is a lamp that illuminates through luminescence of a fluorescent layer under the influence of ultraviolet radiation triggered by gas discharge inside the lamp. The most famous examples are the fluorescent TL tube (tube luminescent, or light-emitting tube) and energy-saving lamps. The power efficiency is five to six times as high compared to incandescent lamps.

It works as follows. At the inside the tube is coated with a fluorescent dust and filled with the noble gas argon or krypton and mercury vapour under low pressure. Between two electrodes on both sides of the tube gas is discharged, forcing the mercury vapour to propagate ultraviolet light. The fluorescent layer transforms the ultraviolet radiation into visible light.

The most well known fluorescent lamp is the TL (French: Tube Luminescent, "Lighting Tube")

IQL Induction lighting

The induction lamp is an extraordinary model of the fluorescent lamp. Due to a lack of electrodes, which limit the lifetime in traditional fluorescent lamps to approximately 15,000 hours, induction lamps is able to achieve a lifetime of more than 100,000 burning hours. The other side of the medal is an extremely high purchase price. This explains why the lamps are mainly applied on locations that are difficult to reach and where the cost of replacement is high.

The QL lighting system consists of three components (please refer to image):

1. balloon-shaped gas discharge room, filled with gas and with fluorescent coating at the inside
2. tube with power coupler (antenna) in the balloon
3. electronic ballast (HF generator)

It works as follows. The ballast, connected to mains voltage, propagates a high-frequency signal of 2,65 Mhz to the power coupler. The coil in the coupler induces a electromagnetic field that reverses polarity extremely fast. Electrons are brought into a higher energy path, collide against the coating and the created energy is transformed into visible light.
For standard QL systems of Philips a 100,000 hour guarantee is applicable, with 50% mechanical failure and a guarantee of 6 years.

Since 1984 IMT brings IQL lighting systems in the market place. IQL lighting is based on the QL technology of Philips. Via application of sealed-for-life luminaires (IP66) with a stainless steel tube and a borosilicate lens and a detailed inspection, however, IQL systems are even more sustainable. They have a high light quality, colour rendering (>80 Ra) and colour stability, even under extreme temperatures (-40 °C to +55 °C) and temperature fluctuations. Besides, they are vibration resistant. IMT guarantees that IQL systems with 55W and 85W are maintenance free for at least 10 years.

LED lighting

An LED (light emitting diode) is an electronic component propagating light once an electric current is carried through in forward direction. The colour of the generated light depends on the nature of the materials composing the LED. In 1962 Nick Holonyak developed the first LED with a practical application.

LED technology has a lot of potential and is in full development. Not surprisingly, IMT investigates the possibilities of LED to the full in order to provide the same guarantee as for induction. IMT currently applies LEDs in non-continuous lighting and low light levels respectively in emergency lighting (a combination of induction and LED; ten years guarantee) and for status light and U-code systems (only LED; eight years guarantee).

Xenon lighting

The gas xenon is applied in gas discharge lamps. By running an electric current through the gas, the electrons passing through the gas collide with the gas atoms. This collision produces light that produces up to three times more visibility than conventional halogen lamps.

IMT applies xenon for signalling lighting (status light system). The luminaires have a relatively low wattage and the lamps are able to perform under a low voltage, such as 24V. The luminaire used by IMT in its package is explosion proof and can be applied in Zone (2)1 and Zone (2)2.