All UV air recirculators available on the market operate on the same fundamental principle: they use built-in fans to draw air through the unit, exposing it to germicidal ultraviolet (UV) lamps of varying power. UV light disinfects at a wavelength of 254 nm, effectively destroying the DNA and RNA of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and fungi, preventing their further spread. The efficiency of a recirculator in treating the air within a room depends on the room size (area and ceiling height) and the power of the installed UV lamps.
Dual-function UV irradiator
We manufacture unique dual-function recirculators that can operate safely in the presence of people with the lid closed and function as open UV irradiators when no one is in the room. Using the device in open mode ensures faster and more effective treatment of both air and surfaces. Traditional closed recirculators, while safe, do not provide this level of disinfection. As we know, pathogens accumulate not only in the air but also on various surfaces, making open UV irradiation a more comprehensive solution.
How to quickly assess the effectiveness of a recirculator
With a wide range of recirculators on the market, featuring different specifications and prices, selecting the right device can be challenging. Below is a simple method to help you choose an efficient recirculator without falling for marketing gimmicks.
In most cases, recirculators are purchased for spaces classified as Category IV, which include offices, residential areas, and similar environments. The required air purity level in such spaces should be no less than 90% Sterility Assurance (SA).
Calculating recirculator efficiency
Industry recommendations suggest that bactericidal installations should ensure a minimum duration of effective UV irradiation, which for closed recirculators is set at 1 hour.
A simplified rule of thumb states that 1W of UV lamp power can effectively disinfect 5 m³ of air to a 99% SA level within one hour.
Example. A recirculator equipped with a single Philips TUV 30 lamp (UV output: 12W) can effectively disinfect up to 60 m³ of air per hour. This makes it suitable for use in a category IV room of up to 24 m² with a standard ceiling height of 2.5 meters.
