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 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

Far UVC Lamps: Safe and Effective

Far UVC lamps are ultraviolet lamps designed to emit wavelengths in a range of 222 nanometers (nm) as opposed to the typical range of standard germicidal 254 nm UV lamps. There is an increase in Far UVC light technology interest and accessibility with research showing an effective sweet spot to kill germs with people present.  Healthcare facilities and practitioners are discovering the benefits of far UVC light with increased safety and high efficacy.

Far UVC 222nm lamps with the right lamp design can prevent the emission of the longer and more harmful wavelengths, providing the same effectiveness in killing viruses, bacteria, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Far UVC Lamps are Increasing in Usage

UVC lamps have been used for decades as scientists have known that UVC radiation rapidly and effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and microbes. UVC lamps have been shown to effectively eliminate up to 97.7% of harmful pathogens in hospital operating rooms as reported by Technology Networks and many other proven scientific studies.

So why would health practitioners or other users of UVC disinfection technology want to make the switch to Far UVC lamps? Far UVC lamps offer increased safety over standard 254 nm UV lamps without jeopardizing effectiveness.

Increased Safety with Far UVC Lamps

Conventional UVC germicidal lamps are effective at eliminating harmful pathogens in the air, in water, and on surfaces, although they cannot be used in occupied spaces due to potential health hazards. Standard 254 nm UVC germicidal lamps are known to be dangerous to human skin and eyes, making it important that those UV germicidal systems be closed systems with protection mechanisms.  People should also wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when servicing or installing traditional UV disinfection systems.

Far UVC lamps, on the other hand, emit shorter wavelengths that significantly reduce the risk of human exposure, and some experts might even suggest that risk is reduced to zero.  This allows for Far UVC light disinfection systems to run constantly without causing harm as opposed to traditional UVC lamps that can only operate in unoccupied spaces.

Far UVC Light Disinfection Effectiveness

Far UVC light at 222 nm allows for safe, continual disinfection and is highly effective at deactivating and destroying pathogens. Far UVC lamps in line of sight disinfection systems can destroy airborne pathogens at the speed of light. According to an article published at UVReporter.com, far UVC light deactivates and destroys pathogens. 254nm light is proven highly effective at inactivating pathogens, although in some cases those pathogens could be reconstituted through a photoreactivation process. Far UVC light is known to deactivate and destroy many pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, mold, and other harmful microorganisms.

While far UVC technology has not had the extensive research that traditional UVC wavelengths have had, several studies do suggest that far UVC radiation at 222 nm is effective at destroying a wide range of harmful pathogens. This includes viruses such as influenza, (H1N1), alpha and beta coronaviruses, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, and adenovirus, according to a scientific report, Far-UVC light: A new tool to control the spread of airborne-mediated microbial diseases. 

In another recent study published in March 2022, Far-UVC (222 nm) efficiently inactivates an airborne pathogen in a room-sized chamber, scientists at several different universities came together to test the efficacy of far UVC light in a large room-sized chamber with a ventilation rate the same as a typical office or home, which is about three air changes per hour. The experiment included continuously spraying an aerosol mist of S. aureus bacteria into the room, a microbe that is slightly less sensitive than coronaviruses to far UVC light to provide a conservative model. Far UVC lamps were turned on in commercially overhead systems and in just five minutes, 98% of the airborne microbes were inactivated even though they were continually being sprayed into the room.

This same study verified the high efficacy of far UVC lamps which is often measured in terms of equivalent air changes per hour, with this study producing an equivalent of 184 air exchanges per hour. This far exceeds other approaches to disinfecting occupied spaces indoors where an equivalent of 5 to 20 air changes per hour is typical.

A Future for Far UVC Light

Given the safety and efficacy of far UVC light at 222 nm, the future looks bright for increasing the usage of far UVC lamps which can provide disinfection of the air with any excess radiation extending to disinfecting surfaces. This provides a big advantage of far UVC technology over traditional 254 nm UV lamps.

Where are UV Light Bulbs Used?

Ultraviolet (UV) light bulbs are used in many industries and applications, providing such a broad range of solutions to so many environments it is difficult to list them all. UV light is not visible to the human eye, scientists and lighting engineers replicate the shortwave electromagnetic radiation when manufacturing UV lamps. Custom phosphor blends and lamp design and engineering provide visibility of the UV radiation, which is typically not detectable by the human eye.

UV light, when emitted by the sun, is typically categorized into three areas, UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC is the shortest wavelength and is completely absorbed by the ozone layer, never reaching the surface of the earth. UVC light is also known to possess highly effective germicidal properties to sterilize surfaces, water, and the air.  UVA and UVB lamps are also used for a wide range of purposes, with ultraviolet light bulbs providing a healthier and safer environment for the human race in many ways.

Common UV Light Bulb Applications

Some of the most common applications where UV lamps are utilized include:

UV curing - ultraviolet light is known to quickly cure certain coatings, glazes, adhesives, lacquers, and varnishes in an instant, providing a durable and smooth surface. This speeds up industrial processes in many industries and creates higher-quality products with quick curing, less evaporation, and less contamination.

UV germicidal - ultraviolet light emitted in the short wave range of UVC is known to provide very effective germicidal properties and can eliminate viruses, bacteria, and harmful microorganisms in a matter of seconds. UVC germicidal lamps are used in air purification systems, water, and surface sterilization systems, and many environments such as schools, laboratories, hospitals, and many commercial and residential environments. Germicidal UVC lamps are known to eliminate superbugs that are resistant to antibiotics and are also effective against beta coronaviruses, including MERS, SARS, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. 

Phototherapy - UV lamps bring healing to patients suffering from many conditions, offering hope and effective treatment to people suffering from many skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne. UV light bulbs also provide healing to people with mood disorders and depression and are used to treat babies born with neonatal jaundice. 

Tanning - UV light tubes used for tanning are one of the most commonly recognized UV lamps in service. UV tanning lamps are quite different from phototherapy and germicidal lamps, and not all UV lamps are created equal.

It is important to source your UV lamps from a reputable UV lamp manufacturer.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UV lamp solutions used in a broad range of applications worldwide. We employ the leading high-tech lighting and UV lamp engineers, combined with a state-of-the-art glass factory and a commitment to delivering innovative, energy-efficient, and cost-saving UV lighting solutions. Contact us with any questions and learn how to improve your UV lamp application with quality UV light bulbs and tubes.

How Effective is Far UVC Light at 222 nm?

Far UVC is ultraviolet (UV) light in the range of 207–222 nm, which are shorter wavelengths than the traditional 254 nm UVC lamps.  Interest in far UVC technology is increasing with more research and awareness of the many benefits of UVC lamps engineered to emit wavelengths in the far UVC range. Far UVC wavelengths are shown to provide the same germicidal effectiveness with many benefits such as improved safety. 

Safety of Far UVC vs. Traditional 254 nm UV Lamps

Traditional 254 nm lamps emit powerful UVC radiation highly effective for germicidal applications, although cannot be used when people are present in the room. Traditional UVC sterilization systems must be operated in a closed system, with precautionary measures to shut off automatically if a person enters the room because they can damage human eyes and skin. Far UVC 222 nm lamps emit shorter wavelengths that are shown to operate safely without causing harm to human eyes and skin. 

Far UVC 222 nm Lamp Effectiveness

Far UVC lamps are also shown to be highly effective at killing the same types of viruses, bacteria, and harmful pathogens as traditional UV germicidal lamps, influenza, alpha, and beta coronaviruses. One study conducted by various universities showed that far UVC technology effectively eliminated the threat of airborne bacteria, S. Aureus, while continually spraying into a room. The far UVC lamps and overhead systems eliminated 98% of airborne microbes even though they were continually spraying into the room.

This study and others like it so that the future is bright for far UVC light, with effective disinfection that can be used continually as opposed to only when people are not in the room.

LightSources is a leader in the UVC lamp industry with a wide range of traditional 254 nm UV lamps and custom design and engineering to meet specific wavelength emissions. Our UVC germicidal lamps can be found worldwide in surface, water, and air purification systems. Contact us to learn more about UVC germicidal technology including far UVC lamps.

Custom Designed 254 nm UV Lamps

254 nm UV lamps describe the most common type of UVC germicidal lamps used to disinfect the air, water, and surfaces.  Ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted in the UVC range, between 100 to 280 nm, is proven to be most effective at eradicating harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens.  UVC lamps are designed to emit UV radiation in the range of 254 nm quickly and effectively penetrate the cells of harmful microbes, altering the DNA and rendering these cells unable to replicate, thus considered harmless.

UVC lamps are used in many environments and applications such as in hospitals, in patient rooms, and operating rooms, to disinfect medical equipment and supplies.  Germicidal UVC lamps are also used to sterilize the air in many industrial, commercial, and residential environments including in HVAC units, furnaces, and air conditioning systems.  Many surface sterilization systems utilize the power of UVC radiation as well as water disinfection UVC systems. 

254 nm UVC Lamp Design and Engineering

254 nm UVC lamps are designed in basically three different glass types including: 

• Soft Glass

• Fused Quartz

• Synthetic Fused Quartz

Soft glass provides a lower-cost option for powerful UVC germicidal lamps that transmit UVC radiation at 254 nm only.  

Fused Quartz is available in two types, “L” for low ozone emission or “VH” for very high ozone emissions. “L” fused quartz 254 nm UV lamps by LightSources are designed to emit up to 90% of the UVC energy at 254 nm.  VH lamps can emit both 185nm and 254nm with custom engineering available to splice both L and VH ratios to meet specific germicidal requirements. 

Synthetic fused quartz lamps provide superior UV transmission at 185nm for very high ozone-producing applications. 

LightSources offers both 185nm and 254nm UV lamps for germicidal applications worldwide as a leading global supplier of UVC sterilization lamp solutions.

LightSources is an industry-leading provider of quality UV lamps for surface, water, and air purification systems.  We offer UVC lamps for UV robots and a wide range of applications that require 254nm UVC technology.  Contact us to learn more about our standard and custom-designed options for 254 nm UV lamps. 

UVC Lamps for Disinfection Robots

UV disinfection robots have become quite a bit more popular in recent years as they are highly effective at eliminating germs and there is an increased need for sterilization in many environments. Autonomous roaming robots with germicidal UV lamps are used in the United States, Europe, Asia, and many other countries worldwide to help provide a safer environment for people. UVC robots are proven effective when used in addition to manual cleaning procedures to eradicate harmful viruses and bacteria with up to 99.99% efficacy.

UVC disinfection robots equipped with high-quality sterilization lamps emit UV wavelengths at precisely the right nanometer of 254 nm which is the most powerful germ-killing wavelength of UV radiation. These UVC robots are being utilized in many hospitals across the country. They can roam around a room and emit powerful UVC radiation which can eliminate harmful viruses and bacteria on surfaces such as countertops, hospital beds, bathrooms, and high-touch surface areas to quickly and effectively protect patients and staff.

UVC disinfection robots can be programmed to follow a particular path to operate in rooms when humans are not present, without human intervention. They can even go back to their charging station when they need to recharge, automatically helping to provide a cleaner and safer environment.

UVC Lamps for Disinfection Robots

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UVC germicidal lamps produced for a wide range of sterilization and disinfection applications. We offer a wide variety of sterilization lamps including fluorescent, low-pressure mercury, and compact CFL bulbs for many germicidal applications. Our germicidal lamps can be found in air purification systems, surface sterilization products and water disinfection applications worldwide.

We offer UVC germicidal lamps for UV disinfection robots, proven to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses and even antibiotic-resistant viruses such as MRSA and C.Diff. UVC germicidal lamps are also proven effective on many types of coronaviruses including the SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19. 

The LightSources group designs, engineers, and manufactures high-tech, high-quality UVC germicidal lamps with custom design options available. We offer prototype development and proprietary technology that provides longer-lasting germicidal effectiveness up to the end of lamp life. Contact us to learn more about UVC sterilization lamps for UV disinfection robots. \