UV Light Keeps Kitchens and Restaurants Cleaner

 

Restaurants have been finding innovative ways to keep patrons safe from germs while keeping their doors open. Ultraviolet (UV) light and the powerful germicidal benefits of UVC energy is nothing new, although restaurant owners are taking notice of the many ways this germicidal technology can help their business. UVC lamps are part of many systems worldwide such as air purification systems, water disinfection systems and surface sterilization systems.

Where UVC Lamps Help Restaurants

High intensity UVC lamps have proven efficacy in eliminating a wide range of harmful pathogens including viruses, bacteria, mildew, and mold. This germicidal technology can be harnessed in various systems to protect food directly in addition to protecting surfaces, water, and the air in enclosed spaces. Here are some of the most popular areas of installing UV sterilization lamps for restaurants and food service applications:

Food irradiation - The short wave electromagnetic energy has powerful sterilization effects, keeping food safe with UV germicidal irradiation. UV lamps can help to keep food fresher, longer, and prevent early spoilage as well as preventing many harmful germs like E. Coli and Salmonella.

Kitchen hood exhaust systems – UV energy has the ability to prevent the buildup of grease in commercial kitchen hoods. This mitigates fire risk, reduces equipment maintenance, and prevents foul odors that can occur from grease buildup.

Keep walk-in freezers clean – UV lamps prevent mold and mildew from forming in cool, damp places like walk-in freezers which is critically important to storing fresh food and meeting health code regulations.

Air sterilization in eating areas – sterilizing the air that circulates through a restaurant’s HVAC system helps to keep patrons safer with cleaner, purified air. UV lamps in HVAC systems keep the air cleaner by eliminating airborne pathogens and removing foul odors from the air.

UVC Lamps for Restaurants and Kitchens

LightSources is a leading supplier of UVC germicidal lamps found in UV sterilization systems worldwide. We offer a wide selection of germicidal lamps including:


Low pressure mercury lamps

Medium pressure UV lamps (MPUV)

Amalgam lamps with proprietary technology

High intensity UV lamps

Specialty UV lamps

Customizable lamp design solutions

Prototype solutions

LightSources offers quality UVC germicidal lamps engineered with proprietary technology that outlasts and outperform comparable lamps.

LightSources employs the leading, high-tech UV lamp engineers in the industry with deep technical knowledge of UV radiation and lamp design. We follow a strict quality policy as part of our ISO9001:2015 registration and provide quick turn-around time to meet your production schedules. Contact us to learn more about how our high-quality germicidal lamps can improve your restaurant and kitchen UV sterilization systems.

UV Efficiencies in AC Units

Almost everyone enjoys the refreshing comfort of an AC unit in their home, commercial or industrial location during the heat of summer. But along with that comfort come microorganisms, mold, and mildew inherent in the passageways of an AC system. These unwanted intruders make the system work harder and shorten the mechanisms’ operating life.

AC Units: Breeding Ground for Pathogens

They can also cause a variety of ailments, including colds, allergies, COPD, bronchitis, asthma, headaches, and nausea. More serious illnesses include lung infections, pulmonary disease, autoimmune deficiency, and even cancer. This can cause serious long-term health consequences, even for those with no other underlying health conditions.

No amount of human labor, even by a licensed professional, can eliminate all the microorganisms and spores that collect in the vents, coils, and drain pans, and along the other interior surfaces of an AC system. Even the highest-quality HEPA filter cannot trap all the potentially toxic microscopic pathogens and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that escape the AC system. The application of chemicals will only dispel toxins into the same area the AC blower system is intended to service.

UV Light Prevents Build-Up and Improves Efficiency

The answer is to install, with a new AC unit or as a retrofitted adjunct to an existing unit, a UV light sterilization system, particularly with light in the frequency of 253.7 nanometers (commonly referred to as 254 nm). UV light at that pinpointed frequency will instantly destroy the nucleus of each microorganism that passes through its radiation. Such UV light purification systems will work with optimum efficiency at temperatures ranging from 40° to 120° F, can be programmed to radiate 24/7 or only in tandem with the AC blower, and are virtually maintenance free, with bulbs lasting several thousand hours.

The UV in-duct version of AC purification systems should be mounted near and downstream from the system’s coil and should be aimed at the coil and condensation pan. The efficiencies gained from installing a UV germicidal AC purification system are many and varied. Families will be healthier, with less time spent taking the kids to the doctor. Workforces will operate more efficiently with greater productivity and decreased absenteeism.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of high-quality UV germicidal lamps to suit HVAC sterilization needs.  We design, engineer and manufacture high-tech germicidal lamps to meet various disinfection system needs and OEM specifications. Contact us to learn more about our many options for UVC germicidal lamps.

Keeping Food Safe with UV Light

In the food growing, processing, and service industries, a lot of things can go wrong. Dangerous contaminants lurk around seemingly every corner during each step of the process of bringing food from the field to the table. As a result, the agricultural, food processing, and restaurant businesses are subject to some of the most stringent regulations, resulting in increased costs, both to producers and consumers.

UV light food sterilization equipment can play an indispensable part as a silent partner in keeping food safe and of optimal quality for human consumption. UV light can be used to destroy harmful microbes, viruses, and other microorganisms that can threaten to shut down a business, temporarily or permanently, through substantial government fines, product recalls, costly litigation, and their resultant bad publicity.

UV Food Sterilization Keeps Food Fresher Longer

Properly installed and operated, UV light food sterilization systems can effectively and efficiently ensure that food and beverage products are free from the harmful microorganisms that human effort alone cannot begin to adequately combat. The result is a safer end product that stays fresher longer, increasing shelf life and preventing premature sprouting of foods like potatoes and onions.

Products during processing are invariably exposed to the air and various surfaces within the sphere of operation. UV germicidal lamps can continuously sterilize such air and surfaces, along with any water used for rinsing products or included as an ingredient in the production process. Surfaces may include everything from tables to slicers and grinders to pans, bottles, and conveyor belts, to the final packaging material, all of which can be constantly sanitized by UV light.

UV light sterilization systems are relatively low cost and very low maintenance, and eliminate the need for chemicals, herbicides, and pesticides. Examples of food industries efficiently and effectively benefited by UV light sterilization systems are beef, fish, and poultry producers; dairy and cheesemakers; beverage companies; liquid sweetener manufacturers, such as corn syrup; frozen food companies; bakeries (where UV light was first used to treat flour and yeast to eliminate insects); fruit and vegetable producers; and chocolatiers.

LightSources is a leading supplier of UVC germicidal lamps, found in air, surface, and water sterilization applications around the globe. We offer a wide selection of UV lamps and equipment to meet the needs of any surface, water or air sterilization system.  Contact us to speak with an engineer about our high-tech UV germicidal lamps.

UVC Robots Enter the Battle Against COVID

COVID-19 and its variants have been ravaging the globe for more than a year now, and hopefully the war is winding to its conclusion, with increased vaccinations and increasingly knowledgeable diligence by citizens to help curb the spread of infection.

There is another significant weapon in the fight against COVID: UVC germicidal lamp robots. Several scientific studies have confirmed UVC light’s effectiveness in killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, and businesses, particularly hospitals, are increasingly deploying robots to aid in sterilization of air and surfaces. Many hospitals across the United States are using UV light robots as an added layer of protection against the spread of the pernicious virus. 

Human resources and personal protective equipment are sometimes pressed to exhaustion during surges in COVID-19 cases. That is when UV robots can provide valuable resources with additional sterilization.  UVC robots can be programmed to enter a hospital room after the manual cleaning is complete and finish the job by killing bacteria and viruses missed by overworked staff. The robots can work tirelessly and even navigate back to their charging ports when sensing depletion of their battery power.

UVC germicidal lamps have been proven effective in eliminating causes all along the spectrum of coronavirus diseases, including Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).  

UVC Robots Valuable in Many Settings

The value of UVC robots does not end with battling coronaviruses. They also reduce risk of the most common Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) generated from superbugs that invade hospital environments. UVC robots are increasingly employed outside the medical field where masses gather in concentrated locations, such as airports, train stations, shopping malls, and public shelters. 

As with any UVC sterilization system, the type of germicidal UV lamps is key to reaching maximum disinfection. LightSources is a leader among UV lamp manufacturers, with decades of experience, a global presence, and the leading high-tech lamp engineers in the industry.

LightSources follows a strict quality policy as part of our ISO9001:2015 certification and provides high-tech germicidal lamps that outlast and outperform comparable lamps. Our lighting engineers possess in-depth knowledge of lamp manufacturing design and engineering and UV radiation, offering custom solutions to meet various sterilization needs. Contact us to speak to an engineer about our UVC germicidal lamps for UVC light robots.

UVC Germicidal Technology: Purifying Air, Land, and Sea Around the Globe

UVC germicidal technology efficiently and powerfully provides a wide variety of sterilization methods for air, water, and solid surfaces around the world.

 UVC lamps effectively and safely eradicate bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants upon contact, and is used where pure air, water, and surfaces are imperative for industries such as food processing plants, restaurants, and healthcare facilities.

 

UVC germicidal lamps purify the air breathed by occupants by eradicating microorganisms that cause odor, contaminate product, and germinate unhealthy conditions, from mild allergies to severe, even life-threatening illnesses. This results in a healthier workforce, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity.

 

Besides applications for industrial and retail businesses, UVC technology is used in a variety of other settings, such as:

• Air purification in HVAC systems used in residential, commercial, industrial, and government environments

• Agriculture, to eradicate harmful contaminants, benefiting livestock as well as humans

• Municipal wastewater treatment and water supplies, to provide safe drinking water and minimize the dangers of public aquatic amenities, such as city pools and spas

• Aquaculture, to treat water used in fish hatcheries and aquaponics, thus increasing yield and product quality

UVC germicidal lamps offer safe alternatives to chemical use that often pose more harm than good.  Examples of UVC surface disinfection include keeping grocery produce departments, bakeries, meat cases, and food buffets disease-free; quickly and effectively sterilizing medical laboratory equipment; and keeping cafeteria surfaces and equipment safe for students and faculty.

 

Ultraviolet light emitted in the UVC range not only powerfully eliminates germs like bacteria and viruses, but can also prevent mold and mildew.

 

UV light systems can operate effectively in a wide range of temperatures, from restaurant walk-in freezers to residential and commercial furnace mechanisms.

 

In addition, UV lamps can increase equipment efficiency and reduce maintenance effort and costs by preventing buildup of harmful mold, fungus, mildew, and other residue that can throw the proverbial monkey wrench into the operation of a mechanical system.

 

LightSources and our valued partners LCD Lighting,  LightTech, Voltarc and Cerlux are recognized as leaders in fluorescent and ultraviolet technology industry.  We offer the highest performing UVC germicidal lamps available today.  Contact us to learn more about our UVC lamp solutions for all germicidal applications.

Why Restaurants Use UV Lights in Kitchen Hood Exhausts

Ultraviolet (UV) light is electromagnetic energy emitted in various wavelengths, UVA, UVB and short wave UVC radiation.  UVC wavelengths in the range of 254 nanometer (nm) are proven to be highly effective and eliminating harmful microorganisms providing powerful germicidal effects.  But did you know that UVC lamps deliver many more benefits to restaurants and commercial kitchens by protecting kitchen equipment as well as sterilizing air and surfaces? 

UVC Lamps Protect Kitchen Equipment

Restaurant owners everywhere are wondering how to improve their facilities to provide a cleaner, more sterile environment. UVC lamps are providing the answer with many air purification and surface sterilization systems featuring UVC light.  UVC lamps eliminate the threat of viruses and bacteria such as Salmonella and E. Coli on surfaces and also eradicate airborne pathogens when installed correctly in air purification or HVAC systems. UV radiation has other interesting properties by breaking down grease particles and preventing grease buildup on commercial kitchens and exhaust hoods. 

How Does UV Light Prevent Grease Buildup

UVC lamps help to prevent the buildup of grease on kitchen exhaust equipment through a two-part process known as photolysis and ozonolysis. During photolysis, UV radiation alters the molecular bond of grease and ozonolysis oxidizes the grease molecules. This prevents heavy duty grease build up that occurs in kitchen hood exhaust fans, making kitchen fans much more efficient, cleaner, and easier to maintain. 

Germicidal UV lamps prolong equipment life and mitigate the risk of fire by preventing grease buildup in kitchen exhaust systems.  Restaurant owners enjoy a cleaner kitchen with less work to keep the exhaust system clean and find it easier to meet stringent health department regulations with a cleaner kitchen. This improves health standards for restaurant patrons and keeps a cleaner environment for employees. 

LightSources Offers UVC Lamps for Restaurants and Kitchen UV Systems

LightSources offers germicidal UVC lamps for use in surface and air sterilization systems for restaurants, including lamps for UV kitchen hood exhaust systems. We offer a wide product line with sterilization lamps in all shapes and sizes for use in water, air, and surface sterilization systems worldwide.  Our lighting engineers offer custom engineering to meet your specific needs including prototyping designs and custom designed bases. 

LightSources leads the industry in germicidal UV lamp design, engineering, and manufacturing with a vast product line and custom designed solutions.  We offer UVC lamps, ozone lamps and custom lamp designs for nearly any germicidal application.  Contact us to learn more about our UVC lamps for restaurant and commercial kitchen sterilization.

How Effective is UV Light in HVAC Systems?

Ultraviolet (UV) light emitted in the UVC range has powerful germicidal properties although can be harmful to the eyes and skin with direct human exposure.  UVC light in heating, venting, and cooling (HVAC) systems is a great way to sterilize the air in homes, commercial and industrial buildings without direct exposure.  UV light is proven to be very effective at improving indoor air quality by eliminating harmful pathogens from the air. 

How HVAC Systems with UV Germicidal Lamps Work

UVC lamps which are engineered to produce wavelengths in the 254 nanometer (nm) range are proven highly effective at eliminating any threat from many types of germs and mold.  UVC radiation in that wavelength quickly penetrates the DNA of microorganisms including many types of bacteria and viruses, which renders the cell unable to replicate and harmless.  UVC lights eliminate these microorganisms from the air as well as preventing the buildup of fungi, mold, and mildew. 

Germicidal UV lamps mounted in HVAC systems are proven to sterilize the air as it passes through the ventilation system to improve indoor air quality.  A study conducted by Penn State University and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, ASHRAE, concluded that UV lamps successfully reduced the amount of pathogens and fungi in the air and improved indoor air quality in children with mold induced asthma. 

HVAC systems with UV purification lamps provide healthier, cleaner air and also improve efficient operation of HVAC units.  By preventing the buildup of mold and mildew, HVAC systems operate cleaner and more efficiently, prolonging equipment life.  LightSources provides germicidal UVC lamps for any industry with custom engineered products including phosphor blends to meet your requirements, custom sockets and bases and prototyping services available. 

LightSources offers a wide selection of UVC germicidal lamps found in many surface, water, and air sterilization systems worldwide.  We offer the leading, high-tech lamp designers in the industry offering custom designed germicidal solutions.  Contact us to learn more about the proven effectiveness of UV air sterilization lamps in HVAC systems.