Ultraviolet Lighting

Ultraviolet light used in hvac

Ultraviolet Lighting in HVAC units

Ultraviolet lighting in HVAC units has increased substantially over the years with the
sudden interested in maintaining a healthy indoor environment. This article will
introduce you to the basics of Ultraviolet Lighting

Definition of Ultraviolet Lighting

A rainbow is made when light shines through droplets of water and breaks into is various
colors. The light just beyond the violet end of the spectrum is not visible to the naked
eye and is called ultraviolet light, also commonly knows as UV Light

There are three types of UV light
The three types of UV light are A, B and C representing a different section of the UV light spectrum.
Type C known as UVC is the form used for germicidal activity, When UVC is used for germicidal purposes, it is known as UVGI.
UVGI “deactivates” or kills microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, molds and other fungi by disrupting their DNA.

UVC is used for
       Surface disinfection
       HVAC Air disinfection
      Cooling Coil disinfection
      Water treatment
      Curing plastics and other materials
      Printing
      Chemical Processing
Application in HVAC Systems

UVGI lamps are categorized by the internal pressure of the gas in the lamp. Low pressure
lamps are the most common types of lamps  found in HVAC system.
On hard surfaces like evaporator coils and drain pans the UVGI exposure is constant and the kill rate is up to 99.9%.
Bio aerosols is a more complex activity and affected by different factors such as system install, number of lamps and
lamp placement. Any installation of a UVC lamp in an HVAC system should include a method of visually inspecting it
periodically. Dirty lamps will result in reduced effectiveness. If the lamp becomes dirty, it should be cleaned with a
lint-free cloth and glass cleaner or alcohol. Never clean the lamp while it is turned on.

Hazards of Ultraviolet Lightings

Material decomposition is a concern in HVAC systems.  UVGI can seriously degrade organic materials over time in a HVAC system,
including filters, sealants, gaskets and wiring insulation, resulting in air leaks, fire hazards and loss of system performance.
It is best to shield all organic material components within 5 feet of the UV lamp.

Skin and eyes have to be protected when exposed to UVA or UVB  Ocular damage can occur 6-12 hours after  initial exposure.
skin damage from excess exposure is similar to sunburn.  Proper protection must be used when working with lamps.

Mercury Exposure is also a concern.  UVC lamps contain a small amount of toxic Mercury, so if a bulb breaks ,
care should be taken to reduce exposure to the Mercury.

Best Practises

It is generally agreed that source removal (Duct Cleaning) of contaminants is the single best method for cleaning and
decontaminating the HVAC system.

If Ultra Violets lights are installed in the HVAC system without proper training, UVC lamps can be ineffective and can
create hazards or material decomposition that can  negatively impact the efficiency of the system.

It is recommended that the installers be well educated on the materials from the manufacturer and in the ASHRAE Handbook – HVAC Systems and Equipment Chapter 17: Ultraviolet Lamp Systems

References

Nadca   Nadca White paper on Ultraviolet lighting applications in HVAC Systems

Ashae  Ashrae website   – HVAC systems and equipment

Published by darwyn mcdowell

Darwyn has been involved with Power Vac since 1989. He has an extensive marketing background in the HVAC Remediation industry . He holds his ASCS and VSMR through NADCA. Connect with Darwyn at Google +