FAQ

Lumalier FAQs

UV disinfection technology is quite amazing and often misunderstood. It's helpful to understand the proven science of UV, as well as the benefits, appropriate applications, and importance of quality products and installation as you explore systems for air and surface disinfection for your application.

FAQs

Below are some questions we are often asked, but we have an extensive library of information and experts available for further discussion should you have additional questions. You can also learn more by visiting our Industries page, where we have details on a broad range of facility types and UVC applications. Please let us know how we can help.


UV Light

How can light destroy germs and biological contamination?

Ultraviolet light has three principal wavelengths: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. Ultraviolet light generated in the UV-C spectrum (254nm) is classified as 'Germicidal' because it will alter an organism’s DNA so that it can no longer reproduce - making it effectively harmless. Without the ability to reproduce, the microorganism population is rapidly eliminated.

Is ultraviolet light harmful?

UV-A is also known as "blacklight" and is generally harmless. It results in skin tanning and is used in medicine to treat certain skin disorders.

UV-B has a very high penetrating ability and prolonged exposure is responsible for some types of skin cancer, skin aging, and cataracts.

UV-C, also known as Germicidal UV has been used safely and effectively in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and industry for more than 50 years. UV-C has extremely low penetrating ability and is nearly completely absorbed by the outer, dead layer of skin where it does little harm. Over exposure, can cause reddening and temporary, but painful irritation to the most superficial layer of the eye, but it cannot penetrate to the lens of the eye and cannot cause cataracts.

Is it true that some UV-C will produce ozone?

No. The UV-C devices that Lumalier installs will produce no ozone. UV-V produces ozone, and Lumalier does not use UV-V lamps.

What Is UVGI?

Germicidal UV has a specific wavelength of 253.7 nanometers (253.7 billionths of a meter) and is known to deactivate (break the DNA of) germs contained in tiny airborne droplets (droplet nuclei) that transmit diseases such as measles, tuberculosis, and influenza from person to person.

Once the DNA of a microbe is broken, it loses its ability to reproduce. Bacteria and viruses that cannot reproduce are rendered harmless.

How can UVC disinfect air moving at high speeds in an air handler?

We are often asked if UVC is capable of the disinfection claims that many manufacturers make. Many times, these claims are relying on studies or data published from competing technologies using the ASHRAE minimum requirements. ASHRAE minimum requirements are for 150 µW/cm², which is the bare minimum level of UVC energy required for a basic coil cleaning UVC program. IAQ scientists and engineers who work with UVC know that the solution is to calculate the correct intensity needed to achieve the disinfection goals.

UVC disinfection (or pathogen inactivation) is a simple function of intensity over time. Lumalier UVC fixtures can inactivate any known airborne pathogen to meet any client demand; even 80%, 90% or more…per air pass!

Lumalier spaces our lamps at appropriate distances to create the UVC intensity level needed to disinfect the air, even when air is moving at high speeds through an air handler. We evaluate each application and engineer our systems to meet the requirements.

What numbers are needed for effective calculations?

When looking at in-duct UVC systems, there are a number of factors that need to be considered when determining the correct UV product configuration and UVC dosage to apply:

  • Area being addressed
  • Air speed of the air handler
  • Dwell time
  • Disinfection requirements

If the goal of a project is primarily focused on coil cleaning and energy efficiency, the calculation for the appropriate system will be different than if you are trying to achieve a higher level of pathogen reduction.

While it may sound complicated, it's really just a matter of doing the math, and with over 60 years of experience, we're here to help! Contact us to learn more about the solutions for your applications.