UV Light Prevents Grease Build Up in Kitchen Exhaust

 Kitchen hood exhaust systems in commercial kitchens serve a very important purpose, to pull grease particles up and away through mechanical filters.  Kitchen exhaust systems vent excess heat above kitchen stoves and extract grease particles, leaving smaller particulates that may linger in the hood exhaust system.  These kitchen exhaust systems can encounter grease build-up in the vents if they are not cleaned regularly or treated with UV light sterilization solutions. 

How Does UV Light Help Kitchen Hood Exhausts?

Ultraviolet (UV) light emits UV radiation, electromagnetic energy, and is harnessed in UV germicidal lamps used in a vast range of applications.  UV light is used to purify the air, disinfect water and sterilize surfaces.  Utilizing UV light in kitchen hood exhaust systems provides many benefits beyond sterilization.  Kitchen hood UV exhaust systems can actually prevent grease build-up in the exhaust duct work.  

UVC lamps break down grease through photolysis and ozonolysis. UV light causes a photochemical reaction, breaking down the molecular bond while ozonolysis oxidizes the grease molecules. By breaking down the grease particles, they are converted into particles that are much easier to clean and do not build-up grease in the kitchen hood.  

This brings many benefits to restaurant owners by mitigating the risk of a grease fire, which can often occur with grease build-up in the exhaust hood.  UV kitchen exhaust systems also help kitchens to meet stringent health department code regulations by helping to keep the kitchen cleaner.  This provides a better work environment for employees and helps to maintain health standards for patrons. 

UV Lamps are Key to Successful UV Sterilization Systems

Using the right UV lamps for your UV kitchen exhaust sterilization system is key to successful prevention of grease build-up and sterilization.  UV germicidal lamps designed to emit 254 nanometer (nm) are effective in sterilizing air and surfaces.  Ozone producing lamps emit UV energy at 185 nm and are commonly used in air and water disinfection applications, deodorizing the air and reaching places that standard UV radiation cannot reach. 

When searching for the best UV lamps for your sterilization application, contact an experienced UV lamp manufacturer like LightSources. 

LightSources leads the industry in UVC germicidal lamp production, with a wide range of low-pressure, amalgam and many other lamp types designed with proprietary technology.  We provide high-quality UVC lamps proven to outlast and outperform comparable lamps of the same size.  Contact us to learn more and for custom lamp requirements for your UV germicidal application.

Solutions for Challenges Facing Hospital Disinfection

 Disinfection practices in hospitals have always been of great concern with the number of patients carrying viruses and bacteria, and the potential exposure to patients with compromised immune systems.  Hospital acquired infections are infections that occur within the first 48 hour of being admitted to the hospital, within the first three days following a hospital discharge or within the first 30 days after an operation.  The Center for Disease Control, CDC, estimates that approximately one in every 25 of hospital patients in the U.S. contracts a hospital acquired infection (HAI).  Many HAIs are resistant to treatment with antibiotics and can lead to sepsis or even death. 

HAIs and disinfecting patient rooms are of great concern for hospital staff for many reasons:

• Patients being discharged may have had a contagious, serious viral or bacterial infection

• Incoming patients are already ill and may have a compromised immune system

• Hospital staff move from room to room and have a high potential to carry pathogens from one patient room to the next

Hospital Cleaning Practices

Hospitals take their cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting practices very seriously. Even with the most careful cleaning procedures, human error can contribute to less than sanitary conditions. Disinfecting patient rooms thoroughly can be challenging due to many factors such as:

• Using contaminated cloths which spread disease

• Using diluted disinfectant cleaning solutions

• Insufficient contact time of cleaners with surfaces

• Human error, cleaning staff can miss an area when manually cleaning

Adding UV Light Disinfection

Adding UV light disinfection to standard hospital cleaning practices has been proven to greatly increase sterilization success. UV light in shortwave UVC radiation quickly eradicates many viruses and bacteria with high efficacy and can reach into places that manual cleaning cannot access.  

UV germicidal lamp manufacturers design and engineer UVC lamps to emit the most powerful wavelength of UVC radiation at 254 nanometer.  UVC radiation penetrates the cells of viruses and bacteria, rendering them unable to replicate and leaving them harmless. High-quality UVC germicidal lamps are the key to effective UV sterilization.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UVC germicidal lamps, with a wide range of UV germicidal lamp types.  We offer standard low-pressure mercury lamps, amalgam lamps with proprietary technology, Germipak, U-lamps and custom engineered solutions.  Contact us to learn more about our high-performance UV germicidal lamps.

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 Making an Appearance in Many Places

 

UVC robots can vary in shape or size, from small handheld devices that float across countertops to large, autonomous robots that look like a big fancy space heater on wheels. The UVC germicidal lamps mounted to these robots are the key components in providing high levels of sterilization against many known harmful viruses, bacteria and pathogens. In light of current world events, many hospitals began incorporating UVC robots to sterilize patient rooms, bathrooms and hallways and other public places are taking notice.

You might now see a UVC robot making its way through an airport, in schools and on college campuses and are being utilized in jails and correctional facilities.  UVC radiation has long been known to eradicate many harmful germs including serious viruses, bacteria, and superbugs like vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).  UVC sterilization lamps are known to kill tuberculosis bacteria as well as SARS, a Cov-2 coronavirus strain. 

UV light emitted in the UVC wavelength precisely between 250 and 260 nm is proven to kill many harmful pathogens quickly and effectively. UV light emitted from roaming UVC robots can disinfect hard to reach places in much less time than it would take for a thorough human cleaning.  Combining standard human disinfection practices with UVC robots, however, is more effective than utilizing only one method of sterilization.

LightSources Is a Leading Supplier of UVC Robot Lamps

LightSources and strategic partner LightTech are leading global suppliers of high quality UVC germicidal lamps found in a multitude of sterilization applications worldwide.  We offer a wide selection of germicidal lamps in varying sizes and shapes designed for a multitude of germicidal applications.  

Our proprietary technology such as LongLife₊ which can be applied to all of our germicidal lamps, drastically extends product lifecycle while preventing accelerated depreciation which commonly occurs in high intensity lamps.

The LightSources group offers the world’s leading high-tech UV lamp designers and engineers. Our team is dedicated to extensive research and development and delivering effective, cost-efficient and eco-friendly solutions. Contact us to speak with an engineer and learn how to improve your UVC robot performance with longer-lasting, high-tech UVC germicidal lamps.

How Restaurant Owners Benefit from UV Sterilization

 

Ultraviolet (UV) light has been proven for centuries to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses and is widely used in many environments and applications for disinfection purposes. UV light sterilization provides overwhelming benefits to many industries, especially restaurants and food preparation facilities. 

Ultraviolet sterilization can be delivered in many ways to protect nearly every single area of a restaurant including food prep countertops, kitchen areas, walk-in freezers, kitchen exhaust hoods, and dining areas. In addition to providing clean surfaces, UV light is used directly on food items in food irradiation which is safe and improves food quality.  UV air purification systems protect patrons from airborne disease and water sterilization ensures clean water free from harmful microorganisms.

Food Irradiation

UV exposure directly to food items is called food irradiation which is completely safe, helps to prevent foodborne illnesses and prolongs food shelf life.  Food irradiation provides many benefits to restaurants such as:

Reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses such as Salmonella, listeria, E. coli and other harmful microorganisms

Extends the shelf life of many food items

Reduces food spoilage

Lowers the risk of importing or exporting pesky insects hidden inside food products

Lessens the need for additives such as antioxidants and preservatives

Lessens the need for pesticides

Reduces early sprouting in potatoes, onions, spices and herbs

UV Surface Sterilization in Restaurants 

UV light sterilization systems provide clean surfaces free from harmful germs, bacteria and viruses simply by emitting UVC light in the right wavelength over countertops and food preparation areas. UV lights can be installed over counters, stoves, food buffets, delis and even walk-in freezers and kitchen hood exhausts.

UV sterilization lamps installed in walk-in freezers help to prevent mold and mildew which can easily occur in cool, damp places. UV lights in kitchen hood exhausts actually help to prevent grease buildup by altering the molecular structure of the grease into components which are more easily cleaned and removed, thus helping to prevent fires.

UV Air Purification Systems in Restaurants

Installing UV air purification systems in HVAC ductwork cleans and sanitizes air circulating through closed in spaces such as restaurant dining areas.  Restaurant owners can provide a healthier dining area for their patrons with clean air, free from airborne contaminants and disease.

LightSources Supports UV Sterilization Systems for Restaurants

LightSources leads the UV germicidal lamp industry with a wide selection of lamps designed for specific sterilization solutions as well as high-tech lamp designers offering custom engineered products. Our lamp engineers are the best in the business with in-depth technical knowledge of UV radiation, lamp design, construction, operation and UV technology.

LightSources supports OEMs worldwide with high-tech, high-quality UVC germicidal lamps. We offer patent protected lamp products and proprietary technology for longer lasting, increased germicidal effectiveness. Contact us to speak with an engineer and learn how to improve your germicidal systems including UVC sterilization for restaurants.

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.