UV-C disinfection solutions, 255nm and 265nm
LuxaLight offers standard and custom-made LED solutions for disinfection in multiple industries, such as, medical and food industry. UV-C LED technology has reached the point to be used as an alternative to 'low pressure mercury vapor lamps', while being more energy and cost efficient on the long term.
Maximum Germicidal effectiveness
Various studies have shown that the average maximum germicidal effectiveness is a curve that tops at 265nm. LED chips can be configured to peak at that wavelength, resulting in 100% efficiency at the peak. Low pressure uv-c lamps peak at 253,7nm, which is around 80% efficient.
Research also shows that microorganisms have a specific wavelength at which they are mutated most effectively. This mutating leads to the killing of the microorganisms. These specific wavelengths may differ per bacteria, virus, yeast or fungus.
Germicidal effectiveness of LuxaLight UV-C fixture compared to Conventional Low Pressure UVC Lamp
Focussing UV-C radiation
Low pressure UVC lamps emit radiation in an 360° direction. Allot of radiation does not reach the target area, resulting in a lower efficiency.
UVC LEDs can be focused into a small cone of radiation. Our standard UVC fixtures are focused into an 60° cone onto the target area with quartz glass optical lenses on the LED chip itself.
Strobing techniques
UV-C LEDs are capable of strobing. Strobing radiation is more effective for disinfection purposes than continuous radiation. Strobing is also beneficial for the life-time of the LEDs since this technique does not generate the same amount of heat as continuous radiation. In contrary, strobing low pressure UVC lamps is not beneficial for the lifetime (and can even be destructive) and they require a ‘warm-up’ and ‘warm-down’ time.
Efficiency Far (200nm - 230nm) and Deep (230nm - 280nm) UV-C LEDs
The average germicidal curve (top of the page) shows that the relative peak is at 265nm. If this curve was visible up to 200nm, it would be seen that the germicidal effect would be higher at 200nm than at 265nm. Yet 265nm UV-C LEDs are used instead of 200nm LEDs. This is because:
- Prices of Far UV-C LEDs are exponentially higher than Deep UV-C LEDs.
- Efficiencies (energy efficiency) of the Far UV-C LEDs are much lower than Deep UV-C LEDs
These differences ensure that the price-performance ratio (regarding disinfection) is on the side of 265nm LEDs. The cause of these major differences is that LEDs between 255nm and 300nm have a higher efficiency.
Combining intelligence with industrial LED applications
MaNima Technologies designs hard- and software that is used in disinfection applications. Parameters such as output intensity, exposure time and triggers are easy to configure through the MaNima Configurator, MaNima Cloud and through UDP commands. The MaNima Pollux Industry has a wide range of inputs and outputs, such as digital contacts, Ethernet and Industrial Network Protocols.
The MaNima Pollux Industry has a 'pulse mode' that allows 8 speed-optimized digital inputs to be used. These digital inputs switch the PWM outputs to pulse at rates of a minimum of 2µs and a maximum of 1000ms. Pulse mode is used, among other things, to disinfect surfaces by treating them with pulsating UV-C radiation.
With the help of our engineers it is possible to integrate the developed hard-and software into (existing) systems/machines.
For more information about the MaNima System click here.
Properties of LuxaLight industrial LED engines
The technical properties of an LED engine are determined on the basis of the application:
- Wavelength
- Heat management
- Radiance per m² (W/m²)
- Opening angle
- Distance from LED engine to object/ surface
- Dimensions object/ surface (maximum)
- (Maximum) mechanical dimensions
- Impact resistance (IK value)
- Waterproofness (IP value)
LuxaLight has the knowledge in the field of soft- and hardware engineering that makes it possible to develop a custom-made LED solution when a standard product is not sufficient.
UV-C LED engines and fixtures in our product portfolio:
Example of a measurement of an UV-C LED engine:
Enclosures
A LED engine should meet mechanical requirements. By determining the right mechanical requirements, a suitable housing can be selected. Mechanical requirements are often taken into account such as:
Modular and custom-made LED solutions
For disinfection solutions, we have industrial UV-C LED fixtures in the standard product portfolio. An industrial LED fixture offers the following benefits:
- Variable dimensions possible
- Homogeneous light image by means of lens hood/ LED moulding
- LED moulding compatible
- Various opening angles possible due to optical lenses
- Various mounting options
- Possibility of multiple wavelengths in one fixture
- Economically beneficial due to modular construction
If the standard products do not meet the technical specifications, a custom-made solution is of course also possible.
