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Germicidal lamp, principle of operation, application and reviews. Video
All germicidal lamps are designed to kill harmful bacteria and viruses indoors or in the human body. The general principle of their work is based on the effect of ultraviolet rays on pathogenic microorganisms. Germicidal lamps can be used in both medical institutions and residential premises.
Mercury germicidal lamp device
A mercury germicidal lamp is a sealed glass tube filled with mercury vapor. Under the influence of an electric field, an electric discharge passes through the gas. As a result, ultraviolet radiation is generated in the tube, which is used to disinfect the air and surfaces in the room. Ultraviolet rays have a detrimental effect on the DNA structure of bacteria, microbes, viruses, fungi, effectively destroying pathogenic flora.
Ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of less than 200 nm also ionizes oxygen in the air. As a result, ozone is formed, which is toxic in large quantities to living organisms. To prevent this effect, special uviol glass is used for the manufacture of bactericidal lamp housings, which transmits waves of 205–315 nm and absorbs shorter radiation. In addition, the body can be made of quartz glass covered with a special protective layer. Ozone is also formed during the operation of such bactericidal lamps, but in small quantities that are safe for health. But all the same, during their work it is better to leave the premises.
Quartz glass lamps that ozonize the air are commonly referred to as quartz ultraviolet lamps. Lamps made of UV glass or quartz glass covered with a special protective layer are called bactericidal lamps.
The main disadvantage of mercury germicidal lamps is the risk of contamination of the environment with mercury vapor if the bulb is damaged or disposed of.
The device of a xenon germicidal lamp is no different from a mercury lamp. In addition to the fact that the glass bulb is filled with an inert gas, xenon, which is safe for the environment. The bactericidal activity of these lamps is higher, but the service life is shorter.
The main disadvantage of xenon lamps is the need for complex expensive equipment for their operation.
Application of germicidal lamps
Bactericidal lamps are part of stationary and mobile irradiators. Stationary ones are usually used in medical institutions, and mobile ones can also be used at home to disinfect each room, as well as furniture, beds, and plumbing.
Special bactericidal irradiators for water disinfection are also produced. They are installed in water supply units and purify water from microorganisms.
Some germicidal irradiators can be used to achieve a tanning effect. These devices are used in tanning salons and at home, but it must be remembered that the abuse of ultraviolet radiation can have detrimental consequences, the easiest of which will be premature aging and coarsening of the skin, and the most serious – cancer.
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