The ultraviolet spectrum (UV) is one form of energy that is visible in the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum, which is in between visible light and the x-rays. It has shorter length than visible light, but more power (or the frequency).
Wavelength is the distance between two peak values which is in nanometers.
Frequency is the number of oscillations over time determined per second, or Hz.
Short wavelengths are high-frequency wavelengths that are shorter in duration.
Long Wavelength = less frequency wavelengths require more time to finish
The EM spectrum comprises seven regions that are based on frequency and wavelength.
Radio Waves-Long waves are utilized in radio communications, such as voice, radio data, and various other forms of media.
Microwaves – Heating source for microwave ovens, radar , and high-bandwidth communication.
Infrared is invisible to the naked eye, but can be perceivable as heat. Think of a toaster.
Visible Light is visible by the human eye.
Ultraviolet (UV) is not visible through the naked eye, and is broken down into B, A, C & V
Soft x-rays are created by the acceleration of electrons. Dangerous.
Gamma Rays are x-rays produced by atomic nuclei are able to kill cancer cells. Very risky.
UV generated by the Sun in contrast to Man-made
The sun’s rays contain only 10% UV, and only 1/3 of that UV enters the atmosphere of Earth. Of that third the majority is UVA which is the one with the lowest energy, and is all the time all around us. It can cause skin tan and causes the skin’s cells to age and can damage DNA.
UVB accounts for the rest 5 percent of the total and UVB is the UV which damages DNA directly within skin cells. It can cause cataracts, sunburns and the majority of skin cancers.
UVC is the strongest however UVC that comes from the sun does not penetrate the Earth’s surface due to it being blocked by Ozone. UVC causes damage and destruction to genetic material. UVC can be used to purify water and air, and also to sterilize and disinfect. UVC is generated or created by running an electrical current through vaporized mercury. The artificial (man-made) ultraviolet light sources comprise tanning lamps, UV Curing Systems, mercury vapor lamps and germicidal lamps.
UV is a great health benefit UV
The sun’s warmth can bring out the best in many of us. It helps us feel more energetic and boosts our mood. The exposure to UVB sunlight boosts vitamin D production. Vitamin D offers numerous health advantages, including Serotonin production. Vitamin D helps to promote better sleep, stronger bonesand an improved immune system and may lower blood pressure. Another benefit of UV is its treatment of certain skin diseases. A light treatment which makes use of UVA exposure to light in conjunction with cream or drug and is thought to fight eczema and vitiligo as well as lymphoma and psoriasis.
All-day, Common Uses for UV
UV is employed in the process of drying out and disinfecting a variety of products that you have probably heard of and even purchase. Dentists frequently make use of UV to cure the resins and whiten teeth, as well as nail salons employ smaller UV heaters to rapidly dry polish. 3D printers and UV are used to rapidly dry ink on models or paper.
While these are typical uses but did not you consider that the UV light is also employed to pasteurize juices as well as remove the microorganisms that are present in food? Apple cider, as well as other juices, are typically treated by UV light to eliminate microbes and pathogens. UV-C is utilized for greenhouse irrigation in order to clean the water that is contaminated to cleanse vegetables, lettuce and fruits. The contaminant in the water can trigger flares of E. bacteria that causes widespread illness.
Germicidal Lamps
The COVID-19 epidemic saw numerous individuals and businesses purchase germicidal lamps for disinfecting their offices and homes. In the event of an insufficient supply in N95 respiratory masks, UV suggested as a way to clean respirators in hospitals. In the NIH also published a research study which stated that respiratory masks made of N95 cleaned with ultraviolet light and also VHP (vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide) could be used as many times, provided that wearers ensure that the mask fits correctly.
UV Curing Lamps for manufacturing
Numerous manufacturing industries employ UV for products that you come across every day. UV’s energy-efficient, fast-drying and environmentally friendly technology produces zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and is utilized in the manufacture of a variety of items, such as:
Food cans and soda
aerosol hairspray
Caps for bottles and lids for jars
toothpaste tubes
plastic cups and styrofoam cup
Garden and pet supplies bags for pet food and garden supplies
flooring, and high-end vinyl tiles (LVT) flooring
packaging of all kinds
auto parts, such as headlights and windshields for cars
Cell phone components of cell phones
Space is always at a premium when it comes to manufacturing facilities and, depending on the purpose that includes UV curing lamps to a line of production can help a business save space. Traditional thermal drying ovens designed for high-volume production lines range from up to 200 feet long depending on the type of application and processing speed. Contrast that with an UV curing chamber designed that is designed for the same applications can only take 3-10 feet. Incorporating UV curing in an existing production line can increase production speed as well as shorter cycle times and substantial production and cost savings.
