What are UV light systems

UV light systems provide ultraviolet (UV) light forprocessing. Spot or wand systems are benchtop units
curing, material identification, forensic location,that provide a UV beam with a small spot size for
disinfection and material processing applications. Someselective curing applications. Wall or ceiling mounted
UV light systems use ultraviolet radiation to initiateUV systems disinfect an air stream as UV light
chemical reactions and cure adhesives, coatings, andirradiates the air circulating through the room. HVAC
resins. Others use the fluorescent response ofor duct-mounted systems are also available.
chemicals, water tracers, markers or inks, mineralsUV light systems produce ultraviolet radiation falling
and biological specimens to identify the presence ofinto one to three UV bands: UVA, UVB and UVC.
specific material types. For example, forensicUVA is the near or long wave UV band (~315 to 400
scientists use UV light systems to locate and identifynm). Also known as black light, UVA makes certain
materials or trace chemicals in arson accelerants orpigments fluoresce. UVA has little effect on
tagging dyes. UV light is also an essential tool inpathogens and no effect on human tissue. UVB is the
thin-layer chromatography (TLC), a process thatmiddle UV band (~280 to 315 nm). It inactivates a
chemists use to identify the components in a mixture.moderate amount of pathogens, but is not as
Medical, pharmaceutical, and public health personneleffective as UVC in destroying bacteria. Prolonged
use UV disinfection systems and ultraviolet germicidalexposure to UVB results in blistering of the skin and
irradiation (UVGI) to sanitize air, water, andcornea damage. UVC is the germicidal or short wave
transparent materials or surfaces. UV light systemsUV band (~200 to 280 nm). When used correctly,
are also used in specialized or proprietary applications.UVC or UVGI inactivates pathogens by destroying
UV light systems are available in a variety oftheir DNA and RNA, rendering the microbes impotent.
configurations. Curing chambers consist of a powerThe ideal wavelength for eradicating pathogens is
supply, light source and enclosure or chamber that253.7 nm. Some UV light systems also produce visible
provides a work surface and shields the operatoror UV-visible light in the blue green region (~395 to
from radiation. UV conveyors or continuous systems455 nm). Visible light is useful for adhesives with dual
consist of a belt conveying unit, power supply andUV/visible cure capability. Products that produce
UV light source, as well as an enclosure that is openultraviolet light falling into the vacuum UV (VUV) band
on both ends, which allows products or sheets to(100 to 200 nm) are also available.
pass through the system. Hand held or portable UVSelecting UV light systems requires an analysis of
devices are useful for repair and testing in field,lamp output power, lamp intensity, and product
laboratory, plant floor, and other settings wherefeatures. Some devices can be programmed or have
transportation of large systems is impractical. Flood ora computer interface for programming, control or
focused UV sources or modules are also integrated indata acquisition. Others have integral or optional
production lines. Process or line mounted UV systemsfilters, meters or timers, and can feed multiple wands.
include a power supply, light source and flange,Specialized equipment can expose a product or
cartridge mounting or fitting, web system, coatingmaterial to light from multiple directions. Pulsed UV
line, and conveyor lines or tanks that transportlight systems and products that use light emitting
chemicals, plastic film, or other transparent media fordiodes (LEDs) as a light source are also available.