Much literature exists regarding the use of UV-type lamps in order to take advantage of their germicidal action in sterilization processes in HVAC systems , but they do not need to use the appropriate application criteria for the final result to be effective .
There are different applications of UVC as a germicide in HVAC systems, ranging from improving indoor air quality in building environments, eliminating bacterial air load in food industry processes, to controlling pollution Airborne and virological in health centers, among others.
For further interpretation we will define that Ultraviolet Light is an emission of electromagnetic waves whose length is between 200 and 400 nm (nanometers). What we analyze on this occasion is the segment of the band between 200 and 280 nm, commonly referred to as short wave UV (UV-C), which is the most effective as germicidal function.
The artificial generation of UV light is achieved by using a quartz lamp that contains mercury gas inside. When an electric current is generated between the lamp poles, an ionization occurs causing the gas atoms to substantially increase their energy; Likewise, the heat produced increases the gas pressure and the greater excitation of electrons causing them to jump and move in different wavelength lines, to the point of converting them into photons of light. This photon energy that radiates in the form of light is what acts as a germicide, eliminating airborne microorganisms when they are crossed by the wave of light to penetrate the wall that protects the genetic information of the microorganism, thus damaging its structure.
It is worth clarifying that there are many types of microorganisms, bacteria and viruses that in turn have different resistance to these UV-C light radiation. For this reason it is necessary that each one needs to be exposed to different levels of radiation and exposure times to eliminate its structure.
In general, the application of these UV-C lamps is installed inside the Air treatment units and in front of the cooling coils, as this is the place with the highest humidity where microorganisms proliferate easily.
