Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) technologies are being used as infection control devices, primarily in healthcare facilities. No standard exists, but the dose of UV and the airflow are critical to ensuring all contaminated air is treated. The UVGI process is mainly influenced by the microorganism population, the irradiation intensity, and the intimate exposure time to the lamps. This new technology enables the system to increase the intensity field or to improve the inactivation process, without adding more energy or increasing the output efficiency of the lamps.

In each modular tube is a unique irradiation field with increased air capacity, resulting in a dynamic field in which all microorganisms are deactivated and “switched off.” The system is designed to work in conjunction with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, but has the advantage of only requiring lower-grade filters (and thus lower pressure requirements, power, etc). The modularity principle ensures the interpretation and load bearing for any unforeseen changed circumstances (temperature, humidity, day, night, summer, winter, errors, etc).

By means of the application of the correct quantity of ultraviolet light (UVC, 254 nm), the DNA of an airborne microorganism is fully blocked. Due to the sterilization, the microorganism is no longer infectious and as such, becomes harmless for human beings. The system deactivates SARS, TBC, influenza, bird flu, anthrax, mold, and VOCs from microorganisms.

From analysis of existing technology, it was discovered that the microorganism in the air must stay inside a specific ideal corridor along the lamp. A compromise between the ideal (range) distance and the available standard tubes was found.

Another influence for increasing the intensity field without adding more lamps (more energy) is the usage of reflection. The reflection material used reflects ±90% of the UV-C wavelength. Three-dimensional computable analysis of the intensity field shows that, due to the increased reflectivity and compactness around the UVC lamp(s), a homogenate intensity field is created.

Each tubular unit is provided with an active intelligence, which monitors and adjusts by communicating process data (status, error messages, and maintenance) with other units. These changes can be communicated to the facility owner. Communication can be either by visual display (PDA or PC), online (Internet or intranet), and/or via the facility management services system.

This technology sterilizes air, eliminates odors, prevents infections, and can extend the shelf life of food. It has use in permanent and temporary medical environments such as theatres and isolation units. The system can be modulized according to the required volume flows, can react to changes due to a proprietary microchip technology, and can be used in conjunction with HEPA filters to remove all unwanted bodies within an airstream while extending the life of the HEPA filters.

This technology is offered by Virobuster GmbH. For more information, view the yet2.com TechPak at http://info.hotims.com/22930-155 .