Benefits of UV Air Purifier for HVAC Systems

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/benefits-of-uv-air-purifier-for-hvac-systems/

UV air purifier for HVAC systems provides many health benefits by keeping air clean, disinfected, and free from irritants, pollutants, and germs. UV air purification systems used in HVAC and AC units provide significant health benefits to people in many environments such as public buildings, hospitals, nursing homes and doctor facilities. UV air purifiers are becoming popular in residential homes as well as many people realize the benefits of cleansing the air we breathe and removing contaminants.

UV air purifiers are proven to effectively eliminate bacteria, viruses, germs, mildew, mold and even dust from the air. Breathing clean air free from these contaminants improves health and wellness in all people and is critical for people with compromised immune systems, asthma or respiratory illnesses. Eradicating these contaminants from the air provides a healthier environment and promotes continued health and wellness.

Effectiveness of UV Air Purifier for HVAC

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is emitted in various wavelengths measured in nanometers (nm). UV light emitted specifically at 254 nm is proven to be extremely effective at killing germs, viruses and all types of bacteria. This optimum output of germ killing UV wavelength does not emit ozone, which is produced when UV radiation is in the range of 185 nm. Ozone is a proven deodorizer, removing foul odors from the air. Consult with a UV HVAC professional regarding ozone generating lamps as they may cause corrosion to copper lines in some AC units.

Properly Install UV Air Purifier in HVAC Systems

Proper installation of UV lamps in air purifier HVAC systems is important for maximum effectiveness. UV air purifier systems should be mounted on the cold air side near the cooling coil or downstream. The output should be targeted toward the cooling coil and the draining pan for condensation underneath the coils to prevent the growth of algae or mold spores. Improper installation would not be effective in eliminating germs as bacteria and mold could develop and contaminate the blower which would contaminate the entire living space. Growth of algae or mold could also clog the coils of an AC unit and cause the motor to overwork and burn out quicker than if those contaminants were eliminated. Eliminating these germs and harmful contaminants through your HVAC unit provides clean and disinfected air for improved health and wellness as well as prolonging the life of your valuable HVAC and AC equipment.

Benefits of HVAC UV Air Purification Systems

HVAC UV air purification systems provide many benefits in commercial and residential settings. Business owners realize the benefits of providing clean and healthy air to employees which improves attendance and cuts down on workplace illnesses. Daycare centers and schools help to prevent the spread of airborne illnesses among students and hospitals provide a safer environment for sick patients. Clean and healthy air is vital to all people in all environments including commercial, industrial and residential settings.

UV air purifiers in industrial settings help manufacturers to maintain a healthy work environment while meeting air emission regulations. UV air purification is proven to remove toxic chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air produced by industrial operations. UV air purification is becoming more popular in residential HVAC systems, providing cleaner air in homes which benefits all residents especially people that are sick or have a compromised immune system. UV air purification provides all of these benefits as well as prolonging the life of your equipment by eliminating mold, mildew and harmful contaminants.

LightSources Offers High-Quality UV Air Purification Lamps

The LightSources Group consists of LightSources in the United States and China, LightTech in Europe and valuable partner companies which allow us to provide high-quality UV lamps which outlast and outperform comparable products. Our vast global resources and state-of-the-art glass factory in Hungary promotes our continual research and development and allows us to deliver first to market, proprietary lamps and lighting solutions. Our skilled engineers possess in-depth knowledge of UV radiation and provide custom design, engineering and manufacturing of UVC germicidal solutions.

We offer high-quality UV lamps for use in air purification systems and HVAC units which are proven effective at eliminating harmful contaminants.  Our technical team will assist you in developing custom solutions and lamps to fit any footprint in existing or new HVAC air purifiers. Our UVC germicidal lamps for air disinfection include low pressure Amalgam lamps designed with proprietary technology for longer-lasting effectiveness proven to yield up to three times more output than comparable lamps of the same length. We offer medium pressure lamps, Quartz sleeves and electronic ballasts designed to your specifications.

Learn How UV Light for Eczema Gives Patients Relief

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/learn-how-uv-light-for-eczema-gives-patients-relief/

Eczema is an irritating skin condition that causes painful, itchy patches of dry skin in varying degrees of severity and UV light for eczema is proven to provide relief. Eczema can cause emotional stress to those suffering from this skin condition who only want relief. There are different types of eczema, which include:

• contact dermatitis

• atopic dermatitis

• seborrheic dermatitis

• nummular eczema

• stasis dermatitis

• dyshidrotic eczema

Symptoms can be different among people suffering from eczema, although most people experience the most common symptoms reported as extreme itching, inflamed red skin, rough scaly patches of skin, dry, sensitive skin, and areas of swelling. Itchiness is associated with all types of eczema and can make symptoms worse if people scratch too much. Eczema may develop in babies and children who may outgrow the condition, or eczema may develop in adulthood.

Eczema currently has no known cure, although there are effective treatments in the form of topical ointments, creams, and ultraviolet (UV) light therapy.

How UV Light for Eczema Works

Topical treatments may work for some people, although UV light for eczema has been proven to give relief to many patients. UV light therapy, also called phototherapy, should be in a controlled setting under a physician’s care with the proper type of UV lamp. The right type of lamp must be used with the proper wavelength administered as exposure to the wrong type of UV radiation could worsen symptoms.

Some people notice an improvement in their symptoms during the sunny, summer months, these patients are more likely to see improvement with UV light therapy. People living in the northern hemisphere may notice that a UV lamp improves their symptoms during the winter months when sunlight is scarce. Consistency is key with UV light for eczema treatment as improvement usually takes one to two months of regular exposure.

Light is divided into colors and measured in wavelengths, with the unit of measure in nanometers (nm). Ultraviolet light is in the electromagnetic spectrum of radiated energy which is invisible to the human eye. Ultraviolet light is divided into three areas: UVA, UVB, and UVC radiation. UVA and UVB radiation are often prescribed to treat eczema.

UVA light is in the wavelength between 315 to 400 nm, UVB radiation is between 280 and 315 nm with narrow-band UVB light measuring 310 nm. UVB radiation is the most common type of light therapy for eczema and emits wavelengths that are similar to the sun’s rays and are proven to give relief to many patients. Some patients prescribed UVA treatments are also prescribed a medication called psoralen which makes their skin more receptive to the UVA treatments.

All types of UV light for eczema treatments are proven to help patients by suppressing the overactive immune system which reduces inflammation, itching, and pain. UV phototherapy can improve vitamin D production and increase the skin’s own bacteria-fighting systems. Phototherapy is proven to help about 70% of those suffering from this irritating skin condition to find relief from symptoms, or at least calm them down and in some cases put them in a state of remittance.

LightSources Offers Proven UV Lamps for Eczema Treatment

LightSources and European partner, LightTech, offer UV lamps proven highly effective in many phototherapy applications. The LightSources Group is recognized worldwide for designing, engineering, and manufacturing high-tech, cutting-edge UV lamp technology. Our engineers possess in-depth knowledge of UV radiation and lamp technology, offering UV lamps that outperform and outlast comparable lamps with long-lasting effectiveness.

Our UV phototherapy lamps are used worldwide to treat a host of medical conditions. Phototherapy lamps are proven effective in treating many skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, acne, vitiligo, and mood disorders such as depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression caused by a lack of sunlight. The LightSources Group manufactures UV phototherapy lamps with full OEM support for all of these conditions.

LightSources is the leading global supplier of UVC germicidal lamps used in all disinfection applications such as in air purification systems and water disinfection processes. UVC radiation is proven to instantly eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses within seconds of exposure and is completely safe for humans. LightSources offers the widest selection of UVC germicidal lamps for any application with custom-designed solutions and prototypes available

UV Treatment of Ballast Water for Large Flows

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/uv-treatment-of-ballast-water-for-large-flows/

Ballast water is used when vessels take ocean water into special compartments, called ballasts, to provide stability and optimal waterline on a ship’s hull. Ballast water is either taken onto the ship or released back into the ocean as cargo is loaded or unloaded to maintain balance and structural integrity. The practice of adding ballast water in one port and releasing it into a foreign port has caused a huge detrimental impact on communities worldwide with harmful bio invasion.  UV treatment of ballast water to kill or neutralize the organisms in ballast water is a proven treatment technology for large vessels and tankers.

With the increase in global trade in the last few decades, 90% of global trade is now transported by sea. When ships began utilizing steel hulls, the opportunity to use ballast water for stability greatly increased the practice of ballast water exchange. Each year up to 12 billion tons of ballast water is dumped around the world, releasing aquatic organisms that are not native to the environment they are released in. These foreign invaders include marine sea creatures, bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms naked to the human eye and have also been known to include things like toxic algae and Cholera which have caused serious illness and even death to people in affected communities. Bio invasions from contaminated ballast water are recognized as one of the top four greatest threats facing the sustainability of the world’s oceans. Contaminated ballast water causing harmful bio invasion is a serious threat facing oceans today along with physical destruction and alteration of marine habitats, the overexploitation of living marine resources, and marine pollution caused by land-based sources.

Ballast Water Management Convention

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) in 2004 which established standards and procedures to prevent the spread of harmful marine organisms from one port to another region. The most recent ratification by the required number of global states makes the BWMC globally enforceable to all ships traveling through international waters, effective September 8, 2017. All ships traveling through international waters are required to manage ballast water and sediments with a ballast water management system. All ships must maintain a ballast water management certificate along with the record book, which is subject to inspection by any port authority. Newly constructed vessels must have an onboard ballast water treatment system while existing ships encounter phased-in requirements. Ballast water treatment systems must meet IMO guidelines and US Coast Guard approval. There are basically three types of ballast water treatment technologies which include:

• Physical / Mechanical filtration

• Chemical / Electrochlorination

• UV Treatment with UVC germicidal technology

Compliant ballast water treatment technologies must actively remove, neutralize, or kill organisms prior to discharge. This differs from conventional methods which required ships to exchange ballast water mid-ocean or at least 50 nautical miles from shore. UV treatment of ballast water is gaining popularity as ship owners and operators are realizing the many advantages of this environmentally friendly ballast water treatment system.

UV Treatment of Ballast Water in Large Vessels

UV treatment offers many advantages over other treatment technologies and is changing the thinking of shipowners when it comes to large vessels and tankers. Electro-chlorination has been popular for large flow vessels, although UV ballast water treatment systems are proven highly competitive with respect to power consumption, footprint, safety, and effectiveness. Modern solutions that incorporate specially designed UVC germicidal lamps easily compete on footprint and power consumption even at high flows at or above 1500–3000 m3/h. Lower operating costs combined with simple operation and highly effective germicidal results are tipping the scale towards ultraviolet treatment.

UV Treatment of Ballast Water Versus Electrochlorination

Power Consumption

UV treatment of ballast water is proven to provide similar power consumption as electro-chlorination water treatment systems, with additional recognized advantages. Electro-chlorination treatment systems depend upon the salinity and temperature of seawater, using significantly more power in low-salinity or low-temperature conditions. UV ballast water treatment systems are completely unaffected and operate independently of water temperature or salinity.

Footprint

UV ballast water treatment systems can be configured to match the footprint and water flow of a particular vessel and can even be smaller than electrochlorination systems. UV water treatment systems also require less space than electrochlorination treatment systems as there is no need to handle and store chemicals. UV ballast water treatment systems are also less costly and easier to install.

Safety

Chlorination systems may require additional ventilation, explosion-proof storage compartments, and safety training for the crew. Electrochlorination produces both chlorine and hydrogen gases which are toxic and highly flammable when mixed. UV water treatment systems are safe, simple to handle and chemical-free. UV germicidal lamps produce no harmful by-products and do not require additional measures to prevent corrosion or neutralize oxidants. UV ballast water treatment methods offer these benefits with power consumption, footprint, and safety as well as many additional operational advantages. UVC germicidal technology is proven to quickly eradicate bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms naked to the human eye. UV radiation when emitted at 254 nm instantly penetrates the DNA of these living cells, rendering them unable to replicate and harmless.

LightSources Offers UV Lamps for Ballast Water Treatment

LightSources is a leading global supplier and recognized authority on UV lamps and UVC germicidal solutions. We offer a wide selection of germicidal lamps proven effective in surface, water, and air disinfection systems found worldwide. Our skilled engineers possess in-depth expertise of UV radiation and custom development of germicidal lamps to meet your specifications.

UV Ballast Water Management System Advantages

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/uv-ballast-water-management-system-advantages/

A UV ballast water management system is a means for controlling and managing the ballast water on ships to prevent the spread of harmful marine organisms. Ships use ballasts, which are large water tanks filled with sea water and located in strategic areas around the ship, for balance depending on the weight of their cargo.

Ships will pick up ballast water while removing cargo in one port to offset the weight loss while traveling through the ocean. The problem with this is that along with filling their ballasts with oceanic water, marine organisms, including harmful marine life and microorganisms, come with it.

Why a UV Ballast Water Management System is Important

These hitchhikers are known to wreak havoc on the ecosystem in which they are released. When ships reach another port and release their ballast water to add cargo, these foreign marine lives take hold and take over in an environment where they have no natural predators. Foreign invaders altering natural marine ecosystems through contaminated ballast water is recognized as one of the greatest threats to the sustainability of our planet’s oceans.

It is estimated that more than 79 million tons of ballast water is discharged at ports of call near the US coastline alone. Not only does harmful ballast water invade and pose a threat to coastal ecosystems, but also poses a real danger to humans as well. Contaminated ballast water spreads diseases which affect humans, causes insurmountable economic damage by destroying fishing industries entire towns depend upon and requires massive cleanup efforts.

Seawater in ballast tanks contains many harmful pathogens and microbes which pose a real safety risk to humans. Seawater taken in as ships ballast water has been proven to contain harmful diseases such a Cholera which is a quick spreading disease that can be fatal for nearly 50% of people it infects. Ballast water has been known to spread toxic algae, jellyfish which completely destroy fishing ports, mussels which attach to structures like dams, and harmful marine microorganisms including viruses and bacteria naked to the human eye.

Ballast Water Management Convention Requirements

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency within the United Nations which is tasked with the responsibility of establishing safety, security and preventing marine and atmospheric pollution by ships worldwide. The Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) is a landmark effort to halt the spread of invasive aquatic species.

The BWMC was first adopted by the IMO in 2004 as an international effort to control and manage ballast water and sediments from all ships. Since its adoption, the BWMC has had several technical guidelines and updates to support shipmasters, ship owners and port authorities.

The biggest news for the BWMC is the recent ratification of more than 65 states which represent more than 70% of the total world tonnage and requires all ships traveling through international waters to maintain a ballast water management system. These recent requirements were enforceable September 8, 2017, and are to be implemented over time for existing ships and immediately for all newly constructed vessels.

The BWMC obligates all parties to undertake comprehensive actions to reduce or eliminate the transfer of harmful aquatic pathogens and organisms through the control and management of ballast water and sediments. Port State control officers have the ability to inspect ships to verify an approved ballast water management plan, a valid certificate and to inspect the ballast water record book or sample the ship’s ballast water.

Ballast Water Management System Technologies

Ballast water treatment methods include mechanical filtration and UV ballast water management systems, often used together for highly effective control and elimination of harmful marine organisms. Ultraviolet (UV) germicidal lamps are proven to instantly eradicate viruses, bacteria and microorganisms naked to the human eye. UV ballast water treatment technology offers many advantages to shipmasters and shipowners.

UV ballast water management systems are approved by the US Coast Guard and the IMO, and offer the following advantages:

• Simple operation with very low maintenance

• Economical, fast and efficient technology

• Eco-friendly, chemical free safe process

• No need to handle, store or transport dangerous chemicals

• No impact to the environment

UV ballast water treatment technology is safe and effective, requires a small footprint suitable for smaller vessels and is very low maintenance with long-lasting UV germicidal lamps.

LightSources Offers High Performance UV Germicidal Lamps

LightSources is a leading global authority on UVC germicidal lamp development and solutions for a wide range of applications. We have partnered with many of the largest providers of ballast water treatment systems in the world to provide high-quality UV germicidal lamps and components for newly constructed ships or alterations to existing ships.

Our Low Pressure (LP) Pellet Amalgam lamps are designed with proprietary LongLIfe™ technology providing an increased efficiency of 30 to 35% over other comparable lamps. Our Medium Pressure UV (MPUV) germicidal lamps provide an even smaller footprint with proven durability and effectiveness. UV radiation emitted at precisely 254 nm is proven to quickly destroy harmful germs, viruses and bacteria by instantly destroying the DNA of these cells, rendering them harmless and unable to replicate.

Ozone Light Bulbs with High Quality Quartz Glass

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/ozone-light-bulbs-with-high-quality-quartz-glass/

Ozone is naturally produced from ultraviolet light, with ozone light bulbs replicating the UV wavelength needed to produce ozone. When we hear the word ozone, we think of the ozone layer in the atmosphere. This ozone layer is produced from UV light, and filters most of the UV light from the sun.

UV light is emitted at a frequency that is higher than visible light, which is in the range of 400 to 700 nanometer (nm). Ultraviolet light, is beyond the highest frequency of visible light, which is violet, and is emitted from the sun within the range of 100 to 315 nm. Most of this is filtered through the ozone layer in the atmosphere.

UV light emitted in short wavelengths, between 160 and 240 nm, will produce ozone through a process called photolysis of oxygen (O2). This process disrupts the molecule to create valent oxygen atoms that attach to individual oxygen molecules and creates ozone (O3).

Ozone Provides Natural Germicidal Effectiveness

Ultraviolet radiation emitted at 254 nm is proven to deliver highly effective germicidal properties by killing germs and harmful bacteria. UV wavelengths in the range of 185 nm are effective to create ozone, which eliminates contaminants in air, water and surfaces and also acts as a natural oxidizer to eliminate foul odor in the air.

UVC Ozone Light Bulbs

Ozone light bulbs produce UV radiation at less than 220 nm, in the range of 185nm, to effectively decompress the oxygen (O2) in the air which produces ozone (O3). UVC ozone lamps also eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as mercaptans, sulfides, and ammonia. One of the greatest advantages of ozone light is that it is carried through the air to places where direct UV exposure cannot reach.

UVC light bulbs emitting 254 nm wavelengths instantly eradicate viruses and bacteria upon exposure, combined with ozone-generating light bulbs, a UV air purification system delivers additional deodorizing properties.

LightSources Delivers UVC Ozone Lamps

LightSources is a world-leading supplier of fluorescent and UV lamps, including UVC germicidal and ozone light bulbs. We construct ozone lamps with the highest quality quartz glass and determine UV emissions with the type of fused quartz used in manufacturing germicidal lamp envelopes. UV lamps which emit radiation within the range of 100 to 280 nm provide the most effective germicidal power.

LightSources manufactures ozone lamps with Very High (VH) lamp design which is constructed with quality clear fused quartz. We offer Low (L) germicidal lamps which provide effective disinfection at 254 nm and include specially doped fused quartz to prohibit UV radiation at 185nm. Lamps constructed with clear quartz allow the uninterrupted emission of 185 nm in ozone light lamps.

You can find our VH lamps in a multitude of germicidal processes such as water disinfection applications. UVC ozone lamps are used in water disinfection applications such as pools and spas, water reclamation, municipalities, ballast water treatment, life sciences, and many other water purification processes.

Ozone lamps are also found in air purification systems in HVAC systems and many commercial, industrial, and residential air treatment systems. UVC germicidal lamps also aid surface disinfection processes used in the food and beverage industry, grocery stores, restaurants, and medical applications.

The LightSources Group Supports OEMs Large and Small

The LightSources Group is regarded as an authority and leading supplier of fluorescent and UV lamps and lighting solutions. We are committed to research and development, offering several first-to-market, patented products developed with proprietary technology. Our skilled engineers are the best in the business with an in-depth knowledge of UV radiation and custom-designed solutions with quality components and custom phosphor blends.

We manufacture Low-Pressure Mercury Discharge lamps which we construct with either soda lime glass or quartz glass to provide either 185 nm or 254 nm to allow the right UV radiation to pass through unmodified. Our Medium Pressure Mercury Discharge lamps emit broadband UV radiation as opposed to narrowband and are similar to high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps.

Whatever your germicidal application calls for, LightSources offers a wide selection of standard products as well as providing custom designed solutions to meet specific requirements. Our engineering team will design your germicidal lamps with the right amount of ozone emission with careful construction and combination of two types of quartz. We follow a strict quality policy as part of our ISO9001:2015 certification, offering vast resources and quick turnaround time for production and prototype solutions.

Ballast Water System Solutions

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/ballast-water-system-solutions/

A ballast water system is used in ships and large vessels to maintain balance and ideal buoyancy while loading or unloading cargo and while sailing through the water. Due to the increase in global shipping, especially in the past decade, 90% of all global trade is transported by sea. The number of ships using ballast water has increased significantly and is a very common practice.

While ballast water may provide ideal buoyancy and improve the safe operation of ships, this practice brings very dangerous threats to fishing ports, communities, local environments, and economies. When ships pick up ballast water in one port and release it in another, the introduction of invasive aquatic species and harmful marine organisms seriously threatens the sustainability of marine ecosystems. In fact, untreated ballast water exchange is considered to be one of the top four threats facing the sustainability of the world’s oceans.

The Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) establishes procedures for the safe handling and treatment of ballast water to prevent the spread of harmful bio invasions. The convention was adopted by Finland in 2016, triggering the ratification for international compliance. While the United States has not been a party to the BWMC, the U.S. has adopted stricter regulations than those imposed by the IMO and requires all ships discharging ballast water in US waters to maintain a US Coast Guard-approved ballast water treatment system.

How Ballast Water Systems Work

Since the introduction of steel hulls in ships, the practice of using ballast water has become commonplace. A large vessel may have the capacity to hold millions of gallons of water in its ballast. Ships may discharge ballast water tanks to improve handling conditions such as discharging ballast water to allow passage through a shallow area or discharging forward tanks only to raise the bow when in turbulent open seas.

While there is some controversy as to the best method of maintaining buoyancy and safe handling in ships, the fact remains that using ballast water is a very common practice in the majority of ships and tankers worldwide. Some experts would like alternative methods for the safe handling of ships as releasing ballast water takes time and not every situation allows time to discharge treated ballast water tanks. The ballast water system consists of water intakes, strainers, pumps, distribution pipes, ballast water holding tanks, chosen treatment technology, and a discharge system including all valves, sensors and controls.

Discharge Water Threats and Catastrophes

The millions of gallons of seawater drawn into ballast water systems have had catastrophic results on the affected areas of discharge. Invasive species including marine life and plant life are able to survive and travel in untreated ballast water tanks and seriously threaten communities where these bio invaders are released. Examples of ships’ ballast water wreaking havoc with catastrophic results include:

• In 1988, a ship released ballast water into the Great Lakes system along with Zebra Mussels which invaded Lake Saint Clair. The invading Zebra mussels eliminated all native varieties and clogged underwater industrial equipment, causing an estimated $7 billion in damages.

• Toxic algae comes in various red, brown, and green species with several species having been transferred through ships’ ballast water. Toxic algae can form harmful algae blooms that kill native marine life through the release of toxins and oxygen depletion. Toxic algae contaminates beaches which impacts recreational activities and tourism as well as affecting fishing industries. Consuming shellfish that have been contaminated with toxic algae has been proven to make people severely ill and even cause death.

• The European Green crab is native to the European Atlantic Coast but has been introduced to the United States, Japan, South Africa, and South Australia through contaminated ballast water. These invasive crabs are highly adaptable and quickly become a dominant species that displaces all native crabs along with depleting many other species of marine life.

These are just a few examples of the harmful effects that contaminated ballast water has had on the environment, human health, and economies. It is clear to see why the United States along with the IMO is enforcing ballast water systems that remove harmful invading species, algae, bacteria, and harmful sentiments.

Water Treatment Methods and Solutions

Ballast water treatment methods are faced with challenges such as the need to discharge ballast water quickly when loading cargo or in emergency situations. Ballast water tanks must pass ballast water through a treatment system quickly while effectively killing harmful organisms. Some ballast water treatment solutions include:

Rules on where ballast water may be discharged or exchanged. Ballast water discharge is governed by local, national and international law. While the most recent ratification of the BWMC requires all newly constructed vessels to contain a ballast water treatment system, interim solutions require ships to exchange ballast water mid ocean. The United States requires all ships to exchange ballast water beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), at least 200 nautical miles from shore and in an area that is at least 2,000 meters deep.

Mechanical filtration. Physical treatment solutions such as filtering the water with a fine filter system to prevent small invasive species from passing through it is only partially effective. The filtration system clogs quickly and does not stop bacteria or viruses naked to the human eye.

Chemical treatment. Treating ballast water with chlorine bleach and other toxic chemicals is one of the earliest methods of ballast water system treatments and is also one of the most dangerous. Releasing these chemicals into natural seawater will also harm existing organisms as the toxic level required to treat the millions of gallons in ships’ ballast water systems will create toxic levels for aquatic life near the releasing area.

UV ballast water treatment technology. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is used in a multitude of applications worldwide and has highly effective germicidal properties. UV radiation, when emitted at 254 nm, instantly penetrates cells of living organisms and alters the DNA to render them harmless without the ability to replicate. UVC germicidal lamps are used in many water disinfection applications as well as in air treatment systems and surface disinfection processes.

Advantages of UV Ballast Water Treatment Systems

Effectiveness. UV radiation is highly effective in eradicating viruses, bacteria, harmful marine organisms, and bio invaders naked to the human eye. UV radiation is effective regardless of the temperature or salinity of water.

Small Footprint. UV lamps used in ballast water treatment systems are designed with a small footprint to fit into compact water treatment systems, which can be custom-designed to match the space available in each vessel.

Little to no maintenance. A UV ballast water treatment system is easy to install and easy to maintain. Unlike chemical treatment systems, with UV water treatment systems there is no need to purchase, store, or dispose of harmful chemicals.

Safe. While UVC radiation is highly effective in germicidal applications it is completely safe for humans and poses no risk with harmful by-products such as those generated from chemical treatment.

LightSources Offers UVC Germicidal Lamps for Ballast Water Systems

The LightSources Group is a leading manufacturer of UV lamps and UVC germicidal solutions. LightSources offers proven solutions with Low-Pressure Pellet Amalgam lamps developed with proprietary technology. Medium-pressure UV is also highly effective in water disinfection with a small footprint. Lighting engineers at LightSources understand how to harness the power of UVC radiation with custom-designed lamps and custom phosphor blends to meet the demands of any germicidal application.

Hospital UV Disinfection: Highly Effective with Automatic Solutions

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/hospital-uv-disinfection-highly-effective-with-automatic-solutions/

Healthcare facilities face serious challenges with mitigating the spread of germs and are seeking enhanced methods of disinfection such as hospital UV disinfection systems. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) cause nearly 100,000 deaths in the U.S. annually with approximately 1 in 25 people contracting an infection from their hospital stay. HAIs cause unnecessary deaths and put patients and staff at an increased risk.

The hospital environment plays a critical role in the transmission of pathogens, as many harmful viruses and bacteria can remain on surfaces for weeks, months, and even years. Superbugs which are resistant to antibiotics such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) pose additional challenges to keeping patients and hospital staff safe from infection.

Challenges in Disinfecting Hospital Rooms and Surfaces

Many challenges exist in preventing the spread of infection in hospital rooms and surfaces. Disease outbreaks have been traced back to many sources such as thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, sinks, and counters in patient rooms, and computer keyboards. This puts hospital staff at risk of contracting and spreading dangerous pathogens.

Hospital staff are expected to thoroughly clean patient rooms and use disinfectants known to kill pathogens of a previously infected patient. Some chemical disinfectants may require a long exposure time to provide effective disinfection and may not even be applied to all infected surfaces. Cleaning materials themselves such as mops or cleaning cloths may also become a source of transmission, spreading harmful pathogens rather than eliminating them.

Due to these challenges facing the healthcare environment with ineffective chemical treatments and the resistance of certain pathogens, it is imperative to incorporate enhanced disinfection with hospital UV disinfection.

Enhanced Disinfection with Hospital UV Disinfection

UV disinfection in hospitals is becoming an extremely popular method of assuring protection against the spread of harmful diseases, with a high rate of efficacy. According to a study published by Cambridge University, UV disinfection systems reported >99.99% effectiveness in eliminating resistant pathogens such as:

• Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) which had a reported mortality rate of approximately 36%

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

• Mouse hepatitis virus, strain A59 (MHV-A59)

UV disinfection systems provide a high rate of efficacy, although they are most effective in hospitals when used in addition to standard cleaning of hard surfaces and should never be considered a substitute for good cleaning practices.

Automatic UV Disinfection Systems for Hospitals

UV disinfection in hospitals is gaining traction due to the high rate of effectiveness and also because of the ability to automate the disinfection process. Many types of hospital UV disinfection systems are available such as:

• Portable UVC robots and UVC light carts

• Stationary solutions such as UVC lamps in light fixtures, overhead doors, and doorways

• UVC lamps in HVAC systems disinfect the air

• UVC lamps in water systems for clean water supply

With a wide range of UVC disinfection systems available to incorporate into hospitals and healthcare facilities, automating an effective UV disinfection solution is much more attainable than in previous years. Integrating UV disinfection systems with building management systems allows for facility managers to activate UV light disinfection systems on demand or as an automatic cycle in various areas of the hospital.

Automated hospital UV disinfection systems provide an invaluable benefit to protect patients and staff as well as cost-effective operation with no required labor. Activating automated UV disinfection in operating rooms after surgeries and prior to new patient arrivals adds a protective layer to manual cleaning and can reach odd places that may get overlooked during manual cleaning processes.

A study published by the National Institute of Health (NIH) in 2013, concluded that an automated hospital UVC system led to a significant decrease in the total number of colony-forming units (CFUs) of many types of organisms including Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE), C. difficile and Acinetobacter.

Hospitals can incorporate automated UV disinfection systems in operating rooms, patient rooms, labs, storage facilities and on equipment surfaces. UVC germicidal lamps offer an enhancement to traditional cleaning methods and are proven to be more effective than cleaning with chemicals alone.

LightSources Offers UVC Lamps for Any Hospital Disinfection System

For over 35 years, LightSources has been offering superior products and processes to OEMs as a world leader in the manufacturing of quartz germicidal lamps. Our partner company, LightTech in Hungary, allows us to provide prompt service of quality UV germicidal lamp solutions to our customers in Europe and Asia.

LightSources and LightTech design and produce UV germicidal lamps with peak UV output at 254nm for maximum effectiveness, 185nm ozone-producing lamps, and a wide selection of UVC lamp types for various applications:

• Amalgam Lamps

• Quartz Germicidal Lamps:

  • High output lamps

  • Standard output lamps

  • Germipak UV Cell lamps

  • U-lamps

  • Subminiature UVC lamps

  • R.P.T. UVC lamps

  • All-in-one submersible UVC lamps

• Soft Glass Germicidal Lamps:

  • Standard and HO lamps

  • Compact lamps

• Medium Pressure UV Lamps

  • Custom MP UV lamps

• High-Pressure UV Lamps

  • Custom HP UV lamps

• Quartz sleeves

• Shatter+ Protech technology

• Proprietary Bases and Sockets

Low-Pressure Amalgam UV Disinfection Lamps

LightSources provides the widest selection of high-quality pellet and spot amalgam technology in the lamp industry, with both standard and custom-engineered solutions available. Our amalgam lamps deliver the same high performance in either vertical or horizontal operations and yield up to three times the UVC output of other lamps comparable in length. Proprietary LongLife+ technology is applied to our amalgam line to reduce output depreciation, contributing to a long useful life of up to 16,000 hours with end-of-life output at 90% of initial UVC output. We offer a wide selection of spot and pellet amalgam lamps with custom sizes, shapes and UVC output available.

Quartz Germicidal Lamps

The type of fused quartz used in the lamp body determines UV wavelength emissions. Low ozone quartz delivers 90% emissions at 254nm, while very high ozone (VH) lamps clear fused quartz emit both 185nm and 254nm. Synthetic quartz is also available for an even higher ozone emission at 185nm. LightSources offers a wide selection of quartz lamps, standard output, high output, Germipak UV Cell germicidal lamps, and U-shaped quartz germicidal lamps.

Soft Glass Germicidal Lamps

Soft glass offers more variety with sizes and shapes than quartz glass with a wide range of operating currents. We engineer soft glass germicidal lamps with the highest in quality material and a wide range of sizes. Soft glass germicidal lamps are an economical option over quartz lamps, with custom shapes and sizes available.

UVC Robot: Autonomous Virus Killer on Wheels

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/uvc-robot-autonomous-virus-killer-on-wheels/

Ultraviolet radiation in the UVC range is known for killing viruses, bacteria, and harmful pathogens in many applications. You can find UVC germicidal lamps in disinfection systems worldwide used to kill viruses and bacteria in water, in the air, and on surfaces. UVC disinfection lamps are mounted in various disinfection systems, like water treatment plants, air purification systems, and industrial machines.

With advances in technology and robotics, UVC germicidal solutions are available in many forms of automatic UVC robots. These UVC robots can roam indoors and outdoors, killing viruses and bacteria almost instantly. UVC germicidal lamps are proven to kill most infectious microorganisms in seconds and eliminate difficult-to-treat pathogens like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in minutes.

UVC Robots Beneficial in Many Environments

UVC robots are now popping up in many places such as hospitals, office buildings, shopping malls, libraries, and airports. Outdoor disinfection robots can be found on school campuses, industrial parks, and many other public gathering areas. These disinfection robots can be programmed to spray a disinfectant and also emit powerful UVC radiation at the precise wavelength of 254 nm, proven to have the most germicidal effectiveness.

The benefits of these autonomous robots are clear:

• No labor required – UV disinfection robots can disinfect a large area with no labor required. They can run for 24 hours continually and even head back to their charging station when needed.

• No infectious disease exposure to humans – while the robots are disinfecting an area, human employees such as nurses in hospitals are not exposed the superbugs that may be lingering in the room.

• Effective germ-killing ability – UVC robots are proven to eliminate most viruses and bacteria and even hard-to-treat pathogens which pose serious risks when exposed to humans.

• Safe when used without people in the room – UVC robots are set up to enter hospital rooms or other areas when vacant to avoid UV exposure to humans. They can be controlled remotely and programmed to shut down if movement is detected.

Proven Effectiveness of UVC Radiation in Hospital Rooms

According to a study in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, UVC devices effectively eliminated bacteria on contaminated surfaces both in the line of sight and also behind objects. UVC radiation was 99.9% effective in reducing the counts of vegetative bacteria on surfaces within 15 minutes and was also proven 99.8% effective in reducing superbugs and C. difficile spores within 50 minutes.

UVC robots and UV germicidal devices are only as powerful as the quality of UVC germicidal lamps installed on the systems. Using high-quality UV germicidal lamps is key to achieving maximum germicidal effectiveness.

LightSources Provides UV Lamps for UVC Robots

LightSources is a valued supplier to OEMs worldwide of high-tech, high-quality UV lamps including a wide selection of UVC germicidal lamps and components. Our UV disinfection lamps include many variations of the most effective types of germicidal lamps:

Low-Pressure Mercury Lamps – low-pressure mercury lamps support a wide range of germicidal applications with seven various types of lamps including:

• Standard quartz

• High output quartz

• Compact quartz

• GU lamps

• Standard softglass

• High-output softglass

• Compact softglass

Standard low-pressure mercury lamps provide the greatest efficiency, converting 40% of the lamp’s electrical power into UVC radiation at precisely 254 nm. High-output mercury lamps deliver twice the UVC output. Softglass lamps can operate on a lower current and provide high efficiency. Low-pressure mercury lamps also provide long-lasting effectiveness at up to 13,000 hours of operating life.

Low Pressure Amalgam Lamps – amalgam germicidal lamps can operate over a broader range of temperatures making them ideal in air or water applications that experience fluctuating temperatures between 4 – 40°C. Amalgam UV germicidal lamps by LightSources provide three times the UVC output over standard lamps of the same size. Our UV lighting engineers offer the ability to custom design amalgam lamps to meet your needs such as higher temperature requirements or compact space requirements. Our amalgam lamps provide value with reduced maintenance expenses and a long operating life up to 16,000 hours. We provide spot and pellet amalgam technology with proprietary technology that delivers higher efficiency even in power-dimming conditions.

Medium Pressure Ultraviolet Lamps (MPUV) – MPUV lamps are commonly used in curing inks and polymers although have been found to be very effective in many germicidal applications. MPUV lamps are found in water disinfection and air purification systems. LightSources offers a wide selection of MPUV lamps varying for 100 watts per inch (wpi) to 700 wpi designed with custom phosphor blends to achieve specific wavelengths to match your application needs. We engineer your germicidal lamps to meet specific OEM requirements.

Quartz Sleeves – Quartz sleeves protect lamps from breakage, leakage, air and water flow, and temperature fluctuations without affecting efficient operations. LightSources offers domed type and open-ended quartz sleeves engineered with only high-quality material.

Electronic Ballasts – Our electronic ballasts provide many advantages such as the ability to operate on multiple supply voltages with insensitivity to variations in line voltage. Our ballasts provide high power and high efficiency with a lightweight design.

UV Kitchen Exhaust: Self-Cleaning Technology

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/uv-kitchen-exhaust-self-cleaning-technology/

UV light technology provides disinfection solutions to a variety of air, surface, and water treatment applications with high-intensity UV lamps proven to break down organic compounds. UVC germicidal lamps are used in a multitude of environments where eliminating harmful microorganisms is critical, such as hospitals, schools, and many public areas including restaurants. UV lamps help to eliminate germs in the air and on surfaces, providing proven restaurant disinfection solutions in dining areas as well as in the kitchen with food irradiation and UV kitchen exhaust systems.

UV lamps in kitchen exhaust systems provide many benefits by preventing bacteria and grease buildup in kitchen exhaust hoods. This self-cleaning technology provides a cleaner, healthier and safer commercial kitchen by eliminating odors and mitigating the risk of grease fires.

UV lamps with emissions in the UVC wavelength have long been used in HVAC systems to eliminate bacteria and mold growth in ductwork. This UVC technology provides the same benefits and also prevents grease buildup in Commercial Kitchen Ventilation (CKV) systems.

How UV Kitchen Exhaust Systems Work

Kitchen exhaust systems provide the primary function of extracting grease through mechanical filters and inertial means. Kitchen hood exhausts successfully remove grease particles. The smaller grease particulates and vapor that remain are then exposed to the UVC light to break down the molecules. This process effectively prevents grease buildup, thus reducing maintenance, cleaning and mitigating fire hazard.

Photolysis and Ozonolysis

UVC lamps in UV kitchen exhaust systems break down grease particles in commercial kitchen exhaust systems through two distinct processes: photolysis and ozonolysis. Photolysis is the chemical reaction that occurs when a chemical compound is broken down by photons. Photolysis breaks down the molecular bond and grease particles and ozonolysis oxidizes the grease molecules.

Installing UV Lamps in Kitchen Exhaust Systems

UVC germicidal lamps can be installed in the interior of the hood exhaust plenum, in stainless steel fixtures against the top or back of the ductwork. UV lamps should be installed in kitchen exhaust systems with a separation of at least 10 cm to provide ample spacing for effective photolysis to occur.

Breakdown of Grease Buildup

The UV radiation reacts with the air pulled through the kitchen hood exhaust during the photolysis process, also called photodissociation, where the photons break down the oxygen molecules into oxygen atoms. The oxygen atoms combine with any remaining oxygen molecules to form ozone molecules, which react with the organic compounds in the grease.

This chemical reaction called ozonolysis, alters the grease organic compounds in the exhaust air to form easier-to-clean byproducts, specifically carbon dioxide and water vapor. Ozonolysis is proven to significantly reduce the buildup of grease deposits in both the grease exhaust duct and the hood exhaust system.

Benefits of UV Lamps in Kitchen Hood Exhaust Systems

Reducing grease buildup reduces the maintenance and cleaning required in a kitchen hood exhaust and also decreases the likelihood of grease fires occurring in the kitchen exhaust system.  Ozone is known to eliminate foul odors in the air, thus ozonolysis helps to eliminate the odor that comes with built-up grease, which can occur quickly in busy commercial kitchens.

UV disinfection lamps in UV kitchen exhaust systems help restaurant owners to achieve many benefits including:

• Significantly reduce built-up grease in kitchen exhausts

• Eliminate foul orders from stale, built-up grease

• Mitigate the risk of fires in kitchen exhaust systems

• Save money on cleaning and maintenance expenses

• Supports sustainable heat recovery

While UVC technology is safe and chemical-free, direct exposure to skin and eyes should be avoided. Safety measures that turn off the UV lights when the kitchen exhaust is turned off protect kitchen personnel.

It is important to use reputable UVC germicidal lamps and hood exhaust systems to ensure the proper breakdown of molecules as well as ensure the safety of kitchen and restaurant workers. UVC systems should be installed in kitchen hood exhausts with several interlocks, ensuring that the UV lights will turn off when the exhaust system is off or when a filter is removed to protect against human exposure.

UVC Lamps for Restaurants and UV Kitchen Exhaust Systems

LightSources is recognized worldwide as a leading manufacturer of high-tech UVC germicidal lamps. We support OEMs of all sizes with a wide selection of UVC germicidal lamps in various shapes and sizes as well as with custom-engineered solutions to meet your specifications.

Our lighting engineers possess deep technical knowledge of UV radiation and continually develop first-to-market, proprietary technology through extensive research and development. We offer UV lamp prototype solutions and custom phosphor blends to produce the optimum wavelength for specific germicidal needs. Our UVC germicidal lamps can be found in a multitude of applications including UVC robots, hospital air and surface disinfection, restaurant and UV kitchen exhaust systems, and many other air, water or surface disinfection applications.

The Various Uses for UV Light

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/the-various-uses-for-uv-light/

The uses for UV light include a broad range of applications in commercial, industrial, and healthcare settings. Ultraviolet (UV) light is separated into three basic categories of UVA, UVB, and UVC based on the nanometer or wavelength of UV emissions.  UVC light is the shortest wavelength emitted by the sun and is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer.

• UVA light is between 315 to 400 nm

• UVB light is between 280 to 315 nm

• UVC light is between 100 to 280 nm

UV technology allows for lighting engineers to replicate UVC radiation which provides highly effective disinfection properties. UV lamps provide germicidal effectiveness in many applications along with a host of other purposes and uses in a wide range of industries worldwide. Some of the most common uses of UV light include:

Illumination – of course the original purpose of lamps is to illuminate, with UV lamps offering energy efficient, bright light in many industries such as manufacturing, clean room production, quality inspection and many other applications which require a well-lit environment.

Lighted signs – lighted signs are required for many purposes like illuminating emergency exits in public places and for marketing and brand awareness purposes.  LightSources and our valued partner Voltarc provide fluorescent and neon lighting solutions with decades of experience in custom designed solutions.

Backlighting – UV lamps provide backlighting to the avionics and aerospace industry, providing reliable lighting in airplane cabins and cockpits.  LightSources and our valued partners offer experienced backlighting solutions with high-quality UV lamps designed for backlighting found in many demanding industries including the NASA space shuttle.

UV curing – used in many manufacturing applications, UV lamps for curing of inks, coatings and finishes provides a strengthened outer coating.  Adhesives, varnishes and lacquers cured with UV lamps are more durable and last in demanding environments such as industrial, automotive, and aerospace applications.

Tanning – UV lamps are the core technology in tanning salons, offering clientele a way to enjoy a sun-kissed look from man-made technology.  LightSources offers many benefits to the tanning industry with the introduction of proprietary technology designed strictly to improve tanning performance and safety.

Phototherapy – UV lamps provide many medical benefits for a host of conditions such as skin diseases including acne, jaundice, psoriasis, eczema and other conditions like seasonal depression.

Germicidal – UVC germicidal lamps are designed to replicate UVC radiation which is proven to have immense sterilization and disinfection properties. Today, germicidal UVC light applications are the first choice for many industries worldwide that require water, air or surface sterilization.

Germicidal UVC Lamps and Applications

Air – UVC germicidal lamps are used in air sterilization systems including upper room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems and can also be placed in HVAC systems to sterilize the air as it runs through HVAC systems while also preventing mold and mildew on cooling coils. UV air sterilization systems can be used just about anywhere and are especially helpful in public places like hospitals, schools, libraries, airports, and anywhere people congregate with limited ventilation. UV air sterilization is important and hospitals to improve the health of people with respiratory illness like asthma and prevent the spread of hospital acquired infections.

Water – UV lamps also provide a safe, efficient way to treat water without the need to use harmful chemicals that create pollution in rivers, oceans and other bodies of water. UV lamps are cost-effectively used for water purification in water reclamation, waste water, drinking water, industrial and commercial process water, pool and spa, aquaculture and life sciences applications.

Surface – UV surface sterilization is highly effective as a valuable tool in many industries and environments. Hospitals use UV sterilization to disinfect surgical equipment in patient rooms. Surface sterilization is important in restaurants and commercial kitchens as well as public places such as airports, bus stations and public transportation systems. UV lamps significantly improve a sterile environment in hospitals and help to prevent the spread of disease.

Food Industry – UV germicidal lamps provide many benefits to the food and restaurant industries, with food irradiation a highly effective and safe method of food treatment approved by the FDA. Food irradiation prevents early spoiling of various foods, prolonged shelf-life, preserves nutritional value and helps to eliminate foodborne illnesses like E. coli and salmonella. UVC lamps can prevent viruses from accumulating on food preparation surfaces and in dining areas and restaurants. UV germicidal lamps provide a host of benefits to the restaurant food industry and can be used in water, air and surface applications.

UV Lamp Suppliers for the Many Uses of UV Light

 LightSources and our valued partner LightTech are premier light bulb suppliers in the industry.  We produce UV lamps for virtually any application, with proprietary, first to market UV technology designed to prolong lamp life and extend lamp effectiveness.

All of our UV germicidal low pressure, medium pressure and high pressure ultra-violet lamps are designed to be energy-efficient as well as long-lasting. Please contact us to find out how UV light can provide a solution for your application. We offer high-quality standard lamps and components as well as specialize in customizing the best solutions to meet our partner’s unique needs.

UV Light Robots Effective in Fight Against Virus Infection

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/uv-light-robots-effective-in-fight-against-virus-infection/

UV light robots utilizing UVC germicidal lamps are in high demand in the fight against the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted in the UVC wavelength is proven to have highly effective germicidal properties, quickly eradicating harmful pathogens on surfaces, in water and in the air.

UV Light Robots: The Future is Now

UV sterilization systems have been utilized for decades such as in air treatment systems, water treatment plants, and many other applications where UV lamps are installed to disinfect surfaces. It is not unusual to see UV lamps in HVAC or wall mounted air treatment systems or positioned to sterilize surfaces such as medical and surgical equipment. Seeing a UVC robot roam the halls of public places, however, may seem like a scene out of a science fiction, futuristic movie.

Thanks to advances in technology and several studies verifying the effectiveness of UV lamps to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the future is now with UV light robots gaining in popularity to disinfect surfaces in many different environments. Autonomous robots with UVC germicidal lamps installed to emit UVC radiation in all directions provide an effective tool to eliminate tough viruses and bacteria that manual cleaning procedures may have missed. UVC robots operate without humans present and can use sensors to detect motion to shut down if people are near. They can navigate rooms, hallways and find their way back to charging stations, all without being on the payroll or taking a lunch break.

UVC Robots a Common Sight in Many Environments

UVC light robots are becoming a common sight in many environments as people and businesses worldwide take proactive steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Hospitals and medical facilities are the main driver in the increased use of UVC robots although many other industries and environments are taking notice and using the same technology to protect their staff and the public.

Hospitals are known to be a source of infection with medical staff and administrators focused on preventing hospital acquired infections (HAIs) through meticulous sterilization procedures. Disinfecting hospital rooms where patients had a serious illness such as COVID-19 or any type of superbug like antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections is critical to protect all hospital patients and staff. UVC germicidal lamps have long been used in hospitals and medical facilities and are increasing in use in other environments.

UVC disinfection lamps and UV light robots are helping to protect people with effective sterilization in many industries and environments including:

• Hospitals and medical facilities

• Schools and college campuses

• Public stores and shopping malls

• Office buildings and manufacturers

• Restaurants and kitchens

• Libraries

• Public transportation systems

  • Buses and bus stations

  • Trains and train stations

  • Airplanes and airports

UV light robots can be programmed to enter hospital rooms after manual cleaning procedures and significantly improve effective disinfection rates. UV disinfection is effective in a wide range of water, air and surface sterilization applications.

Effectiveness of UV Light Sterilization

According to a recent study by the National Institutes of Health, UVC disinfection robot, the effectiveness of UV light sterilization depends on several environmental factors such as surface topography, relative humidity, temperature, pH, organic load and other chemical compounds present. UVC germicidal lamps and UV light robots are proven 99.99% effective in reducing counts of vegetative bacteria within 15 minutes, including stubborn superbugs like MRSA, and even tougher pathogens like C. difficile within 50 minutes.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020 several studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of UVC light to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus, with highly effective eradication of the virus comparable to other coronaviruses. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, also known as SARS, and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) are both in the same coronavirus family. UVC light is proven effective at eliminating these coronaviruses as well as SARS-CoV-2, according to many recent research studies such as Upper-room ultraviolet air disinfection might help to reduce COVID-19 transmission in buildings: a feasibility study from October of 2020 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

UVC Germicidal Lamps for UV Light Robots

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UVC germicidal lamps for UVC light robots, offering a wide selection of high-quality germicidal lamps and custom engineering support. Our engineers possess deep technical knowledge of UV radiation and designing custom phosphor blends to meet your exact specifications. Our germicidal UVC lamps are proven in surface, water, and air sterilization applications, developed with proprietary technologies such as LongLife+™ and Shatter ProTech. LongLife+™ is a specialty coating that increases lamp life up to 16,000 hours, Shatter ProTech provides shatter resistance and protection from mercury contamination.

Our UV germicidal lamps include:

• Low Pressure Mercury Lamps

• Low Pressure Amalgam Lamps

• MPUVC germicidal lamps

• UV Quartz sleeves

• UVC Ozone lamps

• Custom bases and sockets

• Electronic Ballasts

UV Light Disinfection Robot: Still a Viable, Cost-Effective Solution

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/uv-light-disinfection-robot-still-a-viable-cost-effective-solution/

Service robots have been used in the medical field for many years with robots assisting with surgery, roaming bots with tablets allowing for physician tele-visits and even drones delivering emergency medical equipment. Robots have many other applications in the healthcare industry such as UV light disinfection robots which are becoming increasingly popular in hospitals to sterilize patient rooms, operating rooms, common surfaces, and medical equipment.

UV Light Disinfection Robots: Not Entirely a New Concept

Even before the global COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals across the country like this New Jersey hospital were investing in UV light disinfection robots according to this article in Robotics Business Review magazine published March of 2019. Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) have always been a concern as some of the most commonly transmitted HAIs are “superbugs” which are resistant to antibiotics. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), VRE (Vancomycin-resistant enterococci), C. diff. (Clostridium difficile) and other superbugs cause serious pain and suffering and may even cause death.

Cleaning and disinfection practices are a significant concern and one of the greatest costs of the modern healthcare sector. Hospitals must always maintain diligence in sterilization procedures to prevent hospital acquired infections and studies have been conducted on the efficacy of UV light robots long before the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study from the National Institutes of Health from 2017, Application of Service Robots for Disinfection in Medical Institutions, concludes that semi-automated UV light systems such as UV light robots were effective to substantially reduce the burden of MRSA and bacteria on surfaces, including in vacated patient rooms known to have been infected with MRSA.

MRSA is in the beta coronavirus family, similar to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Several recent studies have shown that UV light may be effective at eliminating the SARS-CoV-2 virus as other coronaviruses, including MRSA, with the right conditions and exposure. According to the Food and Drug Administration, FDA, as of February 2021 there was still limited published data on the dose, duration and wavelength required to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

More UV Light Robots Roaming Hospital Halls

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, hospitals have been faced with new challenges in preventing the spread of COVID-19 amidst record capacity levels with many patients infected with the deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus. On top of treating high patient levels, healthcare workers at times had to deal with shortages in protective personal equipment (PPE), putting staff and patients at an increased risk of infection.

Hospitals across the country sought new tools and innovative methods to protect patients and staff. UV light disinfection robots provided a valuable tool as more hospitals began implementing mobile ultraviolet technology to aid in the fight against COVID-19. The Henry Ford Health System in Detroit invested in 20 UV light robots as reported in December of 2020, the Norman Regional Health Systems in Oklahoma purchased 6 UV light disinfection robots in July of 2020, as well as many other hospitals and medical facilities.

Hospitals are not the only application where UV light robots have been used to combat infectious disease. Airports, mass transit stations, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and many other public places have invested in autonomous virus killers on wheels to protect against the spread of germs.

UVC Disinfection Devices

A UVC disinfection robot is one of several devices where UV technology is used to eliminate harmful germs. Additional UV disinfection devices include air purification systems, water treatment systems and additional surface sterilization technologies. UVC disinfection devices typically use UVC germicidal mercury lamps due to high effectiveness and low cost.

Air purification systems are often installed as a wall-mounted unit or in HVAC systems and help to clean and purify the air that we breathe by eliminating harmful airborne pathogens. UVC lights mounted over surgical equipment and in operating rooms help to provide surface sterilization and UV water treatment systems eliminate harmful pathogens from water supplies in many applications. While air and water UV purification systems are still widely in use in many environments, the use of UV light sterilization robots has increased with a greater awareness of the effectiveness and the benefits that mobility devices provide.

Advantages of UV Light Disinfection Robots

UV light robots should be considered for use only in addition to manual cleaning practices and never relied upon for soul sterilization purposes. UV wavelengths are more effective when hitting a clean surface as dirt can trap microorganisms that may be difficult to be eradicated by UV light. Hospitals and other applications that have employed the use of UV light robots have realized many advantages such as:

Semi-automatic operation – staff can be trained to operate the UV robots which can be programmed to follow a particular path in a patient room, focusing UV rays in hard-to-reach places and can automatically return back to a charging station.

Highly effective – UV light robots have been proven to significantly reduce harmful levels of pathogens to safe levels, in addition to manual cleaning practices.

No labor expenses – UV robots have become part of the staff in many hospitals, even given names of their own. Robots however never ask for a lunch break, a day off or overtime pay.

Low maintenance – UVC germicidal lamps provide thousands of hours of effective sterilization with low maintenance and low ongoing costs.

No additional cleaning chemicals – UV lamps provide high sterilization efficacy with no need to purchase and store chemical cleaners.

Return on investment – UV light robots provide a worthwhile return on investment to hospitals by reducing costs of extended hospital stays due to HAIs, which occur in 1 out of 31 patients according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC. Additionally, by eliminating superbugs from patient rooms and saving even one life due to serious infection, this added level of disinfection is priceless.

UVC Germicidal Lamps for UV Light Disinfection Robots

LightSources and LightTech, together with our valuable partner companies comprise the LightSources group, recognized as a world leading UV lamp supplier. We offer a wide selection of UVC disinfection lamps, with various proven technologies, sizes and styles and custom engineered germicidal lamp solutions available. Our UV lamp engineers possess deep technical knowledge of UV radiation and lamp design to provide customized solutions including custom phosphor blends and proprietary technologies to meet the needs of innovative original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of all sizes.

Our UVC germicidal lamps for UV light robots include:

• Low pressure Mercury lamps

• Medium pressure UVC lamps

• Compact quartz lamps

• Standard quartz

• High-output quartz

• Standard softglass

• High output softglass

• Amalgam lamps with proprietary technology.

• UVC ozone lamps

• Custom lamp bases and sockets

• Electronic ballasts

Our proprietary technology Shatter ProTech provides a cost-efficient solution to protect lamps and the environment with a shield that is acid and heat resistant and fits any lamp geometry. Our additional proprietary lamp technologies give our customers an added competitive advantage with high-quality, cost-effective UV lamp products for any germicidal application.

HVAC UV Light Benefits

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/hvac-uv-light-benefits/

Ultraviolet (UV) light has powerful germ-killing properties and provides advantages to a wide range of sterilization applications such as the many HVAC UV light benefits. UV light emitted in the UVC range is proven to kill many types of microorganisms including bacteria and viruses, even mold and mildew. Other types of UV lamps such as UV ozone lamps also eliminate foul odor by eliminating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air that cause odor and illness.

Most Important HVAC UV Light Benefits

The two most important benefits of UV lights in HVAC systems are that they prevent mold and mildew from accumulating inside the equipment, which makes your HVAC system run more efficiently and reduces energy consumption. The other greatest benefit is improving indoor air quality (IAQ) by eliminating bacteria and viruses that circulate throughout a home or office.

UV lights in HVAC systems provide a healthier living environment and improve efficient HVAC operation as well as providing the following benefits:

• Kills germs, viruses, and bacteria.

• Eliminates mold, mildew, and other allergens.

• Removes volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

• Eliminates foul odors.

• Improves HVAC efficiency.

• Reduces HVAC maintenance.

• Lowers monthly expenses and energy consumption.

HVAC UV Light Benefits Equipment

UVC germicidal lamps harness the power of UV radiation to kill microorganisms and when installed in heating, venting. and cooling (HVAC) systems, UV lamps provide many benefits. UVC radiation kills bacteria and mold that can build up inside an HVAC’s coils, which keep equipment cleaner, running more efficiently and requiring less maintenance. The inside of an HVAC unit is dark and damp, and a prime location for the build-up of mold, fungi, and bacteria. UV lights help to eliminate contaminants inside the HVAC system and in air-ducts that could be prone to spreading disease.

When UV lights are professionally installed inside an HVAC system, they target the coils where contamination is likely and prevent the growth and build-up of pollutants such as mold, mildew, pollen, dust, smoke, and soot. UV lights prevent the build-up of these contaminants which can reduce the performance of your HVAC unit and provide cleaner air to circulate throughout your home or office.

HVAC UV Light Benefits Indoor Air Quality

HVAC UV lights also prevent the spread of mold spores, fungi, bacteria, and viruses throughout your living area which significantly improves indoor air quality. UV lights help to prevent sickness from spreading by removing airborne pathogens before they spread throughout your living area. Killing these contaminants that cause illness at the source reduces allergies and asthma symptoms in people with asthma and respiratory illnesses.

When HVAC UV lights kill VOCs, they do more than just eliminate odor. VOCs are also known to cause many health problems including throat, nose, and eye irritation as well as headaches and nausea. By eliminating VOCs from circulating throughout your indoor air, you are improving the air quality and health of everyone in the building.

UVC Germicidal Lamps for HVAC

LightSources is a leading global supplier of high-tech germicidal UVC lamps designed and engineered for optimum germ-killing power. We offer UVC germicidal lamps in various sizes, types, and styles to suit any sterilization need including UV air disinfection, water and surface sterilization. Our lighting engineers offer custom designed and prototype solutions to meet the demands of OEMs large and small.

UV Light in HVAC Effectiveness

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/uv-light-in-hvac-effectiveness/

Direct exposure to UVC lights can be hazardous to skin and eyes, although with the right type of germicidal lamps and proper installation, there is proven evidence of high germicidal UV light in HVAC effectiveness.

How Do UV Lights in HVAC Systems Work?

UVC lights are designed to emit particular wavelengths in the range of 254 nanometer (nm), which is effective at penetrating the DNA of microorganisms. The UV radiation is absorbed by the cells’ DNA which renders them unable to produce the needed proteins to survive or replicate. UV light does not immediately kill the germs, although it shortens their life span, and nullifies their ability to replicate and cause harm.

UVC light can penetrate the cells of viruses, bacteria, mold spores, fungi, and various germs when they pass through a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system. Strategically installing germicidal UVC lamps in HVAC units helps to purify the air and sterilize HVAC equipment for longer, more efficient use. UV light in HVAC effectiveness is proven to improve indoor air quality for a healthier indoor environment.

UV Light in HVAC Effectiveness

There are several studies that evaluate UV light in HVAC effectiveness with promising results for UV light in HVAC systems in hospitals, offices, and schools. According to a study conducted by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, ASHRAE, and Penn State University, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) showed successful results for reducing the amount of fungi in air handling units and cited improvements in children with mold induced asthma when installed in schools.

UV light has been used in hospitals and endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, for controlling the spread of tuberculosis in hospitals and healthcare facilities. UVC radiation is known to kill harmful microorganisms even antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” like MRSA, SARS and is even proven to be effective at killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the novel COVID-19.

How are UV Lights Installed in HVAC Systems?

Treating the volume of air in your home or office is immense, and only possible when installed properly in air handling units or HVAC systems since humans cannot be exposed to UVC light. Since the HVAC system draws air into the evaporator unit, forcing it out through air vents and registers throughout the home, UV light installed in the evaporator unit sterilizes the air as it circulates.

Only a professional HVAC technician should install UV lights in HVAC systems for germicidal effectiveness. The lights must be installed in the right area with the right angle of exposure to sterilize the air as it passes through. The HVAC technician will clean the air handler system thoroughly prior to installing UV lights and should inspect all ductwork for leaks. With the right installation by a certified technician, UV lights in HVAC effectiveness will be at maximum levels to prevent airborne infection.

High Performance Germicidal UV Lights for HVAC Effectiveness

LightSources is recognized worldwide as a leading manufacturer of high quality, high performance UV germicidal lights found in many applications. UVC lamps by LightSources provide germicidal solutions to water, surface and air sterilization systems with proven UVC effectiveness. We offer a wide selection of UVC lamps in various sizes, types, and styles as well as customized engineering solutions to meet customer specifications.

Our lighting specialists possess deep technical knowledge of UVC radiation and lamp design to deliver cutting edge germicidal solutions. We conduct ongoing research and development for continual improvement and offer proprietary technology that improves lamp life and performance. LightSources is an ISO9001:2015 registered supplier of UV lamps and lighting solutions including proven UVC germicidal lamps for use in a variety of industries and applications.

UV Light Air Conditioner Benefits

Weighing the cost against the benefits, it is difficult to find a downside to installing a UV light air conditioner purification system in any commercial, industrial, municipal, medical, or residential building. UV germicidal light, specifically at the frequency of 253.7 nanometers (commonly referred to as 254 nm), effectively eliminates a host of pernicious microorganisms, such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, molds, spores, parasites, and dust mites.

The result is, at the very minimum, cleaner air for residents, employees, visitors, and others throughout the structure serviced by the air conditioner. In addition, UV germicidal lamps prevent build up on equipment which prolongs the useful life of air conditioning systems and enhances efficient operation.

UV Light AC System Proven to Reduce Fungi

UV light air conditioner purification systems provide many benefits and efficiencies. UV radiation is extremely effective at eliminating harmful pathogens that can collect on air conditioner units and spread through circulated air. In a recent scientific study evaluating the effectiveness of UV radiation to eliminate fungi in air handling units, a 286,000-square-foot office building in Oklahoma was equipped with a UV system on the main air handling units of two floors while two other floors had no lamps installed. Readings were taken from the study floor and the control floor to detect the concentration levels of mold and fungi since installation.

More than a dozen fungi species were present in May prior to installation of the UV system. When taken again in September, the readings on the floor with the UV system had decreased, while nearly every taxon increased its concentration on the control floor, in a couple of instances nearly 100-fold.

Health Benefits of UV Light for Air Conditioning Systems

UV lights in air handling units and air conditioner systems remove harmful pathogens from the units and from circulated air which provides significant health benefits. Some of the symptoms and ailments alleviated by the purified air include common colds; eye, nose, and throat irritation; allergies; headaches; nausea; COPD; bronchitis; asthma; lung infections; pulmonary disease; autoimmune deficiencies; and cancer.

The positive ripple effects of installing a UV air sterilization system are legion, and many of the benefits are long-term:

• Freeing a workplace from airborne germs, pollutants, and irritants makes for a healthier workforce, and consequently decreases absenteeism and increases productivity.

• UV purification systems have been proven to remove many industry-specific toxic chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced during business operations.

• At 254 nm, the UV light produces no ozone, which can erode copper wiring and tubing. UVC ozone lamps are available that with proper installation, provide air sterilization and odor control.

• UV light prohibits the accumulation of microorganisms, mold, and mildew that can clog the passageways of an AC system, making the motor work harder and shortening the useful life of the mechanics.

• With the destruction of mold and mildew, their associated odors are eliminated.

• The UV germicidal light system lowers energy costs by continuously cleaning the air conditioner components of mold and biofilms, particularly the coils, drain pans, and vent surfaces.

• UV light systems are extremely low maintenance, saving time and money.

• UV systems can work at optimum efficiency throughout a wide range of temperatures, from roughly 40°to 120° F (4° to 48° C). LightSources can custom-design systems to work in higher temperatures as required.

LightSources provides only the highest quality germicidal UVC lamps, proven to outlast and outperform comparable lamps. The experts at LightSources can help design the most effective and most economical UV lamps for air purification systems for use in any business, government facility, home, or other building.

185nm UV Lamp for Ozone Disinfection

A 185nm UV Lamp generates ultraviolet energy at 185nm which is proven to effectively produce ozone, a natural sanitizer and deodorizer. A 185 nm UV light produces UV energy in wavelengths shorter than 220 nm which decompresses oxygen, O², to produce ozone, O³. UV germicidal lamps are designed to emit the most effective wavelength of UV radiation, measured in nanometers (nm). 185 nm lamps produce ozone, while 254 nm is an optimal wavelength to target the DNA of viruses, fungi and bacteria.

Ultraviolet radiation is proven to instantly penetrate the cells of harmful, disease causing microorganisms and rearrange the genetic material to render the cell unable to replicate. These harmful germs including protozoa and algae are unable to reproduce and are considered dead. UV germicidal lamps are proven to be highly effective in many surface, air and water disinfection applications with 185 nm ozone lamps providing many benefits.

Low Pressure and Medium Pressure Germicidal Lamps

The two main types of UV germicidal lamps are low pressure and medium pressure Mercury discharge lamps. Some low pressure germicidal lamps will look very similar to typical fluorescent lamps although the glass tube does not contain a fluorescent phosphor. The glass is also made of either soda lime glass or fused quartz as opposed to an ordinary borosilicate glass in typical fluorescent lamps.

This is to allow the optimum wavelength produced by a Mercury arc of either 185nm or 254nm of UV light to pass through unmodified. Low-pressure Mercury discharge lamps will still produce a visible light due to Mercury radiation bands.

Medium pressure Mercury discharge lamps look very similar to a high intensity discharge (HID) lamps and produce a broadband of UVC radiation rather than a single, narrow band line. These broadband UVC germicidal lamps produce a bright bluish white light and are common in many industrial water treatment applications due to the intense radiation source.

Low Pressure Amalgam UV Lamps

Low pressure Amalgam UV lamps provide stable performance over a wide range of ambient temperature changes with 3 to 4 times higher power density. Amalgam lamps are preferred for long-term applications and are available with either spot or pellet Amalgam technology. Spot Amalgam technology uses Mercury Amalgam applied to the inner surface of the lamp, whereas pellet Amalgam technology has Mercury Amalgam on the outside of the lamp arc.

Amalgam lamps provide some benefits over other lamps with the vapor pressure controlled by location and composition of Amalgam and allow for higher lamp current operation with robust filaments.

Low Pressure Amalgam Lamps

Ozone Producing 185 nm UV Lamp Benefits

Ozone Air Purification – Ozone Carries Through the Air

Ozone producing 185 nm UV lamps offer additional benefits and are required to oxidize specific organic compounds. One of the major advantages of ozone disinfection lamps is that ozone is carried through the air to places where UV radiation does not directly reach. 185 nm UV light is used in many UV air purification systems to effectively sanitize and clean the air in many HVAC systems.

Ozone Water Purification – Stronger than Chlorination

185 nm lamps are also very common in many water sterilization applications. Ozone is proven to be very effective over a wide range of pH environments and reacts quickly with viruses, bacteria and protozoans. Ozone provides a very strong oxidizing power and a short reaction time, with stronger germicidal properties then chlorination in many applications. Ozone does not add harmful chemicals to the water and eliminates many protozoans the chlorine does not such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

Ozone Oxidation – Powerful Water Disinfection

Also provides excellent oxidation in disinfection properties which makes it popular in drinking water treatment systems. 185 nm lamps are convenient in that ozone may be added to water treatment systems at several points such as during pre-oxidation, intermediate and final disinfection treatment processes. Ozone water disinfection is used worldwide in many applications including ballast water treatment systems for ships which are globally enforced to protect the planet’s oceans.

185nm UV Lamps from LightSources

LightSources and LightTech offer 185nm UV lamps manufactured with high-quality quartz glass. The type of fused quartz used to make the envelope, or the bulb, of the germicidal lamp determines the wavelength of UV emissions. Ozone is an extremely effective deodorizer and active oxidizer, destroying microorganisms on contact. The LightSources Group offers Very High (VH) UV germicidal lamps which produce UV energy at 185nm as well as Low (L) lamps which produce 254nm.

Our L lamps are designed with a specially doped fused quartz to prohibit the emission of 185 nm, while our VH lamps are designed with clear fused quartz to allow the emission of energy at 185 nm. These 185 nm UV lights are found in a wide range of air treatment systems and water sterilization applications. VH lamps are effective in reducing total organic compounds (TOCs) and are commonly used in HVAC UV air purification systems.

LightSources and LightTech offer UV germicidal lamp solutions for any application, with a wide range of patented, high-tech lamp products as well as custom designed solutions available. We design, engineer and manufacture lamps with two types of quartz spliced together to produce specific amounts of ozone. Our ozone disinfection lamps provide many benefits including:

• High-quality quartz glass construction

• Effective deodorization and oxidation

• Customized proprietary design options available

• Effective in a wide range of air and water sterilization applications

The combined strengths of LightTech in Europe with LightSources in the United States allows the LightSources Group the ability to support OEMs worldwide with vast resources and high-tech lamp solutions. By offering a wide selection of standard products as well as customized solutions, our clients maintain replacement sales within their OEM market for increased revenue and repeat business.

UV Light for Medical Use

Ultraviolet (UV) light is used for many purposes that promote health and wellness as there are many applications that harness the benefits of UV light for medical use.

UV Lamps Provide Many Health Benefits

UV light is measured in wavelengths mainly in the spectrum of 100 nanometer (nm) to 380 nm and is divided into three regions: UVA (320 – 400 nm), UVB (280 – 320 nm), and UVC (100 – 280 nm). UVC is short wave UV radiation and is completely absorbed by the ozone layer when emitted by the sun. UVA and UVB are the rays that reach the earth and are associated with the common sunburn as well as providing benefits like vitamin D and many other phototherapy treatments.

Scientists and lamp engineers such as the knowledgeable engineers at LightSources design and engineer UVC germicidal lamps to emit 254 nm, the most effective wavelength to kill viruses and bacteria. 185 nm ozone lamps are also effective in many sterilization applications. UV lamps designed to emit UVA and UVB wavelengths provide benefits to the medical industry in phototherapy lamps, as these wavelength emissions are proven effective to treat a host of medical conditions.

UV lamps provide many benefits in two distinct areas:

UVC Germicidal Lamps – UV light provides many benefits to the healthcare industry and many other environments with UVC germicidal lamps that eliminate harmful viruses and bacteria in the air, in water and on surfaces.

UV Phototherapy Lamps – UV lamps are used for medical phototherapy purposes, which is also called light therapy, where UV lamps are specifically designed to treat certain medical conditions.

LightSources and LightTech are world leading manufacturers of innovative UV lamps used in germicidal and phototherapy applications, providing patented lamp products with first-to-market technology and solutions.

UV Light for Medical Use in Germicidal Applications

Germicidal UVC lamps provide health benefits to the medical industry and are used to provide effective sterilization to many environments. Germicidal lamps are used in medical facilities, doctor’s offices, and hospitals as well as many public places and commercial institutions to stop the spread of disease. UVC germicidal lamps sterilize that air when installed in HVAC systems or in upper room air irradiation units to prevent airborne illnesses. Germicidal lamps are also used to eliminate harmful microorganisms and water and on surfaces.

Hospitals sterilize surgical equipment as well as surfaces such as in operating rooms and patient rooms. UVC robots are utilized in many hospitals and public places to further eliminate harmful pathogens. UVC light used in addition to regular cleaning protocol is proven to significantly decrease virus and bacteria load and can even eliminate superbugs like antibiotic resistant bacteria. UV sterilization helps to promote health and wellness in many public places such as workplaces, schools, libraries, airports, bus stations, and residential homes.

UV light promotes health and wellness in many medical applications with effective sterilization on surfaces, in water and in air sterilization systems.

UV Light for Medical Use with Phototherapy Lamps

Medical phototherapy lamps are used under a doctor’s supervision with specially designed lamps administering UVA, UVB and narrowband UVB emissions. Phototherapy UV lamps treat a host of medical conditions such as variety of skin conditions, mood disorders and successfully treat neonatal jaundice. Some of the most common applications of UV light for medical use include effective treatment for many skin conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo.

UV Light for Acne Treatment – acne vulgaris affects more than 85% of adolescents and is the most common skin condition in the U.S. a combination of red light and blue light is proven to be effective in treating acne to prevent new outbreaks and alleviate symptoms of current outbreaks. Blue light emitted at 415 nm is effective at killing bacteria to prevent acne outbreaks and red light emissions between 600 to 700 nm stimulates cell regeneration, healing and soothes inflammation.

UV Light for Eczema – eczema is a common skin condition which affects more than 30 million Americans with various types and symptoms. Eczema patients may experience different symptoms which can include dry, rough, scaly, itchy and inflamed patches of skin. UVA, UVB and narrowband UVB phototherapy lamps have been proven effective to improve symptoms and prevent outbreaks of eczema.

UV Light for Psoriasis – psoriasis causes patients to experience patches of dry, scaly and itchy skin with outbreaks of raised, hardened lesions. Topical ointments can provide relief for mild symptoms although UV phototherapy lamps can be more effective to help patients with severe psoriasis symptoms.

UV Light for Vitiligo – vitiligo is a skin condition that is considered an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the pigment forming cells in the body, melanocytes, causing white patches to appear on the skin. A UVB phototherapy lamp for vitiligo used in combination with medication is effective to put pigment back into the white patches.

UV light provides these medical benefits to these skin conditions and also treats forms of mood conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

UV Light for Depression – many people who live in the northern hemisphere experience seasonal depression during the winter months. Symptoms of SAD are like symptoms of nonseasonal forms of depression which can become severe and include social withdrawal, weight gain, fatigue, and a lack of interest in normal activities. Phototherapy lamps help to combat symptoms when the days get shorter with less natural sunlight and are considered the most effective form of treatment for SAD.

UV light for neonatal jaundice – this condition occurs in newborns and causes yellowing of the skin and the whites of eyes as toxins build in the body from underdeveloped liver function. Treatment with UV blue light prevents brain damage that can occur with elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood and breaks down bilirubin into substances that are safely excreted through waste. UV lights to treat jaundice are also called bili-lights for this reason.

LightSources Offers Quality UV Lamps for Medical Use

LightSources and LightTech design and engineer UV medical phototherapy lamps to treat all these conditions as well as UV germicidal lamps for medical use with effective sterilization and disinfection. Our vast resources including a state-of-the-art glass factory in Europe combined with the leading high-tech lamp designers and engineers provide the most effective and cost-efficient solution for nearly any application requiring UV light for medical use.

Does UV Light Kill COVID-19?

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which is the cause of a viral outbreak that led to a devastating global pandemic. Public health systems and economies worldwide have been ravaged by this virus and many people are asking the question, “Does UV light kill Covid?”. As of December 31, 2021, the pandemic is experiencing a surge with the new Omicron variant and a total death toll of 5,439,895 globally, with more than 825,816 deaths in the United States. *UPDATE – as of 3/29/23, there have been 761,402,282 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6,887,000 deaths globally, and 102,697,566 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 1,117,054 deaths in the U.S., as reported by the World Health Organization, WHO.

We put together a compilation of several studies showing the effectiveness of UV light for COVID, including how UVC light kills other coronaviruses, how SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted, and UVC lamps that are proven effective at eliminating betacoronaviruses and the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

Types of UVC Lamps Effective in Killing Covid

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of UV radiation from the sun, that has less energy than X-rays and gamma rays, although has more energy than visible light and radio waves. Sunlight emits natural UV rays in three broad spectrums, UVA, UVB and UVC. People can experience exposure to UVA and UVB rays from natural sunlight, although most UVC natural rays are absorbed by the ozone layer.

UVC light is replicated in manmade germicidal UVC lamps, which have been proven to kill many viruses and bacteria including beta coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 is in the beta coronavirus family similar to the MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). UVC light is proven effective at eradicating MERS and SARS and recent studies show that UVC lamps are also similarly effective in killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

Does UV Light Kill Covid in Liquid?

UV light is an effective disinfectant and sterilizer, proven to kill viruses in water, on surfaces and in the air. UVC light effectively inactivates bacteria and viruses by damaging nucleic acids of cells, rendering them unable to replicate. An inactivated cell that is unable to replicate is considered harmless and unable to spread further disease. According to a recent study in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), UVC light is proven effective at killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 in liquid cultures as “SARS-CoV-2 is highly susceptible to irradiation with ultraviolet light“.

UVC lamps are used in UV water disinfection applications such as waste water treatment plants, aqua culture, pool and spa and many additional water sterilization needs.

Does UV Light Kill COVID on Surfaces?

In Laboratories and all Surfaces

UVC germicidal lamps have been shown to be effective at killing the SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces in studies by the AJIC showing a 99.7% effective rate on laboratory surfaces. In order to achieve this high efficacy rate to disinfect surfaces they must be clean and experience direct exposure.

In Hospitals and Medical Facilities

For this reason, many hospitals and medical facilities have added UVC light disinfection to their regular cleaning regimen. UVC light disinfection helps to keep hospital rooms, surgical rooms, surgical and medical equipment sterile and free from harmful bacteria, including some antibiotic resistant superbugs.

UVC Lamps for Restaurant Disinfection

UVC disinfection is helping restaurant owners get back to business and keep their staff and patrons safe. UVC lamps are used in many areas of a restaurant such as disinfecting commercial kitchen surfaces and preventing grease build-up in exhaust fans. Learn the many benefits of UV lamps for restaurants.

UVC Germicidal Lamps

UVC lamps manufactured to emit light in the UVC range are the most effective to kill viruses and bacteria, with standard germicidal lamps designed to emit light at 254 nm. While this wavelength is proven highly effective it can also be damaging to human skin and eyes, therefore some germicidal lamps are designed to emit wavelengths between 207- 222 nm, referred to as Far-UVC light. Far-UVC light is effective at killing germs and viruses and is less hazardous to skin and eyes than other types of UVC lamps.

Does UV Light Kill COVID in the Air?

UV Air Sterilization

Many scientists believe that airborne particles are one of the most common modes of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, thus sterilizing and disinfecting air in enclosed spaces should help to protect people against contracting the COVID-19 disease. UVC lamps in HVAC units are an effective method of sterilizing air and is utilized in many commercial, industrial, and residential air purification systems.

A recent study published in Scientific Reports concludes that UVC light is effective at killing airborne human coronaviruses including those that cause the common cold and the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Based on what we know about ultraviolet light, specifically UV light emitted in the UVC range, many studies are showing that UV light may be used as a valuable tool to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 in liquid, on surfaces and in the air. Far-UVC light may be a good choice for some disinfection applications with less harmful health risks to human exposure.

Quality UVC Lamps Proven to Kill Viruses

LightSources is recognized internationally as a leading supplier of high-quality germicidal UVC lamps proven to kill many viruses and bacteria, with a modern state-of-the-art glass factory in Europe and several valuable partner companies providing custom engineering services. You can find our UV disinfectant lamps in many applications worldwide for water, air and surface sterilization.

Our engineers possess deep technical knowledge of UV radiation and lamp design, with a commitment to continual improvement through research and development. Our UV light proprietary technologies include LongLife+, which is a specialty coating engineered to increase the life of your lamp for up to 16,000 hours. We offer prototype solutions with rapid development, custom engineering to meet your specific and unique specifications and proprietary solutions for you that increase your brand awareness.

Killing Bacteria with UV Light

Killing bacteria with UV light is highly effective when using UVC germicidal lamps, designed to emit shortwave UVC radiation which is proven to kill many types of bacteria as well as viruses, mold, mildew, harmful pathogens and foul odors. UV light can be divided into UVA 320-400 nm, UVB 290-320 nm, and UVC 100-290 nm, based on the wavelength, measured in nanometers (nm). UVC light when emitted from the sun is shorter wave than UVA and UVB and is entirely absorbed by the ozone layer.

UVC light exposure would cause damage to human skin and eyes and caution must be taken when UVC germicidal lamps are in use, although many types of UV see sterilization systems are designed to kill bacteria without posing a risk to human health.

How Does UV Light Kill Bacteria?

UV light has been used to kill bacteria for more than a century as this article points out when Finsen experimented with UV light 130 years ago, and then in 1877 Downes and Blunt published an article called “The Influence of Light Upon the Development of Bacteria”. UVC light emits a high-frequency, shortwave electromagnetic radiation that effectively kills bacteria, viruses and many harmful microorganisms by altering the DNA which renders the cells unable to replicate. This inactivation of the microbes causes cell death, mutations, and failure to reproduce thus rendering cells harmless.

What Types of Germs and Bacteria Does UV Light Kill?

UVC radiation is highly effective at eliminating many types of bacteria including drug-resistant bacteria called superbugs, viruses including many types of flu strains, beta coronaviruses including MERS, SARS, and the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Some of the most stubborn bacteria that UVC light is proven to eliminate include:

• MRSA (Methicillin-Resistand Staphylococcus Aureus)
• Salmonella
• ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli)Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE)
• Clostridium difficile
• Multidrug-resistant pseudomonas
• Carbapenemase-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC)

UVC light effectively eliminates these types of bacteria and many others up to 99.99%, as reported in this study regarding the effectiveness of ultraviolet air and surface sterilization systems.

Killing Bacteria with UV Light: Effective in Many Environments

UVC germicidal lamps are used in a wide range of sterilization applications providing effective disinfection of water, surfaces, and air.

Water UV sterilization – germicidal lamps are used to kill harmful microorganisms and bacteria in water with UVC radiation in many environments including pools and spas, wastewater treatment, drinking water, aquaculture, ballast water treatment for ships and many other types of water sterilization needs. UV lamps are one of the most effective water sterilization methods and are proven to inactivate pathogens such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, which chlorine is unable to treat.

Surface UV sterilization – UVC lamps are used to disinfect and sterilize surfaces in many industries and applications including hospitals, restaurants, schools, commercial and industrial properties and public places.

Hospitals – UVC lamps sterilize surgical equipment, operating rooms, patient rooms, patient beds, surfaces, restrooms, and many other surfaces. According to a study published by Duke University, UV light can help hospitals cut transmission of four major drug resistant superbugs. Hospital acquired infections are common when patients stay overnight in a room known to have had a positive culture of a drug-resistant infection from a previous patient.

Restaurants – UVC lamps sterilize tables people eat on, kitchen counter surfaces, kitchen exhaust fans, walk-in freezers to prevent mold, over delis and in refrigerators.

Food Irradiation – UV germicidal irradiation, UVGI, is highly effective at preserving food and killing foodborne illnesses including E. Coli and Salmonella.

Air – UV air purification efficiently disinfects and sterilizes air without the use of hazardous waste or byproducts. UV lamps are used in air purification systems such as upper room UVGI systems, in HVAC systems sterilizing furnaces and air conditioning units. UVC lamps for air purification eliminate airborne viruses as the air flows in front of the UVC radiation and they also prevent the buildup of mold and mildew inside air condenser units which commonly occurs in these dark, damp places. UV air purification provides cleaner and healthier air for everyone to breathe in any environment whether residential, commercial, or industrial. Eliminating airborne microorganisms and foul odors including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as sulfides, mercaptans and ammonia improves indoor air quality for all.

Killing bacterial with UV light in these applications and many others such as in commercial and industrial properties and public transportation systems is a good way to help improve public health and safety.

Advantages of Killing Bacteria with UV Light

There are many advantages of using germicidal lamps to kill bacteria with UV light. Some of the most recognizable benefits of UVC sterilization include:

• No need to purchase, store, or dispose of dangerous chemicals
• No harmful byproducts from added chemical use
• UV lamps are low maintenance
• UVC sterilization is simple and safe although should be installed by a professional
• Highly effective, immediate sterilization
• Affordable with low operating expenses
• Proven ability to kill bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew and fungi

High-Quality Germicidal UVC Lamps

LightSources offers high-quality germicidal UVC lamps which are long-lasting and economical to operate. We offer a wide variety of germicidal lamps in standard and high output, quartz germicidal lamps, quartz compact and GU lamps, standard and high-output softglass lamps, and softglass compact lamps.
Standard low pressure mercury lamps provide the highest efficiency with 40% of a lamps’ electrical power converted into UVC radiation at 254nm. For applications requiring the highest UVC output, high-output mercury lamps are the best choice as they provide approximately twice the UVC output. In both standard and high-output (HO) UVC lamps, liquid mercury droplets collect at the lamp’s “cold spot.” As it reaches peak temperature, it creates a mercury vapor that produces maximum UVC output.

By operating on a lower current (between 180 and 425mA), soft glass lamps are available in standard and high output selections and provide a germicidal efficiency of 30%. The lamps are ozone free and best used for simple disinfection applications that only require a wavelength of 254nm. Other highly efficient low pressure mercury lamps are amalgam lamps. These lamps use a mercury amalgam mix to control the mercury vapor pressure. Instead of a “cold spot,” the lamp’s “amalgam spot on pellet” is used to regulate mercury vapor pressure. Amalgam lamps yield up to three times the UVC output of a standard low pressure mercury lamp of the same length. Your application will determine the type of UVC lamps that will work best for your needs.

Surface UV sterilization – UVC lamps are used to disinfect and sterilize surfaces in many industries and applications including hospitals, restaurants, schools, commercial and industrial properties and public places.

Hospitals – UVC lamps sterilize surgical equipment, operating rooms, patient rooms, patient beds, surfaces, restrooms, and many other surfaces. According to a study published by Duke University, UV light can help hospitals cut transmission of four major drug resistant superbugs. Hospital acquired infections are common when patients stay overnight in a room known to have had a positive culture of a drug-resistant infection from a previous patient.

Restaurants – UVC lamps sterilize tables people eat on, kitchen counter surfaces, kitchen exhaust fans, walk-in freezers to prevent mold, over delis and in refrigerators.

Food Irradiation – UV germicidal irradiation, UVGI, is highly effective at preserving food and killing foodborne illnesses including E. Coli and Salmonella.

Air – UV air purification efficiently disinfects and sterilizes air without the use of hazardous waste or byproducts. UV lamps are used in air purification systems such as upper room UVGI systems, in HVAC systems sterilizing furnaces and air conditioning units. UVC lamps for air purification eliminate airborne viruses as the air flows in front of the UVC radiation and they also prevent the buildup of mold and mildew inside air condenser units which commonly occurs in these dark, damp places. UV air purification provides cleaner and healthier air for everyone to breathe in any environment whether residential, commercial, or industrial. Eliminating airborne microorganisms and foul odors including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as sulfides, mercaptans and ammonia improves indoor air quality for all.

Killing bacterial with UV light in these applications and many others such as in commercial and industrial properties and public transportation systems is a good way to help improve public health and safety.

Advantages of Killing Bacteria with UV Light

There are many advantages of using germicidal lamps to kill bacteria with UV light. Some of the most recognizable benefits of UVC sterilization include:

• No need to purchase, store, or dispose of dangerous chemicals
• No harmful byproducts from added chemical use
• UV lamps are low maintenance
• UVC sterilization is simple and safe although should be installed by a professional
• Highly effective, immediate sterilization
• Affordable with low operating expenses
• Proven ability to kill bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew and fungi

High-Quality Germicidal UVC Lamps

LightSources offers high-quality germicidal UVC lamps which are long-lasting and economical to operate. We offer a wide variety of germicidal lamps in standard and high output, quartz germicidal lamps, quartz compact and GU lamps, standard and high-output softglass lamps, and softglass compact lamps.
Standard low pressure mercury lamps provide the highest efficiency with 40% of a lamps’ electrical power converted into UVC radiation at 254nm. For applications requiring the highest UVC output, high-output mercury lamps are the best choice as they provide approximately twice the UVC output. In both standard and high-output (HO) UVC lamps, liquid mercury droplets collect at the lamp’s “cold spot.” As it reaches peak temperature, it creates a mercury vapor that produces maximum UVC output.

By operating on a lower current (between 180 and 425mA), soft glass lamps are available in standard and high output selections and provide a germicidal efficiency of 30%. The lamps are ozone free and best used for simple disinfection applications that only require a wavelength of 254nm. Other highly efficient low pressure mercury lamps are amalgam lamps. These lamps use a mercury amalgam mix to control the mercury vapor pressure.

Instead of a “cold spot,” the lamp’s “amalgam spot on pellet” is used to regulate mercury vapor pressure. Amalgam lamps yield up to three times the UVC output of a standard low pressure mercury lamp of the same length. Your application will determine the type of UVC lamps that will work best for your needs.

UV TOC Reduction in Water with Quality Lamps

UV TOC reduction effectively removes Total Organic Carbon, TOC, from water which is critical in many applications and processes.

What Is Total Organic Carbon, TOC?

TOC refers to the total amount of organic carbon compounds found in water and is an important measurement to understand whether water used in certain processes is of a pure enough quality. All untreated water will contain some carbon compounds which can be introduced from various sources.

TOCs may include synthetic, man-made compounds, and altered or natural products from living systems. The presence of bacteria and other TOC’s and water may suggest a failure in filtration, components, systems, or storage. If TOC’s are left unfiltered these compounds may cause significant damage to expensive equipment, or unwanted contamination in applications such as semiconductor chip fabrication or pharmaceutical compound production. This kind of contamination can impact not only product quality but also process profitability.

Practicing TOC reduction methods is critical to protect many industries, the environment, and consumers.  UVC germicidal lamps play an important role in providing this protection.

When Should TOC’s Be a Concern?

High-purity water is a key component in many processes. Bacteria or other organic compounds can negatively impact product quality, process profitability and process yield. TOC destruction equipment is commonly seen in the following applications:

·        Food and beverage industry

·        Pharmaceutical industry

·        Microelectronics and semiconductor production

·        Wastewater and stormwater treatment

How UV TOC Reduction Works

Ultraviolet, UV, light has been used for over 100 years to remove harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses from water, air, and surfaces. UV light is an effective method of TOC reduction by utilizing UV light to destroy and/or remove organic compounds through different types of reactions. TOC’s can be reduced/eliminated with UV lamps through one of two following methods.

One TOC reduction method involves the creation of ozone via 185nm photons. These photons produced ozone which in turn oxidizes organic compounds found in water. Ozone lamps can also lead the the formation of hydroxyl radicals (-OH) , which are also very powerful oxidation agents.This can lead to further beneficial degradation of organics found in a given water source. This oxidation process is the primary UV chemical reaction occurring from high-energy 185 nm UV lamps.

Another method of UV TOC reduction occurs directly via photo-dissociation (photolysis) of organic molecules. In this TOC reduction method, high energy photons (185nm and 254nm) physically decompose organic matter found in a given water source.

Benefits of UV TOC Reduction

There are many benefits of using UV lamps for TOC reduction in addition to providing a reliable and effective method of purifying water. UV germicidal lamp water disinfection systems provide a wide range of benefits which include a high-level of microbial reduction and disinfection with 254 nm and 185nm emissions.

Some of the most important benefits of UV TOC reduction includes:

·        Germicidal effectiveness

·        Low operational expenses

·        Low maintenance costs

·        No harmful byproducts as with chemical use

·        Can operate indoor, outdoor, and water in the air

UV germicidal lamps by LightSources provide these benefits and many others such as custom design solutions available to meet your specific application requirements as well as proprietary technology.

Quality UV Germicidal Lamps for TOC Reduction

LightSources, LightTech, and the entire LightSources group consists of the leading high-tech UV lamp engineers in the industry offering customized prototype development, custom phosphor blends, and custom lamp components. Our compact UV lamps are available with a two tube linear design which delivers uniform lamp output. Compact, 254nm lamps are available in soft glass and both 185nm and 254nm lamps are available in quartz glass.

Compact UV lamps may include LightSources patented pellet amalgam technology which allows for lamps to produce a higher UV intensity which increases UV efficiency, reducing lamp power for cost savings.  Medium pressure, MPUVC Lamps, provide disinfection solutions for air, surfaces, and water including TOC reduction.