Air Disinfection Trends of 2020: Lessons from Covid-19

While citizens wait for the deadline for further unlocking, a study underlines that indoor transmission of the novel coronavirus, especially through the air, is still a threat. The South Korean study, published in the Korean Medical Science, found that the novel coronavirus was transmitted from an asymptomatic carrier to another healthy individual in a few minutes of exposure.
It is estimated that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can survive on surfaces for up to 9 days. It majorly transmits by direct contact or contact with fomites and can also be suspended in the air through droplet spray from coughing or sneezing by the affected human. Therefore, the transmission process is the same as it was for earlier detected beta coronaviruses SARS and MERS.

Effectiveness of UVGI (Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation)

Use of standard disinfectants and standard sanitization methods, like surface cleaning, hand washing, and standard precautions like contact and isolation precautions are being promoted big time and these all are effective measures to kill the SARS-CoV-2.

But in addition of the above, the use of Ultraviolet Light as an air purification method provides a much more comprehensive germ-free indoor environment. ASHRAE, the American Society of Heat Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers, also strongly recommends the use of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) System to address COVID-19 disease transmission.

The UVGI Lamps produce UVC rays at 254 nm wavelength which is most lethal for micro-organisms like bacteria and viruses. The UVC rays disrupt the reproduction cycle of germs by attacking their DNA,thereby eliminating them completely and permanently.

According to the American Journal of Infection, Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet (UVC – approximately 254 nm) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, viruses, molds, and other pathogens). It destroys nucleic acids of the microorganisms and disrupts their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions.

As per East Bay Municipal Utility District, UVGI is used in a variety of applications, such as food, air, and water purification, hospital room disinfection, and, increasingly, in public places, public transportation and schools. UVGI is a very efficient and environmentally-friendly method (no chemicals involved) and it can be used in conjunction with other manual cleaning methods.

Due to these benefits, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is actively evaluating the use of UV light as one of the technologies for large-scale disinfecting needs at schools and offices.

Alfaa UV’s UVGI Solutions for HVAC

Alfaa UV’s UVGI Systems zaps airborne viruses, bacteria, fungus, and mold with a germicidal-wavelength band of light and therefore are considered to be a safe solution to eradicate airborne viruses after they’ve been breathed, coughed, or sneezed into the air. UltraCoil and UltraDuct Solutions, complete with all its innovative fixtures, has earned the reputation of being a very cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for eradicating airborne viruses. They can be easily retrofitted into an existing AHU or ducting, be it for offices, malls, hospitals as well as schools, shelters, airports, airplanes, and other transportation hubs to keep them safe and protected.

UltraCoil and UltraDuct UVGI Systems are designed for equal effectiveness whether they are installed in the AHU or in the ducts.

UltraCoil AHU Solutions

Alfaa UV’s ULTRACOIL ensures deep cleaning of coils in the safest and most eco-friendly way. There is no worry about the damaging of coils, which is highly likely with conventional chemical and scrubbing methods. The Ultracoil with its unique Parabolic Reflector System proactively removes the bio-films (layer of slimy, sticky substance that houses the bacteria, viruses, mould, etc.), thus ensuring that the air does not get contaminated through the coil and drain pans.

Installing a proper UVGI air disinfection system in front of the coil kills such microorganisms and viruses (Coronaviruses as well), hence disallowing the formation of a biofilm. A clean coil decreases the pressure drop across itself, which results in the following;

• Increase in the thermal efficiency (sensible loads) of the cooling coil.
• The decrease in the load on the chiller – hence saving energy on chiller by 10-15%.
• Reduction in microbial counts >15 %.
• Increasing the life of a coil by avoiding manual cleaning.
• Earning IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) points.

UltraDuct Solutions

Alfaa UV’s ULTRADUCT solution provides assured single pass disinfection of airborne bacteria and viruses. It is installed in supply or return ducts. The Ultraduct also increases the life of HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) by reducing the load of live organisms. There are various benefits of installing ULTRADUCT in HVAC systems, some of which are listed below:

• Improves air quality.
• Helps in eliminating Sick Building Syndrome. Read this blog to know why working professionals should care about indoor air quality.
• Increases the life of HEPA.
• Helps in eliminating cross-contamination.
• Scientifically designed systems are sized using our proprietary sizing tools based on extensive research.
• Computational flow dynamics (CFD) and UV radiation profile modelling data.
• Scientifically engineered positioning of UV lamps for air disinfection to ensure delivery of optimum UV dosage and maximum efficiency in killing microorganisms.
• Can target specific bacteria as per requirement.

There are many reasons to choose Alfaa UV’s UltraDuct and UltraCoil UVGI solutions for your air disinfection in Commercial and Industrial areas. To know about how we can help you create a COVID free space, call us today on 9833516650 / 8879336026 or visit us at UVGI Air Disinfection. To see how these UVGI systems work, watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3kWRuEem2g