Thursday, April 29, 2021

Do UV Lights in HVAC Systems Improve Air Quality?

 Ultraviolet (UV) lamps designed to emit wavelengths in the short wave UVC range have germicidal properties which eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses.  UVC lamps designed to emit wavelengths specifically close to 254 nm for germicidal applications and 185 nm for ozone applications are most effective.  Germicidal lamps are proven to quickly eradicate even stubborn bacteria such as antibiotic resistant superbugs and inactivate viruses, including beta coronaviruses such as MERS, SARS, and SARS-CoV-2 which is the virus that causes COVID-19. 

By cleaning the air that passes through air handling units of HVAC systems, UV lights in HVAC systems help to improve indoor air quality and also prevent mold and fungi from building up on internal HVAC components. This is one of the biggest benefits of UV lights for HVAC systems, as heating coils are susceptible to contamination, a build-up of mold and fungi due to the moist environment. UV lamps directed at heating coils and in ducts prevent mold build up and contamination, thus improving HVAC performance and energy efficiency.

UV Lamps in HVAC for Residential, Commercial, and Industrial

UVC lamps have long been used in the medical field and in hospitals to protect patients and staff from lingering viruses and bacteria. Upper room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is proven to help protect patients against tuberculosis and has been used for decades with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, an environmental control of tuberculosis bacteria with UV lamps in upper room UVGI for air sterilization. 

Several additional studies examine the effectiveness of UV lamps in HVAC systems for air sterilization and purification, such as the study by Dick Menzies, et al, published in the National Institutes of Health, which examined the effects of UV air purification lamps on work related illnesses and symptoms of employees. The study showed a clear correlation between improvements in health-related worker symptoms when UV lamps were used in HVAC systems to promote improved indoor air quality.

LightSources Is a Leading Provider of UV Lamps for HVAC Systems

LightSources is an industry leader in providing UV lamps for any application including high-quality, high-tech UVC germicidal lamps found in sterilization systems worldwide. We offer a wide selection of germicidal UV lamps in standard and high output quartz, compact quartz and soft glass, low pressure Amalgam and proprietary spot pellet Amalgam technology, medium pressure, ozone lamps and more. We offer high-quality electronic ballasts and custom designed UV germicidal lamp prototype solutions to meet your exact specifications.

LightSources offers UV germicidal lamps for water, surface, and air sterilization systems worldwide. Our lamps are proven to outlast and outperform comparable lamps, designed with proprietary technology by lighting engineers with in-depth knowledge of UV radiation. Contact us to learn more about our UV lamp solutions including germicidal lamps for HVAC systems.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Are UVC Robots Effective in Killing the SARS CoV-2 Virus?

 One full year into the COVID-19 pandemic and we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, with widespread vaccinations and people everywhere doing what they can to reduce the spread of infection. With several studies documenting the effectiveness of UVC germicidal lamps to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, businesses are taking notice and investing in UV disinfection systems to protect their staff and the public. In addition to typical UV light water, surface and air sterilization systems, UVC robots are in high demand. 

Many hospitals across the country have invested in UV light robots to provide an added layer of protection against spreading disease. In spite of the most meticulous manual cleaning regimen, hospital staff can be pushed to the limit and operating with limited personal protective equipment. A UVC robot can be programmed to enter a hospital room after a manual cleaning process, and effectively kill bacteria and viruses often time missed even with the most diligent attempt at disinfection. UVC robots aid weary hospital staff without being on the payroll or needing a break, they simply make their way back to the charging station when required and deliver powerful germ killing UVC light to eliminate viruses and bacteria.

UVC Robots Proven Effective

Several studies have now been conducted which verify the effectiveness of UVC germicidal lamps to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is a member of the beta coronavirus family similar to MERS and SARS.  Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are in the same coronavirus family and have been known to be effectively eliminated by UVC radiation.  UVC light effectively inactivates these viruses as shown in a recent study by PURPLESUN which shows dosage and exposure time required to inactivate various types of coronaviruses as well as exposure time required to effectively kill drug-resistant bacteria.

Not only will UVC robots help hospitals to prevent the spread of COVID-19, they also continue to reduce risk of common health care associated infections (HAIs) from superbugs often found in hospitals. With UV light sterilization gaining in popularity, UVC robots are now seen outside of the medical field in places such as airports, train stations, shopping malls and public shelters.

High Tech UVC Germicidal Lamps Proven Effective

As with any UVC sterilization system, the type of germicidal UV lamps utilize our key to reaching maximum disinfection. LightSources is a leader in line UV lamp manufacturers, with decades of experience, and global presence and the leading high-tech lamp engineers in the industry. Our state-of-the-art glass factory in Europe provides quick turnaround, custom designed prototype solutions, and germicidal lamp manufacturing capabilities to meet the needs of OEMs large and small. 

LightSources follows a strict quality policy as part of our ISO9001:2015 certification and strives to deliver the highest in quality, high tech germicidal lamps that outlast and outperform comparable lamps. Our lighting engineers possess in-depth knowledge of UV radiation and lamp manufacturing design and engineering, offering custom solutions to meet any germicidal requirement. Contact us to learn more about our UVC germicidal lamps for any application including UV light robots.