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UV Lamps in Air Circulating Ductwork

Steven G. Liescheidt, P.E., CCS, CCPR


Course Outline

This four hour online course discusses the use of ultraviolet lamps in HVAC ductwork.  The experimental measurements suggest that the less resistant vegetative organisms, represented by Staphylococcus epidermidis, can be somewhat protected by organic material coating the bioaerosol or by increases in humidity. Even with the added resistance, vegetative bacteria remained susceptible to germicidal ultraviolet relative to the spores.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of course materials.


Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will:

Intended Audience

This course is intended for mechanical engineers.


Benefit for Attendee

Attendee of this course will be able to understand the benefits of installing UV lamps in HVAC ductwork for the purpose of air purification.

Course Introduction

Germicidal ultraviolet lamps have a long history of use for inactivating microbial aerosols. Most reports have focused on the control of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis in the occupied spaces of medical facilities.  Ventilation duct use of germicidal ultraviolet has been increasing. In-duct applications are generally more concerned with controlling environmental organisms than with controlling infections agents. This course is an overview of the results of a project to investigate the ability of germicidal ultraviolet lamps to inactivate representative environmental microbial aerosols in ventilation ducts.

Course Content

This course is primarily based on Defining The Effectiveness Of UV Lamps Installed In Circulating Air Ductwork  Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Institute ARTI-21CR/610-40030-01 ---- November 2002:

UV Lamps in Air Circulating Ductwork

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Course Summary

Of the physical factors that might influence germicidal ultraviolet lamp performance, air temperature and flow rate, lamp design, and ballast design were found to be most significant. Isolated changes in humidity had a measurable but very small effect on lamp irradiance. Lamps designated “high output” were found to indeed provide higher irradiance than “low output” lamps, and lamps designed specifically for lower temperature operation also appeared to perform better under those conditions. However, the terminology is not completely consistent.


Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:

United States Green Building Council – www.usgbc.com
US Department of Energy – www.doe.gov
National Renewable Energy Laboratory – www.nrel.gov


Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

Take a Quiz

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.