Abstract: In a method of purifying contaminated liquids and gases, a continuous surface film (31) is produced by means of a nozzle (15) and is simultaneously irradiated by a suitable radiation source (17), e.g. an UV lamp. The surface film (31) is discharged as a falling or trickling film (33) which is also exposed to the radiation. A gas for purification is passed through the surface film (31). In these conditions the pollution particles and other pollutants in the gas are absorbed by the liquid. The advantage of the process described is that decomposition of the pollutants can take place both in the gas phase and in the liquid phase. Gas pollutants which are not decomposed in the gas phase are absorbed by the liquid, where they are finally decomposed. With the present invention liquids and gases can be treated simultaneously.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for an electric discharge lamp driven by an A.C. power supply has a regulating transformer connected in parallel with a current limiting reactor and an electric discharge lamp interconnected in series. The tap of the regulating transformer is connected by a condenser and an auxiliary reactance interconnected in series to the connection between the current limiting reactor and the electric discharge lamp. By adjusting the tap of the regulating transformer the performance of the lamp can be influenced within a wide range. In place of the regulating transformer an electronic phase shifter may also be used, which is particularly advantageous when regulating speeds are required that cannot be achieved by means of an electromechanically adjustable regulating transformer.