Tips on How to Effectively use UVC Germicidal Lamps for Purifying Air and Removing Offensive Odors

          Research has proven that ultraviolet germicidal irradiation inactivates a variety of airborne microbes and helps prevent the airborne transmission of disease.  UVC energy at 254nm is the most germicidal wavelength in the UV spectrum.  When used in air disinfection applications, the germicidal 254nm wavelength penetrates the cell walls of microorganisms; hence destroying their DNA/RNA and rendering the organisms unable to replicate.  Since mold, bacteria and virus micro-organisms do not pose a health risk unless present in large numbers, its therefore common to install UVC lights in numerous settings where they collect; including HVAC, medical, residential and food processing for surface treatment, to name a few.  In HVAC settings, UVC is used in order to prevent the growth of the airborne molecules, which include mold and other bacterial contaminants that prefer to gather in and around standing water in cooling coils and drain pans.  Many users of UVC technology enjoy a clean and fresh air smell as a direct result of keeping the cooling coils, drain pans and air space free and clear of mold and organic material buildup.  The ultraviolet rays help keep the HVAC unit in a virtual “as-new” condition by continuously cleaning the coils and drain pan surfaces.  Therefore, UVC helps reduce and even eliminate the need for costly manual maintenance and cleaning with harmful chemicals.  UVC 254nm application entails low cost maintenance which includes annual lamp replacement to ensure adequate UVC output after 9,000 hours operation.  Water conservation is an added plus by reclaiming clean condensate water for other purposes including but not limited to irrigation and gray water flushing. 

The removal of odors is another aspect to germicidal irradiation.  The UVV light (185nm) is another wavelength in the ultraviolet spectrum that is typically used to control odors and improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).  At the 185nm wavelength, the UVV light actually generates ozone (O₃).  This happens when this UVV light reacts with oxygen molecules, converting them into highly unstable atoms that, in turn, form O₃.  Ozone works by converting many airborne pollutants into benign, odor-free by-products.  This chemical reaction can be used to disinfect and deodorize nearly any environment.  H²S-based odors emanating from wastewater treatment plants and lift stations provide an extreme nuisance for residential homeowners and other institutions in close proximity.  By introducing UV treatment, the odors are neutralized and the quality of life in the immediate and surrounding areas vastly improves.

LightSources, together with our affiliated companies, represent the foremost high-tech designers and manufacturers in the lamp industry today.  LCD Lighting, our leading affiliate in fluorescent lamps has designed and manufactured thousands of custom fluorescent lamps for virtually every type of OEM lighting application.  Contact us to learn more about our exclusive fluorescent light technology.