New research states that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can remain infectious for up to three hours as it floats in aerosol droplets less than 5 microns. Hence, it is crucial to look for options beyond the standard disinfectants and sanitization.
It is a known fact that spores, mold, bacteria, fungus, and even viruses (including novel Coronavirus) can grow exponentially in HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). This can create an unhealthy environment on the premises as the air-conditioning ducts can transmit the virus, bacteria, and other pollutants. In such a scenario, Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) technology for air purification is one of the most efficient ways to curb this transmission and disinfect the air and indoor spaces.
ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) recommends the following strategies of interest to address the challenges of disease transmission:
UV disinfection is a proven method for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and for killing or deactivating bacteria, viruses, mold, spores, and other pathogenic microorganisms that may be present in room air. UV air sterilization has been used in hospitals and other medical facilities for decades. Several studies have proven that UVC air disinfection technology can even kill the novel Coronavirus.
UV disinfection of air technology is both cost-effective and eco-friendly. It is also considered a safe solution to eradicate airborne viruses and create a germ-free environment. UV air sterilization is also a better method than traditional cleaning and disinfection methods. Unlike chemical disinfectants, UVC air disinfection is non-toxic and has no adverse side effects.
UV disinfection offers the following benefits:
With expertise spanning two decades, Alfaa UV’s UV disinfection for air for HVAC systems offers the much-needed protection to prevent bacterial and viral infections.
Air purification is important in an industrial environment. Industrial air purifiers remove dust, debris, smoke, airborne contaminants, and other infectious agents, and improve indoor air quality. Industrial air purifiers also protect the health of the employees and increase the longevity of machinery and equipment.
UVGI, which is incorporated into the HVAC system enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of industrial air purification systems. UVGI uses UV-C light to destroy viruses, bacteria, germs, and other microorganisms.
Air purifiers for industrial use solutions from Alfaa UV can be deployed across food processing, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and other industries. Alfaa UV solutions bring the following advantages:
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Alfaa UV’s Ultra Coil and Ultra Duct UVGI systems use world-class UVC lamps and unmatched Reflector Technology with UL Certification to ensure that all air passing through the system is disinfected as it re-circulates in indoor spaces. The design ensures 100% exposure of the air to the UVC system. The UltraCoil UVGI system not only fights viruses to create safer spaces but also ensures cleaner cooling coils, resulting in greater efficiency and lower running and maintenance costs.
Due to humidity and hospitable environment microorganisms grows rapidly on cooling coils. These microorganisms produce sticky substances due to which a thick layer of dust sticks to the coil which results in poor heat transfer between coil and air. Poor heat transfer between coil and air leads to greater energy consumption.
Installing a proper UVGI system in front of the coil kills such microorganisms, and hence it does not allow a biofilm to grow. A clean coil decreases the pressure drop across the coil which results in the following:
Airborne transmission of diseases through HVAC systems is actually much more prevalent than previously thought. Hospital-acquired infections are costing healthcare providers Lakhs of Rupees per annum and whilst robust cleaning regimes have been adopted, the spread of Tuberculosis, Meningitis, MRSA, Clostridium difficile, Chickenpox, and Influenza (H1N1 and avian), including Aspergillus and Pseudomonas continue to grow. These infections affect between 10 and 20% of patients and in some cases are fatal.
Airborne contamination comes from a variety of sources and circulates through the HVAC system.
Looking for a room sanitizer machine? Here’s presenting STERO-360, which is a new line of specialized UV Sterilizer machines that can eliminate more than 99.99% of bacteria and viruses on contaminated surfaces within minutes.
STERO-360 UV sterilizer lamp device is highly efficient due to its mobility and compact size. Moreover, with its strong Power cords and internals, it has the capacity to run all day continuously. Only protective goggles, glass shields, and PPE are required to operate this portable UV room sterilizer, or else it can run on its own and can be scheduled & set up with a timer.
UltraHVAC UVGI Systems are highly effective as they can eliminate up to 99.9% of viruses and kill up to 90% of certain airborne bacteria that pass through the air, thereby offering complete air sanitization.
Greatly improves Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and cures “Sick Building Syndrome” by destroying harmful airborne contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, mould, fungi and Coronaviruses.
By killing microbes and improving air quality, UV air disinfection systems can help boost productivity and reduce illness-related absenteeism.
Reduces or eliminates unpleasant odors that may result from outside air or re-circulated air within the building.
Air disinfection with UVC helps to maintain a clean evaporator coil, thus saving time and resources on coil cleaning. Using MERV filters in conjunction with in-duct UV systems can reduce the need for HEPA. This, in turn, can help enhance system efficiency and airflow.
UltraCoil and UltraDuct UVGI systems destroy high levels of airborne contaminants, including COVID-19 and surface bio-contaminants. Infections Acquired in Hospitals (HAI) can be a significant cost for the healthcare industry and is considered a preventable injury. Ultra UVGI IAQ systems are the ideal tool to help reduce nosocomial infections.
Air quality and reducing the risk of surface contamination is important in the production & packaging of food products. UV Sterilization of both air and/or surfaces of product and packaging by UltraHVAC UVGI systems can dramatically reduce the possibility of contamination. In fruit/vegetable markets, it can extend the life of the produce by destroying the off-gassing (i.e. ethylene) which causes faster ageing.
UV air disinfection systems help hotels and food retail chains to effortlessly meet the stringent disinfection and sanitization protocols required to ensure the safety of all customers within the premises. It is also an economical solution for these industries as it helps them save on energy as well as maintenance costs.
Maintain a safe and comfortable indoor air quality in shopping malls and retail chains with UV for HVAC systems and reduce the potential transmission of COVID-19 within the building environment. It can also help limit the spread of other air contaminants that cause infectious & inflammatory diseases, thereby improving the customers’ shopping experience.
A WHO report suggested up to 30% of new and remodelled buildings worldwide may be subjected to complaints related to poor indoor air quality, the leading cause of “Sick Building Syndrome.” According to the EPA, poor indoor air quality can directly affect the health of students, staff, employees, which in turn affect attendance and performance. Using UltraHVAC UV systems significantly improves air quality resulting in lower absenteeism and higher efficiency.
UVGI systems offer pharmaceutical and healthcare industry protection from harmful pathogens by deactivating airborne infectious agents. It helps curb infectious outbreaks and protects the health of building occupants. It is also effective in providing optimal protection for all processes from production to packaging.
Further reading: Industries and Workplaces That Would Benefit From the Use of Air Disinfection Systems
Hotels and food retail chains are places where customers experience hospitality services Read More
Shopping malls and retail chains are popular places to shop and browse. A mall’s success is pretty much Read More
Pharmaceutical and healthcare products require production facilities of the utmost Read More
India is growing at rapid speed, which is creating numerous job opportunities. Corporate parks, commercial complexes Read More
