What is UVGI?

UVGI is the use of ultraviolet (UV) rays to destroy viral, bacterial, and fungal organisms. It is a
recognized method of disinfection that may be used to prevent the transmission of some infectious
illnesses. In UVGI applications, low-pressure mercury (Hg) discharge lamps generate shortwave
ultraviolet-C (UV-C, 100–280 nanometers [nm]) light, typically at 254 nm. UV-C radiation
destroys or inactivates microorganisms by causing DNA damage (DNA), UV-C has shorter
wavelengths than the more penetrating UV-A and UV-B rays and poses less of a threat to human
health. The primary inactivation mechanism is the formation of pyrimidine dimers between
neighbouring thymine bases, which leaves the bacterium incapable of reproducing.

UPPER- ROOM UVGI AIR DISINFECTION

Performance of upper-room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI)

 https://www.esmagazine.com/articles/101628-germicidal-uvs-disinfecting-role-in-the-covid-
19-pandemic

Kowalski, Wladyslaw. (2022). UVGI for Cooling Coil Disinfection and Air Treatment.
UGVI application for air disinfection

Upper-room UVGI is one of two principal UVGI air disinfection applications. Upper-room UVGI
employs wall-mounted and ceiling-suspended, louvred/shielded UVGI fixtures to restrict the
germicidal radiation to the full room area above people's heads and significantly reduce exposure
to occupants in the lower room. Effective air disinfection in the breathing zone relies on excellent
vertical air circulation between the upper and lower chamber, which may be created naturally by
convection, the HVAC system, or low-velocity paddle fans if necessary.

In-duct UVGI, is the second principal use of UVGI air disinfection. Designed to disinfect air as it
passes through the HVAC system and before it is recirculated or exhausted, in-duct UVGI
irradiates the entire cross-section of a duct at high intensities that are inaccessible to room
occupants and may include the use of highly UV-reflective materials to increase irradiance levels.
Effective room air disinfection is contingent on moving maximum room air through the duct and
at a high velocity. UVGI is also used to disinfect surfaces inside HVAC systems, such as cooling
coils and drop pans, despite not being meant to directly disinfect the air.

(The History of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation for Air Disinfection)

Advantages
1) Effective on a wide range of pathogens, viral, bacterial, and fungal organisms
2) Easy to install and maintenance
3) Recognized Disinfection Method - recognized by regulatory agencies, including the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).
4) Cost-effective - only the lamp and sleeve are replaced each year.

Disadvantages of UVGI
1) UV exposure
UV light directed or reflected into the inhabited area can cause temporary eye and skin damage. A
competent HVAC technician or a reputed UV system manufacturer will guarantee the system's
safe operation.

2) Disinfect only places exposed to UV light, for better disinfection that relies on mixed air flow.
3) Disinfect only places exposed to UV light

Considerations

In-duct systems should be fully enclosed to prevent leakage of UV radiation to unprotected

persons or materials outside of the HVAC equipment.

Devices should be wired in series so that opening any single access point deenergizes the entire
UV system.

On/off devices for UV lamps must not be sited in the same location as general room lighting;
instead, they must be in a location that only authorized persons can access, and should be locked
to ensure that they are not accidentally turned on or off.

Warning labels must be posted on all upper-air UV fixtures to alert personnel of potential eye and
skin hazards. The lamp chamber and panels or doors to adjacent chambers where UV radiation
may penetrate or be reflected should have warning labels in appropriate languages. Damaged or
illegible labels must be replaced as a high priority.

2020 ASHRAE Handbook—HVAC Systems and Equipment