UVC Light: how it works
UVC light, a specific range of ultraviolet light, is an effective disinfectant for air, liquids, and surfaces. But how does UV light kill bacteria cells? When UVC light penetrates microorganisms, it damages their DNA or RNA, preventing them from reproducing. This process neutralizes the microorganisms, effectively stopping them from causing infections.
Optimal Wavelength
The ideal uv light wavelength for maximum disinfection effectiveness is 264 nm, as it directly targets the genetic material of microorganisms.
Works in all conditions
UVC irradiation is highly effective regardless of environmental factors such as pH, temperature, or whether the microorganisms are in solid, liquid, or airborne form. However, direct exposure is crucial for effectiveness—hidden bacteria or viruses may escape radiation if shielded.
Unlike chemical disinfectants, UVC light rarely produces harmful by-products even with over- or under-irradiation, ensuring safe and consistent disinfection.
Applications of UVC Light
UVC light can be used:
- As a standalone solution: For primary disinfection of surfaces, air, and liquids.
- In combination with other methods: Enhances the effectiveness of existing disinfection systems.
Our UVC systems are designed for diverse environments, from industrial and pharmaceutical to agricultural settings, offering tailored solutions for unique disinfection needs.
Need a custom solution?
If you’re searching for an effective disinfection solution, we’re here to help. Contact us at +45 22 680 680 or send us a message. Our team is ready to design a custom solution tailored to your specific requirements.
UVC Light doses for microorganisms
Below is a selection of the UV light doses (in J/m²) required to neutralize microorganisms by 90-99,99%:
Microorganism UV Light Dose (J/m²) for 90% Reduction Microorganism UV Light Dose (J/m²) for 90% Reduction
Bacillus anthracis – Anthrax 45.2 Vibrio comma – Cholera 33.75
Clostridium tetani 130.0 Mucor racemosus A 170.0
Corynebacterium diphtheriae 33.7 Penicillium roqueforti 130.0
Ebertelia typhosa 21.4 Chlorella Vulgaris 130.0
Escherichia coli 30.0 Paramecium 110.0
Listeria Monocytes 45.0 Bacteriophage – E. coli 26.0
MRSA 32.0 Infectious Hepatitis 58.0
Mycobacterium tuberculosis 62.0 Influenza 34.0
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 55.0 Brewers yeast 33.0
Pseudomonas fluorescens 35.0 Common yeast cake 60.0
Salmonella enteritidis 40.0 Saccharomyces spores 80.0
Salmonella typhimurium 80.0 Streptococcus viridans 20.0
| Microorganism | UV Light Dose (J/m²) for 90% Reduction | Microorganism | UV Light Dose (J/m²) for 90% Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacillus anthracis – Anthrax | 45.2 | Vibrio comma – Cholera | 33.75 |
| Clostridium tetani | 130.0 | Mucor racemosus A | 170.0 |
| Corynebacterium diphtheriae | 33.7 | Penicillium roqueforti | 130.0 |
| Ebertelia typhosa | 21.4 | Chlorella Vulgaris | 130.0 |
| Escherichia coli | 30.0 | Paramecium | 110.0 |
| Listeria Monocytes | 45.0 | Bacteriophage – E. coli | 26.0 |
| MRSA | 32.0 | Infectious Hepatitis | 58.0 |
| Mycobacterium tuberculosis | 62.0 | Influenza | 34.0 |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 55.0 | Brewers yeast | 33.0 |
| Pseudomonas fluorescens | 35.0 | Common yeast cake | 60.0 |
| Salmonella enteritidis | 40.0 | Saccharomyces spores | 80.0 |
| Salmonella typhimurium | 80.0 | Streptococcus viridans | 20.0 |
Exponential disinfection process with UVC light
Achieving effective disinfection using UVC light follows an exponential process. The required dose increases proportionally to the desired level of microorganism inactivation:
- To inactivate 99% of microorganisms: Double the dose needed for 90%.
- To inactivate 99.9%: Triple the dose required for 90%.
- To inactivate 99.99%: Quadruple the dose required for 90%.
This exponential increase ensures that bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms are effectively neutralized at higher inactivation rates.
Need Assistance?
Calculating the precise UVC light dose for your specific disinfection needs is crucial for optimal results. Contact us for expert guidance tailored to your requirements.
Understanding ultraviolet light
UV light is a type of electromagnetic radiation. Other forms include X-rays, visible light, and radio waves. The key difference between these forms is the wavelength. UV radiation occupies a small section of the electromagnetic spectrum, with wavelengths ranging from 100 to 400 nm, and is invisible to the human eye.
UV spectrum classification
The UV spectrum is divided into three categories:
- UVA (315-400 nm): Longwave radiation.
- UVB (280-315 nm): Medium wave radiation.
- UVC (100-280 nm): Shortwave radiation with the strongest bactericidal properties.
Read more about UV in our article: What is UV?
Measuring UVC radiation effectiveness
UVC radiation is measured in watts (W), while the irradiation density is expressed in watts per square meter (W/m²). The dose is a product of irradiation density and exposure time, expressed in joules per square meter (J/m²). For reference, 1 joule equals 1 watt-second.
Why use UVC as a disinfectant?
UVC radiation, a key component of UV sterilization, offers several advantages over traditional disinfection methods:
- Effective: Destroys bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms without using chemicals.
- Environmentally friendly: Leaves no toxic residues or by-products.
- Natural: Mimics the disinfecting properties of sunlight but with much higher intensity for controlled environments.
Choose UVC and UV sterilization for a safe, reliable, and eco-friendly solution to meet your disinfection needs.
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