using Mogul base metal halide without "bulb"

[goldmoth]

I'm wondering if anyone knows if 400w metal halides like bt37, bt28 moguls base bulbs, like the ones you buy at lowes, home depot etc would still work if the big protective glass "bulb" was removed. I am assuming they will because it is essentially a bulb within a bulb, but anyone knows for sure please let me know. Also I am wondering if this will affect the bulb life. I am planning on using a spherical reflector from a OHP with the remains of the bulb after I take off the outside glass. thanks in advance

 

[pinkmouse]

Hi goldmoth

This is not a good idea.

The outer envelope contains a pressurised noble gas to protect the inner quartz glass envelope, both to prevent overheating and chemical breakdown. Removing this will decrease drastically the life of the lamp and may lead to explosive failure, that could take out optics or even your panel, and possibly cause harm to you or others. Not to mention the risk of the bulb expoding whilst you are working on it.

Sorry, but you need to find another way...

 

[rusty42]

The outer envelope contains a pressurised noble gas to protect the inner quartz glass envelope, both to prevent overheating and chemical breakdown. Removing this will decrease drastically the life of the lamp and may lead to explosive failure, that could take out optics or even your panel, and possibly cause harm to you or others. Not to mention the risk of the bulb expoding whilst you are working on it.

also, the UV radiation will make you sterile.