Disinfection using UVC technology is residue-free, works without the use of chemicals and is effective against all types of microorganisms. UV radiation is shorter-waved and more energetic than visible light and is divided into UVA, UVB and UVC. The term UVC disinfection does not refer to the entire UVC spectrum from 100-300 nm, but especially to the range from 250-280 nm where the genetic information of all living organisms is most sensitive. There the energy of the photons reacts with the DNA and destroys it. The higher the UVC intensity [mW/cm²] and the longer the irradiation time, the higher the UVC dose [mJ/cm²] and thus the number of lethal DNA damages for the microorganisms. In other words, the more damage on the DNA or RNA, the more effective the disinfection.

If the dose is reached where 90% of a population is killed, this is called the lethal dose (LD90). More detailed information and a selection of typical LD90 doses of bacteria, viruses, yeasts and mould spores can be found as download The principle of UVC disinfection.

In UVC disinfection, there is a specific lethal dose (LD) for each type of microorganism (bacteria, yeasts, viruses, mould spores). So there is no resistance! The LD90, i.e. the dose that kills 90% of a population, is used as standard.
In general, all life forms on earth are organized on the basis of DNA or similarly structured RNA. This means that all organisms can be damaged by UVC radiation. The simpler the form of organisation and the smaller the cell volume of the various organisms, the more effective the killing rate by UVC. The dose at which 90% of the organisms of a species are killed is called LD90 dose. For the calculation of the disinfection doses, extensive tables and literage values with the LD90 doses of different species are available, which we can provide for you. For the design of disinfection systems it is also important to know how densly the microorganisms are arranged, because shading, reflection and scattering influence the dose with which the UVC radiation can reach the DNA.
The diagram illustrates the different forms of microorganisms and shows typical characteristics, the structure of the cell and the lethal doses of the groups of organisms.

The UV radiation of the sun penetrates the earth's atmosphere depending on the wavelength. The longer waved UVA radiation reaches us in large parts and is responsible for the tanning of the skin. The UVB radiation reaches the ground partially and penetrates relatively deep into our skin and eyes. The UVC radiation on the other hand is filtered out by the ozone layer in the earth's atmosphere. This high-energy radiation would otherwise cause burns on our skin and eyes.
It is essential to protect yourself from artificial sources of UVC with personal protective equipment (PPE). The radiation damages the cornea after only a few seconds of exposure, so never look unprotected into a glowing UVC source. Wear a UVC impermeable face shield as well as gloves and long-sleeved clothing.  
In practical use, avoid the effects of UVC on humans or animals by using protective equipment such as metal sheets, glass panes and electrical safety devices. The professional installation of UVC in production areas is part of our advice, as is a control measurement with report after larger installations.

All UVpro tubes are made of synthetic quartz glass, which suppresses ozone formation. Therefore no ozone is emitted and UVpro tubes are ozone free. An exception is the UVpro ION 300S, an ozone generator for highly effective odour elimination where ozone is used specifically for oxidative purposes. Ozone (O3 radicalized oxygen) and ions, which are produced by high voltage, oxidize and split organic substances. Thus odours are eliminated and bacteria, viruses and spores are inactivated.

UVC tubes have a limited lifetime. They are subject to a continuous aging process. The service life of UVpro UVC tubes lies at 12,000 h under normal operating conditions (power drop 25% ±5% of the nominal UVC output of the respective UVC source).

The effective radiation lies far outside the visible range and the UVC emission decreases continuously. It is therefore recommended to specify the operating conditions and the replacement date in a maintenance plan.

Continuous operation increases the lifetime of the tube!
The devices are designed for continuous operation and should not be switched on and off more frequently than necessary. Frequent switching (> 3 circuits/day) accelerates the aging process considerably.

The quartz glass of the UVC tube must be checked, maintained and cleaned regularly. Caution: The UVC tube is made of quartz glass and is fragile!

You should wear thin cloth gloves when cleaning it, on the one hand to avoid injuries and on the other hand to avoid fingerprints on the UVC tube. Fingerprints form an almost impenetrable layer for the ultraviolet radiation and through dirt and limescale the UVC performance drops significantly. Therefore, regular checks and fixed cleaning intervals are recommended. The right time depends on the speed of the soiling. Check a little more often when installing a new system to get a feeling for the intervals and then check at regular intervals.

It is always recommended to clean the tube surface before the system is used for the first time. We recommend a soft, lint-free cleaning cloth. In the food industry, ideally use an alcoholic agent, for use in water and wet areas it is recommended to clean the tubes with limescale dissolving agents and to remove limescale and dirt. For the metal parts we recommend a commercial stainless steel care product.

UVpro systems contain only high-quality assemblies and components. Only in this way can we ensure the consistently high performance and quality.

When changing the UVC tubes, check and clean the O-rings and seals and replace them if damaged. Please contact your responsible customer consultant or us directly. In any case, please make sure that they are original accessories from UVpro or orca GmbH. We also recommend original parts from UVpro for accessory components. The improper use of the systems or the use of unauthorized components can lead to health and material damage!

The tightness against water and foreign bodies of the UVpro devices is determined by the IP protection class. The IP (for international protection) class indicates the environmental influences to which a product is resistant. All UVpro products range from IP52 (protected against dust and falling dripping water) up to IP69K (dustproof and protection against water at high pressure and high temperatures). Our special immersion emitters for the disinfection of water in cooling towers, air humidifiers or similar have, for example, the protection class IP68 and are therefore suitable for permanent immersion in water. UVpro belt disinfectors, which were also developed for demanding applications in the food processing industry, withstand high-pressure cleaning at high temperatures thanks to IP69K. Which IP protection class each of our UVpro devices exactly corresponds to can be found in the respective technical data sheet. These are available for download on the corresponding product page or contact us via email or chat support.
Our table with IP protection classes shows the meaning of them. The first digit indicates the protection against foreign bodies (usually dust) and the second digit the protection against water. The combination of both digits gives the IP protection class of a particular device.

UVC technology for residue-free disinfection can be used in many different ways and is not limited to individual industries, areas of application or locations. With competent planning and design, reliable and cost-effective solutions for UVC air disinfection, surface disinfection and water disinfection can be realized in any area.

Water disinfection with UVC

Immersion emitters in the return basins of air washers and humidifiers with water reservoirs can prevent biofilms on container walls and effectively combat concentrations of germs in the tank in compliance with VDI 6022. Whether in paint shops in the aircraft and automotive industry, in humidifiers of central air conditioning units, UVC technology enables economically and ecologically sensible solutions for water disinfection.
For the treatment and disinfection of process and service water and in cooling circuits, UVC continuous flow reactors are installed in pipelines. Biofilms that form here due to the accumulation of microorganisms cost pump energy and reduce heat exchange, but can be prevented by using UVC. Here, careful analysis and design is required to determine the ideal UVC unit in view of the prevailing volume flow and transmission of the liquid. We will be pleased to advise you and recommend the right solution for your application.

Air disinfection with UVC

UVC modules for air disinfection offer a wide range of very effective measures to effectively disinfect even large volume flows.

They can significantly reduce the number of germs in the supply and circulating air by using built-in modules in air ducts and air conditioning units. Built-in and add-on modules for evaporators ensure hygienic surfaces and keep cooling fins free of biofilms. At the same time they ensure that the room air is disinfected.

In rooms without air supply systems, UVC air recirculation units ensure constant germ reduction. They have their own ventilation, operate independently and are simply mounted on the ceiling. Due to the easy installation and the different sizes and capacities, UVC air recirculation units can be used in any room. From industrial production and the food industry, medical areas such as hospitals, surgeries and laboratories to simple lounges and event rooms and areas where many people meet.

Wall and ceiling units, on the other hand, use the air convection of the rooms for their air disinfecting effect.

We are happy to make recommendations for the optimal positioning of our units in the room as well as within the existing air conditioning system or in special disinfection chambers.

Surface disinfection with UVC

The device series of UVpro belt disinfectors are especially designed for the disinfection of surfaces on conveyor and cutting belts, slicers and packaging systems. The belt disinfector ensures constant hygienic contact surfaces, prevents cross-contamination and is effective against bacteria, pathogenic germs, yeasts and moulds during ongoing production. The UVC tubes are approved for food production according to HACCP and IFS by a PTFE splinter protection. With UVC technology from UVpro you not only increase the hygiene in your company, but also the quality and shelf life of your products.

Modular flange module systems offer a lot of flexibility for use in packaging systems, but can be individually adapted for almost all systems and applications.

For UVC surface disinfection and hygiene in medical areas such as laboratories, surgeries, treatment rooms or patient rooms, simple wall and ceiling emitters are used or, for flexible use, a mobile room disinfection stand.