UV Lamps in HVAC Systems Fight Spread of Disease

 

The use of ultraviolet (UV) light in disinfecting and sterilizing surfaces is gaining as part of the fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus and to control health acquired infections (HAIs) in hospitals. HAIs are a serious problem for hospitals, especially when stretched at capacity and short on staff.  Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 1 in 25 patients were estimated to contract an HAI from a hospital stay, some with dire consequences. Protecting patients and staff against HAIs including drug-resistant bacteria and serious viruses with effective hospital disinfection is top priority for hospitals and healthcare facilities. 

Nearly everything that is in a hospital room from all the surfaces to airborne particles, medical equipment and the clothing and hands of healthcare workers can serve as a reservoir and vector for transmitting opportunistic pathogens.  While contaminated surfaces and insufficient hand hygiene are the primary modes of transmission, water and air supply systems also provide a mode of transmitting harmful pathogens.

UVC HVAC Air Purification Systems

While maintaining regular cleaning and manual disinfection practices is crucial in hospitals, along with proper hand hygiene, germicidal UVC lamps in moving air applications are proven to disinfect and purify the air. Ultraviolet Devices, Inc, UVDI, offers HVAC air disinfection and purification systems with advanced UV technology. UV air disinfection eliminates viruses and bacteria with a kill rate up to 99% and UV air purification destroys volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and foul odors.

UV moving air applications include two basic systems for UVGI as a supplemental air cleaning measure:

Upper room air irradiation – UVGI lamps are wall mounted above an occupant’s level, usually 8 feet above the floor and irradiate the airflow in the room.  Upper room UVGI has been used in tuberculosis wards to inactivate TB and is also effective in patient rooms, emergency rooms, waiting rooms, hallways and anywhere patients could potentially spread airborne germs.

HVAC Duct Irradiation – UVC germicidal lamps placed inside HVAC and air handler ducts disinfect recirculated or outside air. UVC lamps in air handling units effectively eliminate microscopic organisms that are too small to filter yet are easily disinfected with UV light.

LightSources offers high-quality UVC lamps found in UV sterilization systems for hospitals including air disinfection UVGI mounted, HVAC and portable systems  Our UVC robot lamps are helping hospitals to improve patient and staff safety and prevent the spread of disease with effective surface sterilization.

LightSources provides UV lamp solutions to OEMs of all sizes, with high-quality UV lamps custom designed to meet your exact specifications. Our UVC germicidal lamps are found in water, air and surface sterilization systems worldwide. Contact us to speak with an engineer about our many UVC germicidal lamp solutions.  

How UV Light Keeps Kitchens Clean

 

Ultraviolet (UV) is a powerful disinfectant used in many applications to sterilize water, air and surfaces.  High intensity UV lamps eliminate harmful pathogens and break down volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  UV radiation in the wavelength of UVC ultraviolet light is highly effective at eradicating bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew and can even break down grease buildup.  UVC germicidal lamps are being used in many residential, industrial and commercial applications such as restaurants and kitchens. 

UVC germicidal lamps can help to keep restaurants and kitchens clean in many areas such as:

• UV air purification for healthy air in eating areas

• UV surface sterilization over food preparation areas

• UV lamps prevent mold and mildew in walk-in freezers

• UV food irradiation to prevent foodborne illnesses

• UV lamps in kitchen exhaust to prevent grease buildup

Commercial kitchens utilizing UV germicidal lamps in kitchen hood exhaust systems experience cleaner kitchen exhaust without grease buildup which also reduces the risk of kitchen grease fires.  Kitchen hood exhausts with UVC lamps provide low-maintenance, self-cleaning technology to help restaurant owners provide a cleaner and safer kitchen and to meet stringent health department code regulations. 

How UV Lamps Eliminate Grease Buildup

UV lamps eliminate grease buildup through a chemical reaction called photolysis and ozonolysis.  Photolysis, or photodissociation, occurs when photons break down oxygen molecules to oxygen atoms, which combine with remaining oxygen molecules to form ozone. Ozone causes a reaction with the organic compounds found in the grease through a process called ozonolysis. Ozonolysis forms byproducts which are easier to clean and reduces grease deposits and buildup in kitchen hood exhaust and duct systems. 

LightSources Offers UVC Lamps for Commercial Kitchen Sterilization

LightSources and LightTech lead the UV germicidal lamp industry with a wide selection of high-performance UV sterilization lamps.  We offer low pressure mercury lamps, amalgam lamps, medium pressure UV lamps, as well as custom and specialty UV lamp solutions.  Our lighting engineers possess deep technical knowledge of UV radiation and technology, offering custom phosphor blends to meet your specific disinfection requirements. 

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UVC germicidal lamps engineered with proprietary UV technology.  Our LongLife+ extends lamp life to outlast and outperform comparable lamps while Shatter ProTech provides shatterproof technology to prevent mercury contamination and increase safety.  Contact us to learn more about our UV sterilization solutions for commercial kitchens and restaurants. 

Does UV Light Kill Superbugs Like MRSA?

 

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a powerful form of electromagnetic radiation that occurs naturally from the sun and is replicated in UV lamps.  UV light is emitted at wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum that fall between X-rays and visible light in the range of 10 to 400 nanometer (nm).  UV light is not visible to the human eye as it has a higher frequency and shorter wavelengths that images our brain can perceive. 

UV light is further broken down into UVA, UVB and UVC, with UVC wavelengths being the most powerful for germ killing action.  UVC light has been recognized for centuries as having powerful germicidal properties.  UVC light emitted at precisely 254 nm is known to quickly eradicate viruses and bacteria by penetrating the cells of microorganisms and altering the DNA to prevent replication.  

A cell that cannot replicate poses no threat and is no longer a harmful pathogen.  UVC germicidal lamps are known to effectively eliminate tough viruses, bacteria, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), even mold, mildew and other harmful microorganisms. UV light is also proven to effectively eliminate some of the toughest superbugs out there like vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), C. difficile, Acinetobacter and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Hospitals are using UV light in many types of UV germicidal systems such as in HVAC units for cleaner air and in UVC robots to clean hospital rooms.  UVC radiation is proven effective on superbugs when exposed for the right amount of time, some germs are eradicated in seconds while others require a few minutes of exposure.  

LightSources Offers Effective UVC Germicidal Lamps

LightSources is a world leading supplier of high-quality, high-performance UV lamps including a wide selection of UVC germicidal lamps.  We offer low pressure amalgam lamps, low, medium and high pressure mercury lamps, ozone lamps, soft glass, quartz, and compact lamps.  Consider our quartz sleeves for protection, proprietary technology like Shatter ProTech shatterproof technology or LongLife+™ which extends lamp life up to 16,000 hours. 

LightSources leads the industry with high-tech lamp design and manufacturing including custom lamp engineering to meet your specifications.  We follow a strict quality policy to provide quality products delivered on time.  Contact us to learn more about our UVC germicidal lamp products and technologies. 

UVC Robots are Disinfecting Hospitals with Germicidal Lamps

 

Current events have drawn attention to the need for greater disinfection and sterilization systems and raised awareness to the benefits of automatic sterilization such as from UVC robots. Ultraviolet (UV) light disinfectant robots are increasing in use in busy, populated areas such as airports, congregation halls and especially in hospitals. UVC robots can eliminate 99.99% of viruses and bacteria in a hospital room in less time than a human can clean the room and with greater effectiveness.  

The UVC radiation emitted from UVC germicidal lamps reaches into corners and crevices, from the ceiling to the baseboards and everything in between without missing a spot that can occur with human cleaning and the possibility of human error. Hospital employees can set the robot up in a patient room and leave the room for about 15 minutes while the robot roams around disinfecting every surface. The employee can come back and simply flip over mattresses and turnover call buttons and leave the room again to run a second cycle.

Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) were already a serious problem before the pandemic of 2020, with nearly 1 in 25 patients in a hospital acquiring an infection due to their stay, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Deploying UVC robots in hospitals provides significant protection to patients against contracting superbugs left in the room from previous patients.

LightSources Offers UVC Germicidal Lamps and Components

LightSources and LightTech are leading global suppliers of high-quality UVC germicidal lamps and components found in a multitude of applications worldwide, including UVC robots. The LightSources group is recognized for employing the leading high-tech lighting engineers in the industry, offering custom designed lamps with custom phosphor blends to meet your specifications. 

We follow a strict quality policy as part of our ISO9001:2015 registration and deliver quality products on-time, worldwide.  We have developed several proprietary technologies which deliver first to market products designed with innovative lighting technology for longer-lasting, high-performance UV lamps. We support OEMs of all sizes with quality product, timely delivery, and prototype solutions.

LightSources is committed to delivering high quality, high performance UVC germicidal lamps proven to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens, bacteria, and viruses. We custom design UVC germicidal lamps to meet your specifications with quick turnaround time on prototypes to high volume production. Contact us to speak with an engineer and learn how to improve your UV lamp and component source with high-quality, cost-effective UV lamp solutions.

UV Sterilization for Water Treatment

Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization is quick, effective, cost-efficient and offers many benefits over other disinfection methods. UV radiation emitted in short, UVC wavelengths, is proven effective at killing many harmful germs such as bacteria, viruses, volatile organic compounds and even harmful disease causing germs which are resistant to chlorine. UV sterilization is used worldwide with usage expected to continually increase in all UV disinfection applications.

UV disinfection lamps and treatment systems are used in many industries to kill germs on surfaces, in the air and in water.  UV sterilization systems are found in food and beverage processing plants, in air treatment systems including HVAC in-duct UV systems and many types of water sterilization applications worldwide.

UV Water Sterilization Applications

Ultraviolet sterilization systems are used to treat water in many different applications. Great strides have been made by UV lamp manufacturers to improve effectiveness even in large, high volume water processing applications.  UV lamp disinfection for water is replacing chemical treatment methods in many municipalities, drinking water treatment and wastewater treatment systems.
UV sterilization for water treatment processes can be found in a host of applications such as:

• Wastewater treatment
• Municipalities drinking water treatment
• Ballast water treatment systems used in the shipping industry
• Aquatic life sciences
• Aquariums and fish hatcheries
• Pools and spas

UV water disinfection treatment systems are found in these water applications and many others, offering many benefits when compared to chemical treatment processes.

Benefits of UV Water Sterilization Systems

UV water sterilization offers many benefits over chemical treatment methods. One of the biggest advantages of UV sterilization is that it is environmentally friendly and does not release the harmful by products into the environment like chemical treatment does.  Another advantage is that ultraviolet radiation kills cryptosporidium and giardia bacterium, harmful parasites which cause intestinal illness and are resistant to chlorine.

UV water disinfection provides many advantages over other methods which include:

• Proven effectiveness at killing germs
• No harmful byproducts such as with chemical disinfection use
• Cost-saving efficiencies with little to no maintenance and no need to purchase, store or dispose of chemicals

UV water sterilization offers these benefits and many others, with powerful and reliable UV germicidal lamps. 

The LightSources Group offers high-tech, UV germicidal lamps with custom designed options available to meet specific requirements.  We deliver new and innovative UV lamps engineered with proprietary technology which outperform and outlast comparable lamps. Contact us to learn how to improve your germicidal applications with custom designed UV sterilization lamps.  

How Do Ultraviolet Lamps Kill Bacteria?

Ultraviolet (UV) lamps harness the power of ultraviolet radiation which is a proven disinfectant and deodorizer. Ultraviolet, or beyond violet, is electromagnetic energy which is actually invisible to the human eye.  UV light is measured in wavelengths, referred to as nanometers (nm),  and falls into three basic categories of UVA, UVB and UVC light.

UVC radiation when emitted at precisely 254 nm is proven to be highly effective at eliminating bacteria, viruses, mold spores, fungi, mildew, harmful microorganisms and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). UVC germicidal lamps are proven to instantly eradicate these harmful contaminants in many surface, water and air purification systems.

When UVC wavelengths emitted at 254 nm are exposed to these harmful microorganisms, the UV radiation instantly penetrates the DNA of these living cells and alters the DNA so they cannot replicate. Harmful microorganisms that cannot replicate are considered to be harmless. UV radiation emitted at 185 nm produces ozone which is proven to oxidize, sanitize and deodorize foul odors.

LightSources Offers UVC Germicidal Lamp Solutions

The LightSources Group is recognized worldwide as an authority on UV lamp design and engineering for a multitude of industries including UVC germicidal applications. UVC germicidal lamps are typically low pressure, Mercury lamps which are engineered to emit precisely 254 nm of UVC radiation while producing a Mercury arc. These powerful germicidal lamps contain a blend of gases such as Neon and Argon or custom blends.

The LightSources Group is experienced in designing custom phosphor blends to reach the desired wavelength emission. Germicidal lamp bodies are typically manufactured in fused quartz designed to emit 185 nm and 254 nm, a quartz and titanium blend which blocks out 185 nm to prevent ozone production or a soft glass lamp body.

LightSources also offers surface sterilization lamps which emit 222 nm and are Mercury free. This UVC germicidal lamp warm-up instantly with 100% effectiveness without requiring the typical warm-up time of other UVC germicidal lamps.  The Excimer series is highly effective for surface sterilization and can be found in many commercial, industrial and residential applications.

The LightSources Group delivers high-tech lamp solutions with cutting-edge, UV technology. We are dedicated to delivering long-lasting high quality and cost-efficient OEM oriented solutions. Contact us to learn more about our wide selection of lamp products and with any questions on UVC germicidal lamps.

Do UV Germicidal Lamps Really Work?

An ultraviolet (UV) germicidal lamp produces ultraviolet radiation with electricity. UV radiation is proven to eliminate harmful germs, bacteria, viruses and microorganisms within seconds of exposure. UV radiation emitted at 254 nm is the most effective wavelength which instantly penetrates the DNA of these harmful cells and renders them unable to replicate. Viruses and germs that cannot multiplied to infectious levels are considered dead and harmless.

Low-pressure Mercury discharge lamps are similar in construction to fluorescent lamps although the inner lamp wall does not have a phosphor coating which allows the right amount of UV radiation to filter through.  Low-pressure Mercury germicidal lamps convert up to 40% of electricity into UV radiation. 

The lamp body of a UV germicidal lamp is made with soft glass, quartz or pure fused quartz. Lamp bodies constructed with pure fused quartz of 185 nm as well as 254 nm emissions with VH (very high) glass.  UV germicidal lamps that transmit 185 nm of UV radiation produce ozone which is a known oxidizer and sanitizer. Ozone effectively eliminates foul odors in the air and can be transmitted through the air to reach places direct UV exposure cannot reach.

UV lamps manufactured with quartz and titanium block out 185 nm emissions to transmit 254 nm of UVC radiation only. UVC lamps engineered with L glass is soft glass which transmits 254 nm UV radiation for germicidal effectiveness.  Electrodes located at each lamp and connect an external current source to the Mercury gas discharge device.

The germicidal lamp body is filled with either pure argon gas or a mixture of rare gasses including neon and argon. A small amount of mercury produces the necessary UVC radiation.  UV germicidal lamps really do work although it is best to speak with a reputable UV lamp manufacturer to be sure that you achieve the right emissions of UV radiation for your application.

LightSources has constructed patented UVC germicidal lamps which outlast and outperform comparable products with energy efficiency and safety features included.  You can find our germicidal lamps in air purification systems and water sterilization applications worldwide.

The LightSources group is a leading global supplier of proven UV germicidal layouts and high-tech lighting solutions.  We provide a wide selection of UVC germicidal lamp products proven in applications worldwide. Contact us to learn more and for custom designed UV lamp solutions to fit your needs.

Do UV Air Purifiers Eliminate Mold?

Ultraviolet (UV) lamps have been used for years for effective elimination of mold and mold spores. UV lamps combined with in duct air purification systems such as in HVAC and AC units effectively eliminate bacteria in air along with microscopic organisms, mold, mildew and viruses to prevent airborne contamination and illnesses. UV air purifiers improve the health and wellness of people in commercial and residential settings by sterilizing the air we breathe. 

Mold and mold spores can become a real problem as well as a health hazard. While eliminating a mold problem once it has been allowed to occur can take a lot of work with varying results, it is best to prevent the spread of mold spores and contamination in the first place.

Hospitals, schools, colleges, daycares, doctor’s offices and businesses all benefit from providing clean and healthy air for residents and visitors.  UVC germicidal lamps are designed to emit UV radiation at a specific wavelength, proven to instantly destroy harmful contaminants. UVC also lamps also eliminate foul odors while purifying and sterilizing the air. 

LightSources Supplies Proven UVC Lamps for Air Purification Systems

LightSources is recognized as a leading global supplier of UVC solutions with germicidal lamps found in air purification and treatment systems worldwide.  We deliver high-tech UV lamp solutions developed with proprietary technology for longer-lasting germicidal effectiveness. Our UVC lamps are proven in many commercial and industrial air purification systems, improving health and wellness with clean and purified air.

Our vast global resources include a high-tech glass factory in Europe in several partner companies committed to excellence with high performance lamps and lighting solutions.

The LightSources Group is known for delivering first to market, high-tech UV lamp solutions to a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. We deliver high-performance UVC germicidal lamps proven to outlast and outperform the competition. Contact us to learn more about our UVC germicidal solutions with custom options available.

Knowledge is Power – See our Education Tab for Valuable Information

LightSources and all of our affiliates; LightTech, LCD Lighting, Voltarc and Cerlux, are committed to providing exceptional customer service not only with our products, but with a valuable intangible asset – knowledge.  You will find an EDUCATION tab on each section of lamp styles, for additional comprehensive information related to that specific type of light.

Within this section, you will find downloadable .pdf documents on a variety of topics including: handling of broken lamps, material safety data sheets on all of our components, education on germicidal lamps including drawings, leaflets and current marketing material, a helpful form for designing your own custom lighting solution, and much more.

You will also find a General FAQ section, for answers to questions such as:

Are UVC Rays harmful to humans?

How does UVC work as a germicide?

What are the characteristics of soft glass?

…And many additional frequently asked questions.

The Glossary of Terms can explain such terms as Nanometer, Wavelength, and Spectral Output.  A description of the various nomenclature used are also explained, so when you see PHHA, you’ll know that it means Preheat Amalgam Horizontal High Output, and you can quickly check our nomenclature section for an explanation of that and any other terminology you would like further explanation on.

Additional information is also available for all of our partner companies, including their website, contact information, and industry-specific organizations.  The LightSources group strives not only to provide you with state-of-the-art customizable lighting solutions, but also to educate and share our vast conglomerate of knowledge and resources.

If you have any questions regarding a lighting solution, please visit our Education section, or feel free to pick up the phone and call one of our experts first hand.  As world leaders in providing superior lighting solutions, we aim to please and providing exemplary customer service above all else, is our number one goal.

LightSources and our affiliated companies represent the leading high-tech designers and manufacturers in the lamp industry today.  Our team consists of the most highly skilled professionals that specialize in a range of innovative solutions.  Please contact us to learn more about our broad range of standard and custom lighting solutions.

Customer Satisfaction is Our Number One Priority

At LightSources customer satisfaction is our number one priority.  We strive to not only produce the highest quality of standard and custom specialty lamps on the market but also to ensure our clients get the best product to help them to succeed in their respective industries.  LightSources’ commitment includes designing and manufacturing high-tech, innovative products as well as building strong, strategic partnerships with our clients. It is because of these relationships that we are able to mass-produce new types of proprietary and specialty lamps so cost-effectively and with such short turnaround times. 

As a large global operation, LightSources has the resources to offer all of the services you require.  Currently we serve customers in over 60 countries and across 6 continents with manufacturing, sales, and distribution locations in North America and Europe.  Additionally we have a sales office in China.  Our years of experience and expertise means we know how to keep transportations costs low, and we will ship by road, rail, sea or air to best meet your needs.  Also we will efficiently handle all of the documentation involved in exporting and importing the products.

Furthermore, while our client base includes some of the largest OEMs in the world, we also partner with small and medium size OEMs and entrepreneurs.  Our professional team will assist you in the process starting with a prototype right through to the finished product.  Services including designing, engineering, testing and delivering customized specialty lamps that meet the requirements of virtually any application. 

                                             

By offering unmatched flexibility and turnaround, LightSources’ innovative customized products let you distinguish yourself in the marketplace with your own proprietary products and private brands.  Visit our website to learn more about our broad range of standard and custom specialty lamps and how we may assist you. 

LightSources and  our affiliated companies, Voltarc and LCD Lighting along with strategic partners, LightTech and Cerlux, offer outstanding service and exceptional products.   Our standard lamps and components as well as customized products offer high-quality solutions to meet our partner’s unique needs.  Please contact us for more information.

 

Discover Our Advantages - Flexible Supply and Just in Time Inventory

If you are small or large OEM, establishing a business alliance with LightSources, LightTech and our affiliates, LCD Lighting, Voltarc and Cerlux offers numerous benefits.  Together the LightSources group represents one of the leading designers and manufacturers of quality standard lamps and components as well as proprietary customized solutions to meet virtually any need. 

By forming long-term partnerships, we can help our clients to get a competitive edge in their prospective markets.  Our vast global operations give us the capacity and resources to offer OEMs a flexibly supply to ensure that production and project deadlines are met.  We have manufacturing, sales, and distribution locations in North America and Europe as well as a sales office in China.  Manufacturing facilities include LightTech’s advanced fluorescent glass factory in Dunakeszi, Hungary, which has the capacity to manufacture T4, T5, T6, T8, T10 & T12 fluorescent and germicidal soft glass.  This allows us to get products into the hands of clients quickly and efficiently.  

Our extensive operations also means we are able to offer large OEMs what we call the “Just in Time Inventory”, which is our way of expediting a fast, economical supply of products to clients.  To best serve international customers, we maintain KanBan systems so we can offer clients automatic levels of inventory control.  

Another benefit of partnering with LightSources and LightTech is our range of economical shipping options whether it is by road, rail, sea or air.  In fact, we now serve OEMs in over 60 countries and in 6 continents.  Regardless of where you are located, we can handle your entire transaction from prototype and design, to manufacturing and transportation.  We also have the experience to adeptly deal with customs’ documentation as related to the importing and exporting of goods.     

LightSources and our affiliated companies represent the leading high-tech designers and manufacturers in the lamp industry today.  Our products are used world-wide in a multitude of applications and industries such as our avionic display backlighting that is part of the National Defense and US Space Program.  The LightSources team consists of the most highly skilled professionals that specialize in a range of innovative solutions.