UV-C Technology explained
Do you wonder why we specifically use UV-C technology or are you interested to learn more about is? Continue reading and let's find out.
UV-C LIGHT
Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation is the type of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) with wavelengths around 200-280 nm, demonstrating high decontamination efficiency among UVGIs. The powerful germicidal properties of UV-C have been recognized for over a century. When UV-C light is exposed to microorganisms, the light is absorbed by bases of the organisms' nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), and the photodimerization process occurs. This process results in the formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers in the DNA and RNA strands, inhibiting cell replication ability, and ultimately, cell death occurs.
Disinfection with UV-C
UV-C has become a crucial method for inactivating a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it an essential tool in combating airborne pathogens. It is widely used in food processing and water treatment due to its efficiency, low cost, and, most notably, zero chemical residue. The potential of UV-C has also been explored in healthcare, such as to reduce or inactivate different airborne viruses, such as influenza, surface bacteria, and multi-drug-resistance bacteria in hospital rooms. Recently, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of UV-C as a disinfectant has escalated, mainly to decontaminate surfaces, rooms, air, and water in healthcare facilities.
HOW DOES UV-C DISINFECTION WORK ?
Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi naturally absorb UV-C light. But when the UV-C light enters the cell of a micro organism, it breaks the DNA bonds in the cell. This molecular change renders the DNA unusable for the essential process of transcription (metabolism) and replication (cell division). As a result, the microorganism is rendered harmless and dies.
UV-C LAMPS
The most efficient method of producing UV-C is with the low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp, where an average of 35% of the energy is converted to UV-C. Good quality lamps are made of a special glass that blocks ozone-forming radiation and have minimal doses of mercury. Philips lamps also feature a special coating that keeps the intensity of radiation at at least 80% of the initial intensity until the end of its life.
BENEFITS OF UVC TECHNOLOGY
- UV-C radiation has been proven to be effective against waterborne and airborne pathogenic micro-organisms including those responsible for cholera, hepatitis, polio, typhoid, giardia, cryptosporidium and many other bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases
- UV-C installations have low capital and operation cost
- UV-C technology is environmentally friendly
- UV-C installations are easy to operate and to maintain
- UV-C radiation has no harmful effect when overdosed on surfaces, water or air
- UV-C radiation works instantly and the effectiveness does not depend on the temperature
- UV-C disinfection is a physical process: no substances are added
- The UV-C disinfection effect is directly related to the UV dose (which is the product of intensity and exposure time of the micro-organisms) so it’s effectiveness can be simply measured once the system design is validated
Ultraviolet (or UV) radiation is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 10 nm and 400 nm. Ultraviolet means “beyond violet,” having wavelengths that are shorter than those of violet (or deep blue at wavelength of about 400 nm). The use of the term wavelength refers to the distance (in a vacuum) between the peak intensities of the oscillating electric or magnetic fields that make up the “wave,” seen in the image below. The energy of the electromagnetic radiation increases as the wavelength decreases, and electromagnetic radiation interacts with all matter in ways that depend on the electronic properties of that material.
The range of energy covered by UV radiation is quite large, and historically, it has been convenient to break the UV spectrum into different ranges, depending on the impact that the UV radiation has on matter, or upon how a particular range of UV wavelengths is used. For that portion of UV wavelengths that are of greatest industrial interest, the labels UVA (315 nm to 400 nm), UVB (280 nm to 315 nm) and UV-C (100 nm to 280 nm) are most widely used.
UV radiation is sufficiently energetic that when it is absorbed by many forms of matter, it can cause chemical reactions to occur by breaking chemical bonds. For example, UV radiation below 200 nm is absorbed by oxygen (O2), breaking the molecular bond to form atomic oxygen, which usually reacts with remaining O2 to form ozone (O3). UV radiation below 300 nm has germicidal properties owning to the fact that it can break down DNA molecules in bacteria and viruses, killing those organisms. UVB radiation is responsible for causing sunburns, but also helps generate vitamin D when absorbed by the skin.
The wide range of chemical effects that can be caused by UV radiation depends on the wavelength of the UV radiation and the type of matter (or chemistry) exposed to the UV radiation. These dependencies can be quite complex, and the properties of matter (transparency, reflectivity and chemical stability) can vary widely. For example, ordinary glass is opaque to UV wavelengths shorter than about 350 nm, but high purity quartz is opaque at wavelengths shorter than about 200 nm. Similarly, polished metals that are good reflectors for visible light frequently do not reflect UV radiation very well. Systems that produce UV radiation need to take a wide variety of material properties into account if they are to be part of a stable UV radiation system.
Until recently, sources of UV radiation have most commonly been plasma sources, including the sun and plasmas in electric discharge (or arc) lamps. Plasma sources generally produce a broad range of wavelengths, including infrared radiation (heat), visible light and UV radiation. Depending on the application, the range of wavelengths produced by an arc lamp can be modified by adding certain impurities. For example, by adding mercury, iron, gallium or other metals to the plasma in the arc, the different atomic structures of these metals create UV emissions at a wide range of different wavelengths.
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Our work is rooted in evidence-based practices, with research at the heart of everything we do.
Explore our scientific articles to learn more about our approach, and feel free to reach out with any specific questions—we’re here to help.
This study explores advanced UV-C LED technology applications, emphasizing effectiveness in pathogen reduction across various surfaces and materials. It highlights findings on optimal UV-C wavelengths and intensities needed for safe, consistent disinfection, offering valuable insights for enhancing non-medical industrial hygiene and safety.
This research investigates UV-C LED applications for effective, environmentally friendly microbial disinfection, focusing on reducing pathogens while prioritizing energy efficiency and safety. Findings demonstrate UV-C’s potential as a sustainable solution for high-demand sanitation in industrial settings.
This study examines the effectiveness of UV-C disinfection in reducing microbial contamination on high-touch surfaces. Results show that UV-C light, when correctly applied, can significantly reduce pathogen presence, offering a valuable tool for enhancing hygiene protocols in shared environments.
This study assesses the use of UV-C technology in reducing surface pathogens in healthcare settings. Findings indicate that targeted UV-C application can enhance traditional cleaning methods, contributing to improved infection control and patient safety.
This WHO guide provides a comprehensive framework for implementing UV-C disinfection safely and effectively. It outlines best practices, safety standards, and recommendations to ensure UV-C technology is used optimally to reduce microbial contamination in various settings.
This study explores UV-C disinfection in reducing airborne pathogens, highlighting its effectiveness in enclosed spaces. Results suggest that UV-C can serve as a complementary tool to ventilation systems, helping to maintain safer air quality in shared environments.
ANTI BACTERIAL
ANTI VIRUSES
