Commercial HVAC UV Systems
Ultraviolet Lamps can perform different functions in HVAC systems. It is important to understand the differences. For applications where cleanliness of the AC coil is required, a lamp array that produces from 7500 to 10,000 mw sec./cm2 is generally adequate. However, this level of UV exposure is not sufficient to kill most airborne micro organisms. For a 90% kill of micro organisms, an array must be able to impart at least 30,000 mw sec./cm2. Fuller units are designed to meet these requirements.
Bulk Air Disinfection
Sickness among workers could be reduced by using ultraviolet lamps to kill germs in ventilation systems, research indicates. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation is used in hospital ventilation systems to disinfect the air but is rarely incorporated into office or building ducts because there has been little evidence of a benefit. About 70% of the work force in America works indoors and frequently have unexplained health problems such as irritation of the eyes, throat and nose, as well as respiratory illnesses. In a study published in The Lancet Medical Journal, Canadian scientists found that the technique reduced overall worker sickness by about 20%, including a 40% drop in breathing problems. "Installation of ultraviolet germicidal equipment in most North American offices could resolve work related symptoms in about 4 million employees, caused by (germ) contamination of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems," said the study's leader. Over the fifty years Fuller has been in business, we have designed and manufactured a continuous array of duct equipment for a wide variety of air treatment applications.
Maintaining Clean AC Coil Bank Surfaces
As air passes through the coil bank, it is cooled. In reducing the air temperature, some of the moisture is condensed as water droplets. These droplets come down through the fins of the coil bank. Entrained micro-organisms including slime formers are trapped in the water droplets. So are dirt and dust particles. Slime formations quickly build up between the fins and reduce the efficiency of the cooling system and the overall air flow. Eventually, it is necessary to shut down the system and manually clean the coil fins. This is time consuming and involves the use of powerful cleaning agents. Cleaning crews require special attire for protection during cleanup. During the cleaning process, there is no air movement through the entire HVAC system. Frequently, this occurs during a hot spell. To keep the coil bank free from slime deposits, equipment positioned inside the duct producing ultraviolet rays is becoming the popular and effective solution.
The ultraviolet rays produced by our lamps emits a frequency powerful enough to breakdown the walls of virtually every organism that may pass by it. Use of this technology is in many aspects of our everyday lives already.
The use of UVC is present in food and sugar processing, water treatment, beverage manufacturing, even in processes such as surface and instrument de-contamination.
A lamp array is mounted on the discharge side of the coil bank. To maximize effectiveness, lamps should be perpendicular to the fins. The higher the output of each lamp, as well as increased lamp length will decrease the amount of lamps required. Lamps should be sheathed with UV transparent covering to protect against water droplets.
Diplomat Fixtures
The next level up from the Fuller Air Series is the Diplomat Type. This type of UV HVAC system is suited for commercial environments that require components housed inside the duct.
Diplomat Systems are designed for easy installation and maintenance. They slide into the ductway and are held in place by troughs.
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Diplomat UV HVAC Fixture
- Custom Sizing for Any Duct |
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Bayonet UV Fixtures
Designed to probe into duct work, this model is ideal for areas where access to components can be achieved without removing unit from duct work. Probes do not slide into troughs, but are bolted into the wall of the duct. Freestanding arms position the lamps into the center of the duct.
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Bayonet UV Fixture
- Custom Sizing for Any Duct |
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Rack Systems
Our largest of the HVAC line, Rack Systems are designed for very large duct areas. They provide maximum coverage throughout the complete dimensional area of the duct. These systems bolt to the interior walls and/or ceiling and floor, depending upon design parameters. Generally, Amalgam lamps are incorporated due to larger air velocities.
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Rack UV System
- Custom Sizing for Any Duct |
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Parameters for Designing a System:
For starters, a few key points required for the preliminary design process: What is the Application
-Coil Treatment
-Air Treatment
-Filter Bank Treatment
Total CFM at point of UV System
Temperature of Air
Humidity Level
Voltage
Particular Pathogen This System will Target
Why Fuller Ultraviolet Corporation?
-Size Doesn't Matter
Fuller Ultraviolet can design and manufacture for various duct sizes and shapes. Whether round or square, 4"x4" or 4" dia., we can accommodate the vast sizes in most HVAC systems.
-Control what You Can't See
Fuller HVAC equipment uses the proven technology of Ultraviolet Germicidal Energy to irradiate airborne pathogens, toxins, etc. The ultraviolet rays produced by our lamps emits a frequency powerful enough to breakdown the walls of most organisms that pass by it. Use of this technology is in many aspects of our daily lives.
-Plug In and Go
The Diplomat Duct insert is easy to install in most cases.
1. Cut the length and width of the unit out of the duct.
2. Insert unit into duct, drill out the mounting holes.
3. Attach Diplomat to duct with screws provided.
4. Plug unit in.
-Performance Options Available
From system monitoring to ease of maintenance.
To increase effectiveness, a computer relay, as well as remote monitoring, can be installed to insure the best possible performance with little or no downtime.
Our Watchdog Lamp Monitoring System displays the lamps intensity ability, allowing personnel to know when the lamp is below it's rated performance. This system is ideal for elevated, hard to reach places, or near an engineering station or control area.
Remote ballasting is also available. In some cases, duct runs may be elevated quite a distance off the floor. Replacing components in uncomfortable or awkward working areas can be reduced by placing these components in the easiest of attainable positions, such as a control box or near an engineering station.
Lamp lengths vary to fully extend to the widths of the duct.
Teflon sleeves are available for each UV lamp.
-Multiple Areas Treated
Careful placement of Fuller HVAC Systems can result in multiple duties. Not only is the passing air stream purified, but duct interior surfaces are irradiated, and cooling coil surfaces are kept clean. Microbial contamination of ductwork and HVAC components such as filters, coils, and drain pans is prevented on any surfaces located in the "kill zone" of the Fuller HVAC System. This "kill zone" extends three to four feet on either side of the unit.
All Fuller HVAC Systems should be installed with lamps at right angles to the direction of airflow. The best insertion location to insure contaminant control takes into account several factors indluding airstream velocity, temperature, relative humidity, and energy absorbing obstructions within the duct. Safety and maintenance considerations require the duct openings and pre-filtration should be factored, as well as access for lamp replacement. Lamp replacement is generally required after 1 year of continuous operation.
Typical situations where Fuller HVAC Systems have been effective:
Office Buildings
Taverns
Restaurants
Shopping and Business Malls
Apartments/Condominiums
Clinics
Hospitals
Breweries