UVC light has been used substantially for over 40 years in disinfecting water, air, products, and surfaces against bacteria, viruses, and other disease causing microorganisms. UVC lights are most often used with other technologies in a multi-barrier approach. This ensures any microorganism not “destroyed” by one method (such as cleaning) is inactivated by another (UVC lighting). Some of the best uses of UVC in manufacturing facilities include UVC in HVAC systems, hand-held wand, mobile remote, and ceiling/wall mountable UVC.
UVC light disinfection in HVAC systems are installed inside a facility’s AHU or ventilation ductwork. In-duct systems can be effective for air disinfection. According to the World Health Organization, “According to the WHO, approximately 30% of all commercial buildings have significant IAQ problems, and ventilation systems are implicated in the spread of infection and pollutants.” Therefore, using UVC light in a facility’s HVAC system close to the coil can restore coil capacity, return the HVAC close to the original system, and kill bacterial growth by shrinking biofilm on the coil.
In fact, an EPA study was done on the “Biological Inactivation Efficiency of HVAC In-Duct Ultraviolet Light Devices”. They found that all nine UVC devices used during the study were 99 percent efficient at inactivating the vegetative bacteria. They also found three of the UVC devices were 93 percent effective for all three microorganisms, five of the devices had 46 percent efficiency for inactivation of the spore form of the bacteria, and two devices had 46 percent efficiency in destroying the virus.
The best UVC uses for HVAC Systems include:
- Rapid Install Kit – For AHUs from light industrial to heavy commercial
- Enhanced UVC Kit – For air handler units typically found in commercial and industrial facilities
- Single-Ended UVC Fixtures (SE Series) – For exterior units, such as rooftop units, AHUs, heat pumps, fan coils, packaged terminal units and ducts
- Double-Ended UVC Fixtures (DE Series) – For medium-to-large and built-up AHUs
- Unitary Kit for Air Conditioners – For indoor air handling units of less than 5 tons
UVC hand-held wand is a device designed to deactivate surface mold, bacteria, viruses and yeast. This wand is ideal for food processing, healthcare, commercial and institutional environments. Approved by the USDA and FDA for surface decontamination, the wand is suitable for a variety of specialized uses for surface decontamination and mold remediation. Some of the best UVC uses for the Handheld Wand include:
- Food preparation, processing and packaging areas to reduce pathogens such Coliform, Salmonella, E.coli, Staphylococcus, Listeria
- Laboratories and cleanrooms to prevent cross-contamination
- Hard to reach and high-touch surfaces such keyboards, doorknobs, machinery…etc.
The Mobile Remote UVC Disinfection System is portable to help to bring the power of highly concentrated UVC light technology wherever it is needed for air and surface decontamination. This system provides mold and bacteria control in laboratories, cleanrooms, as well as food preparation and processing plants. The most common UVC uses for the Mobile Remote UVC Disinfection System include:
- Full room sanitization
- Mold and bacteria control in food processing areas
- Laboratories and cleanrooms to prevent cross-contamination
The Ceiling/Wall Mountable Germicidal UVC System is designed to provide rapid and effective on-site decontamination and sterilization utilizing high powered UVC energy. It can be installed in either a ceiling or a wall. The UVC Panel attacks pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and mold, on surfaces and in the air. Its UVC Emitters provide the best and longest-lasting UVC performance available. Some of the most common UVC uses for the Ceiling/Wall Mountable System include:
- Full room disinfecting and sanitizing
- Disinfecting and sanitizing incoming and outgoing packages in shipping and receiving rooms
For more information about the best uses of UVC systems in manufacturing facilities contact us here, or check out our webinar on UVC Uses In Manufacturing Facilities:
