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© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – Page 1 “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse Lane Barnet Herts EN5 3DJ Document Prepared by Graham MacDonald 0777 181 5881 [email protected] Date 20 October 2014 E-Co Contact - Sales Hillary Spicer 07798-646280 [email protected]

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Page 1: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – Page 1

“Healthy Environment, Healthy People”

Results following Trial of High Intensity

Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC

For

Wellhouse Lane

Barnet Herts

EN5 3DJ

Document Prepared by Graham MacDonald 0777 181 5881 [email protected]

Date 20 October 2014

E-Co Contact - Sales Hillary Spicer 07798-646280 [email protected]

Page 2: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 2

Section Index (Contains smart tags to take you directly to each Section) Page

1. Introduction 3

2. Petri Dish Samples 6

3. Health Related Issues 10

4. Building Infrastructure 14

5. UV Light Disinfection - Specification 19

6. Background to UVC 20

7. System Diagram – Installation Certificate 23

Page 3: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 3

1. Introduction Background

AHU ID Configuration Petri

Sample Safety switch

AHU 03 4/5/6 4 x DE24 Emitters Y

The objective for this trial was to reduce the high level of microbial pathogens within the HVAC

system.

In order to help achieve this aim, UVC Emitters were installed into the above air handling unit on 17

July 2014 and Petri dish samples were taken from the coil surface of the AHU pre and post

commissioning of the UVC: pictures of the results are included in section 2 of the document. We

have also included details of the independent microbial testing results carried out by Tecomak

Prior to switching on the UVC, various measurements were taken related to the performance of the

AHU and these were repeated on 18 September 2014. The measurement process was carried out

using identical performance settings on each occasion, although the humidity and ambient air

temperatures were not the same, which limits the accuracy of data comparison from an energy

saving perspective.

Executive Summary After only 2 months of exposure to UVC, the key findings have been: Virtual elimination of mould from the cooling coil Petri dish samples have been taken from the coil surface before and after installation of UVC for comparison purposes and demonstrate the virtual elimination mould growth on the post UVC sample. The benefits realised by introducing UVC are:

Destroys mould and bio-film on coil surfaces

Destroys 99% of viruses and bacteria passing through the coil

Reduction in staff absence levels and improvement of patient care

Eliminates cooling coil maintenance, saving labour and associated material costs

Non-mechanical duct cleaning – Reduces mould in ducts, by destroying the food source

Increases the life of the coil by removing invasive cleaning methods

Extends the life of high performance (HEPA) filters downstream of the UVC

Reduces load on compressors and extends their life

Page 4: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 4

Reduced pressure drop across the cooling coil There has been a 15% reduction in pressure drop across the surface of the cooling coil, which indicates that the obstruction caused by biofilm build-up on the coil components has been removed, allowing air to pass more freely through the air handling unit (AHU) and increasing the heat transfer efficiency of the unit. The following benefits will result:

Reduction in power required to drive fan motor

Reduction in compressor running hours (reducing compressor maintenance expense) (This will only be realised when all AHU’s supplied by the compressor have been treated with UVC)

Return the HVAC system back to “as specified” performance

Because the ambient air temperatures were not identical during the pre and post UVC visits, it has

not been possible to use Steril-Aire’s lifecycle tool to gauge a specific return on investment based

on energy savings. The temperature was over 28 ͦ C on the pre UVC visit and it may be difficult to

find a suitable time to replicate this, but, should you wish us to revisit the site to repeat the tests

with similar conditions, we will need to arrange this next year during the summer months.

Our experience with other clients is that a Return on Investment (ROI) can usually be achieved in

less than 24 months purely from an energy and maintenance saving perspective. Taking into

account health related benefits, the ROI is often achieved in under 12 months.

A snapshot comparison from the BMS with a similar AHU where UVC has not been installed has

been made, which shows the following improvements in performance.

Reading AHU 04 1/2/3

No UVC

AHU 03 4/5/6 UVC Installed

(July 2014) Difference

Pre Cooling Coil Temp ( ͦ C) 19.4 19.6 0.2

Off Frost Coil Temp ( ͦ C) 18.6 17.6 1.0

Frost Battery Temp ( ͦ C) 8.0 10.0 2.0

The AHU with UVC has a coolant supply temperature 2 degrees higher than the non-UVC AHU, but

has reduced the air off temperature by 1 degree more. Please see images below.

3227

0

10

20

30

40

1

Pressure (Pa)

Pressure Drop across Cooling Coil

Pre UVC

Post UVC

Page 5: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 5

AHU with UVC

AHU without UVC

Page 6: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 6

2. Petri Dish Samples Barnet Hospital Site Survey Results:

The top image shows a Petri dish sample taken from the surface of the cooling coil prior to

installation of UVC.

The subsequent images are from samples taken from the coil surface 2 months after the UVC was

commissioned and demonstrates the effect of UVC on the biofilm that was present on the coil.

Mould growth has been virtually eliminated on the coil following exposure to UVC light.

Most cooling coils are only cleaned once or twice per year and this cleaning is often only superficial.

With this type of cleaning regime there would probably be 180 days between cleans and the

consequent mould build-up would be considerable and would constitute a health risk, as well as

reducing the efficiency of the coils.

Results after 7 Days

AHU 03 4/5/6: Pre UVC

Installation - (17 July 14)

AHU 03 4/5/6: Post UVC Installation - (25Sep14)

Centre of Coil

AHU 03 4/5/6: Post UVC Installation - (25 Sep14)

Perimeter of Coil

The most common health problems associated with exposure to mould are:

Eye, nose and throat irritation.

Runny nose, sinus congestion, frequent cold symptoms.

Increased asthma attacks.

Allergic reactions.

In sensitised individuals reactions can be much worse

Page 7: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 7

The quality of indoor air, influenced by the levels of bio-aerosols, contaminants and pollutants, can

affect occupant health and development, resulting in reduced productivity and increased absence.

The biofilms themselves give off products of metabolism known as volatile organic compounds

(VOC’s), which can trigger occupant complaints of watery eyes and headaches and even severe

allergy and asthma responses. The biological contaminants typically found on HVAC coils and drain

pans have also been linked to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and hospital acquired infections.

Examples of Types of Mould and Bacteria found in HVAC Systems – all are susceptible

to the cleansing effect of Steril-Aire UVC

Fungi Cultured from HVAC Systems

Bacteria Cultured from HVAC Systems

Page 8: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 8

Tecomak Microbial Testing Results

Independent microbial testing was carried out in February 2014, prior to installation of UVC into

AHU 03 4/5, and in September 2914, about 2 months after UVC was commissioned. There were 4

sample areas carried out on the 1st visit, but there were 10 on the 2nd visit, so we have shown the

comparisons for the 4 repeated tests, as well as the full set of results from the 2nd visit below.

Full results of Tests carried out Post UVC Installation during September visit:

Description Number of CFUs on Plate Cleanliness

Classification Bacterial Fungal

Supply Inlet Duct Hatch 40 <10 High

(Bacterial)

Supply Panel Filter Chamber <10 <10 Low

Supply Cooling Coil <10 <10 Low

Supply Main Filter Chamber <10 <10 Low

Supply Outlet Duct Hatch <10 <10 Low

Extract Inlet Duct Hatch (Small Branch)

<10 <10 Low

Extract Inlet Duct Hatch (Main)

<10 <10 Low

Extract Panel Filter Chamber <10 <10 Low

Extract Fan Motor Chamber <10 <10 Low

Extract Outlet Duct Hatch <10 20 Medium (Fungi)

Page 9: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 9

Comparative Results of Tests Pre & Post UVC from February and September visits:

120

4020

<10

0

50

100

150

1

cfu countper 10cm2

Supply pre Filter door

Bacteria Pre-UVC

Bacteria Post-UVC

Fungi Pre-UVC

Fungi Post-UVC

20<10

110

<10

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

1

cfu countper 10cm2

Supply Duct after bag filters

Bacteria Pre-UVC

Bacteria Post-UVC

Fungi Pre-UVC

Fungi Post-UVC

30

<10

80

<10

0

20

40

60

80

100

1

cfu countper 10cm2

Extract Pre Filter Door

Bacteria Pre-UVC

Bacteria Post-UVC

Fungi Pre-UVC

Fungi Post-UVC

<10 <10 <10

20

0

5

10

15

20

25

1

cfu countper 10cm2

Extract Duct Hatch

Bacteria Pre-UVC

Bacteria Post-UVC

Fungi Pre-UVC

Fungi Post-UVC

Page 10: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 10

3. Health Related Issues

The NHS employs more than 1.7m people and treats over 1m patients every 36 hours. The 1st quarter absence figures for 2014 show a rate of 4.26%, which equates to approximately 10 days absence per person. A 1% reduction in absence would save the NHS over £22m per annum and introduction of UVC into the air conditioning system has shown reduction in absence rates of over 10%. Added to this is the significant cost of hospital acquired infections. The relatively low cost of installing UVC into an air handling unit would pay for itself, if it prevented a single patient from suffering from an infection.

NHS Absence Level Jan to March 2014 Report shows average absence level of 4.26%!

Health & Safety – Statutory Duty Companies have a statutory duty to provide a safe place to work and healthy working environment for all of its employees, including those employed on a temporary basis. Recirculation of air compromises this situation.

o “Airborne infectious particles can be disseminated through buildings including ventilation systems.”

o “Airborne infectious disease transmission

can be reduced using dilution ventilation, specific in-room flow regimes, room pressure differentials, personalised and source capture ventilation, filtration, and UVGI.”

Air Conditioned Environments Impact the Health of Building Occupants

o A study of 770 office staff found people

working in air-conditioned offices accounted for 17% of days off work compared with 9% in non air-conditioned buildings

Page 11: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 11

Experts warn of infection danger from poorly-maintained ventilation systems

The Lancet Medical Journal – Canada.

The use of the UV lamps resulted in: o 40% reduction in respiratory symptoms.

o 30% reduction in mucous problems.

o 20% overall reductions in all symptoms.

eUVGI significantly decreased HVAC organisms

o Tracheal microbial loads decreased 45% o Antibiotic usage 62% less

UVGI Kills Ebola Viruses on Surface and in Air in Healthcare Setting

Page 12: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 12

Airborne Viruses and Pandemic Protection

In the UK, the majority of Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems routinely deliver insufficient fresh

air into the occupied space. By adhering to CIBSE standard of 10 litres per second per person,

companies are, inadvertently, contributing to the increase in employee absence, often caused by re-

circulated air containing viruses. A major study of 4,000 workers confirmed that, increasing the

amount of air delivered per occupant improved the health of the workers and reduced absenteeism.

This is particularly relevant with the risk of pandemic caused by Flu viruses, SARS, or similar.

UVC for HVAC &

Impact on ALL variations of Viruses, including Colds, Flu, Measles, SARS, etc.

Indoor air quality testing cannot detect viruses

HVAC systems are very effective networks at spreading viruses

There is no building filtration that will stop viruses except UVC

Enclosed spaces are the highest risk areas and the use of our UVC in enclosed

spaces will reduce the risk of infection

Swine Flu (H1N1) Influenza virus is a variation of Influenza

Influenza requires 3,400 microwatts of UVC energy for complete destruction, a

fraction of what is needed to destroy tuberculosis at 10,000 microwatts

Our systems have been tested and proven to be up to 99.9% effective in

destroying airborne tuberculosis, which is almost three times more resilient than

Influenza

Page 13: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 13

People with asthma at work

There are 4.3 million adults with asthma in the UK.

Asthma affects approximately 15% of population.

In adults, almost three working days a year are lost to

asthma

40% of people with asthma report that their condition

can get in the way of them doing their job.

Our company (E-CO) finds mould on growing 99.9% of all air conditioning cooling coils, including

splits, cassettes, & fan coils. -

There is sound evidence that HVAC systems have become a major contributor to the increase in the

incidence of Asthma rates.

Mould “linked to severe asthma”

Mould linked to asthma

Mould spores can trigger asthma in some people

Page 14: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 14

4. Building Infrastructure

* Air conditioning Air conditioning can use a huge amount of energy. In

fact, air conditioning can increase a building's energy

consumption and associated carbon emissions by up to

100%.

Key Cost Reduction Factors of Installing UVC Lights

No more manual cleaning of coil and drain pans with harmful chemicals and disinfectants

Returns coil capacity to “as built” Destroys mould, bacteria, and viruses, providing a healthier work environment Saves maintenance labour and associated material costs Reduces mould in ducts, by destroying the mould food source Increases the life of the coil by removing invasive cleaning methods Reduces load on compressors and extends their life Where used, extends the life of high performance filters downstream of the UVC

Images of Cooling Coil Pre UVC Emitters Post UVC Emitters

Bio pollutants cover metal surfaces with a thin, almost invisible layer of permeable materials, which can be impregnated with millions of tiny microscopic spores. This bio-mass can lead to a musty earth-like smell sometimes known as “Dirty Sock Syndrome”, a primary cause of offensive odours. Microbial growth on fin surfaces acts as insulation on the evaporator coils, which decreases system efficiency, and the pollutants are known to produce allergy-like symptoms, (refer to Section 4 – Indoor Air Quality for further information). Fouled coils generate an increase in the pressure drop across them, which, in turn, leads to increased fan kWh requirements and electricity consumption.

Page 15: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 15

Introduction of UVC emitters will save between 10-20% of the energy required to run air conditioning. Biofilm can accelerate oxidation and corrosion of the cooling coil that is often caused by sulphuric acid secreted by common bacteria, significantly reducing HVAC equipment life. Removal of biofilm with UVC not only brings the HVAC equipment performance to the original equipment specification, it also prolongs the time frame for HVAC equipment replacement and capital investment.

Example of Contamination A badly contaminated coil was removed from its HVAC unit, taken outside and cleaned with high pressure hot water.

The coil was cut in half and you will notice that, although the outside edge of the coil is clean, the mould has been pushed towards the centre, reducing further the space for air to flow through the coil. Mould is a poor conductor and inhibits the heat transfer capability of the coil.

COIL INEFFICIENCY FROM biofilm & mould CONTAMINATION

HVAC EfficiencyDegradation caused by build up of Biofilm

Source: California Society for Healthcare Engineering May/June

1998 Vol. 28, N. 3.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

0.00 0.15 0.30 0.61 0.91 1.63

Biofilm Depth in mm

HVAC Efficiency

Page 16: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 16

The heat conductivity of aluminium is approximately 200 W/mK while that of biofilm is approximately 0.2 W/mK. As conductivity has fundamental implications on heat transfer, clean coils devoid of biofilm offer significant efficiency advantages. The limit of human visibility is 30 microns, so biofilms on coil surfaces are often not seen until they get to 50 - 150 microns thick. This means coils can look clean even when there is

contamination present.

American Society of Heating Refrigeration and

Air Conditioning Engineers

“Good maintenance including coil cleaning can

significantly improve energy efficiency and IAQ

performance of the HVAC&R systems in a building,

such as reported here of 10% to 15%.”

As a result of the non-invasive and thorough cleansing process that is attributed to UVC light, the delicate radiator fins of the cooling coil will not need to be subjected to harsh cleaning chemicals or power washing and will have their effective lifespan prolonged. UVC light penetrates right through the coil to the opposite side ensuring all elements of the external coil surfaces are constantly cleansed.

Page 17: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 17

Water Conservation Air conditioning systems produce a lot of water, which is normally full of pollutants and is, consequently, ejected into the sewage system. Where it has been possible to install Steril-Aire’s UVC EmittersTM over the drain pan, the water is automatically purified and can be recycled for applications such as, cooling tower make up, irrigation systems, and internal “grey water” use.

Recycling HVAC Condensate Saves Money Increase condenser water supply temperature requiring less chiller energy per

ton of cooling Each °C increase of chilled water supply temp. can reduce chiller kW by 1 to 4% Improved chiller operating performance as the load is reduced Reduce trade effluent charges

Page 18: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 18

Sustainability

With UVC the condensate coming off the air handlers is

essentially distilled 55°F water that can be confidently

pumped into the cooling tower.

During cooling season, the air-handling units (AHU’s)

produce two to 5,000 gal / day of condensate. Added to

the cooling tower, this water can replace roughly 30 to

50 percent of the seven to 10,000 gal / day that

evaporate from the cooling tower during hot weather

conditions.

Environmental – LEED Credit

o A culmination of collated / documented

evidence has resulted in Steril Aires’ UVC

technology being awarded a LEED Credit.

BREEAM Credit

o Reduction in CO2

o Indoor Air Quality

o VOC’s

o Microbial Contamination

o Ventilation

o Water Recycling

Getting the credit you deserve

Page 19: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 19

5. UVC Light Disinfection - Specification

1. Steril-Aire Emitters have been independently tested against all known competitors and the

results show that at standard AC operating temperatures, the Emitters are 5 times more powerful than the competitors’ UVC lamps. At the end of 1 year Steril-Aire’s Emitters are still 2.5 times more powerful than the competitors’ starting energy and come with one year’s warranty. Our UVC lamps do not generate OZONE. Crucially, the lamps will be installed at a suitable close proximity to the coils, (as per Steril-Aire’s registered Patent), to ensure full irradiation of the coils and to maximise efficiency of the UVC light in sterilising the airflow.

2. The UVC light package consists of a Power supply and housing specifically engineered for HVAC applications, manufactured to ISO Standard 9001:2000. The base is made from quality 304 stainless steel, to provide strength and to be rust-proof, and the top lamp support is made from a high quality polished specular-aluminium, which reflects the back part of the Emitter’s light out onto the coil, (providing significantly more light than stainless steel). “Plenum rated” wiring is UV stabilised and waterproof. The lamp plugs are fitted with boot kit protectors sufficient for up to 99% humidity). Emitter tubes are made from high quality SiO2 quartz crystal to ensure maximum irradiance. Optional Sleeved Emitters are hermetically encapsulated in a plastic sheath precluding glass contamination in the event of breakage. The sleeve comprises a highly engineered FEP resin coating of no less than 0.25mm thickness.

3. Power supplies are water resistant, internally grounded, will accept power at 50 or 60 hertz from 115-230 volts, are sound rated A, and have an operating temperature range of -18° to 50°C, plus a 5 year usage related warranty.

4. Air handling unit access doors will need to be fitted with mechanical interlock switches, factory wired to the UV disinfection package controller, to ensure that all UVC assemblies will be de-energized when any of the access doors are opened.

5. Radiometer controller kits can be installed (at additional cost) to enable the remote monitoring of the strength of UVC lamps in order to optimise tube replacement.

Optional Safety feature – Sleeved Emitters

Page 20: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 20

6. Background to UVC

What is Ultraviolet?

Ultraviolet (UV) light is one form of electromagnetic energy produced naturally by the sun. UV is a

spectrum of light just below the visible light and it is split into four distinct spectral areas – Vacuum

UV (100 to 200 nm), UVC (200 to 280 nm), UVB (280 to 315 nm) and UVA (315 to 400 nm).

What is Ultraviolet C?

The entire UV spectrum can kill or inactivate many microorganism species, preventing them from

replicating. UVC energy at 253.7 nanometres provides the most germicidal effect. The application

of UVC energy to inactivate microorganisms is also known as Germicidal Irradiation or UVGI.

UVC exposure inactivates microbial organisms such as bacteria and

viruses by altering the structure and the molecular bonds of their DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid).

DNA is a “blue print” these organisms use to develop, function and reproduce. By destroying the

organism’s ability to reproduce, it becomes harmless since it cannot colonize. After UVC exposure,

the organism dies off leaving no offspring, and the population of the microorganism diminishes

rapidly.

Ultraviolet germicidal lamps provide a much more powerful and concentrated effect of ultraviolet

energy than can be found naturally. Germicidal UV provides a highly effective method of destroying

microorganisms.

Page 21: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 21

It’s not just dirt – it’s biological. What is HVAC biofilm?

It is often referred to as dirt, mud, slime or sludge. This gluey matrix growing on heating, ventilating

and air conditioning (HVAC) evaporator coils, drain pans and ducts is, in fact, biofilm, which is an

active, complex microbial matrix of mould and bacteria that adheres to the fins of the coil and

protects the organisms from biocides.

The biofilms themselves give off products of metabolism known as volatile organic compounds

(VOCs) which may range in effects from watery eyes and headaches, to more severe allergy and

asthma responses.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that the HVAC system is a viable amplifier, reservoir and

disseminator of pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria, viruses and mould. The list below identifies

some of the many microorganisms that have been isolated from evaporator coils, drain pans, ducts,

final filters and diffusers.

No matter how good the coil cleaner, sprayer or pressure washer used, the effectiveness of these

methods reaches about 1 inch into the coil and the organic and biologically active matter gets

packed deeper into the coil fins.

Installed on air effluent side of the condensate cooling coils and the drain pan, Steril-Aire UVC

energy destroys surface biofilm and airborne microorganisms before they circulate throughout the

HVAC system.

How does HVAC biofilm impact HVAC energy use?

Biological fouling of evaporator fin and tube heat exchangers is a key contributor to decreased

HVAC capacity. The biological fouling acts as an insulator, increasing air flow resistance and

decreasing heat transfer. The fans run longer to maintain the building at the desired temperature,

increasing kW draw with reduced cooling tonnage capacity. A 10% increase in fan motor run can

significantly increase energy use. The chillers and pumps work harder to raise the leaving water

temperature and achieve set temperature points. For each degree the water temperature is

increased, a savings of 1-2% will be realized.

High intensity UVC provides continuous cleaning of coils, eliminating the biofilm that causes

reductions in operational efficiency. Studies have shown that removal of a 0.061 mm layer of

biofilm can reduce HVAC energy usage by 21% by restoring heat transfer and system efficiency.

Reduced cooling coil pressure drop helps save fan energy, while improved cooling coil heat transfer

efficiency. Higher chilled water temperature setpoints allows the chiller plant to operate more

efficiently.

Page 22: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 22

Operation of UV Equipment

There are no maintenance, nor operational, tasks that needs to be performed on the UVC

equipment. The UVC should be left running 24 x 7 for the full year. The only time the units should

be switched off is for any maintenance of the HVAC equipment, such as replacing filters, (which

must be of a UVC stabilised pattern to avoid deterioration of the material).

The UVC Emitters should be replaced after 9,000 hours, (approx. 12 months), continuous operation,

in order to maintain optimum purification performance of the equipment, and they should operate

independently of the A/C and other electrical systems.

It is inadvisable to expose eyes or skin directly to UVC light, so, a safety door switch has been

installed to ensure the lights are disengaged automatically when the access door is opened.

Steril-Aire’s UVC Emitters have been specially engineered to ensure no ozone is generated during

their operation.

Page 23: “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” · “Healthy Environment, Healthy People” Results following Trial of High Intensity Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC For Wellhouse

© 2014, E-Co Tel: +44(0)20-3734-2089 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.e-co.uk.com – page number 23

7. System Diagram – Installation Certificate