The Technology

Ultraviolet (UVC or UVGI) supplementary air sanitization technology requires the right application to be effective. The way Air Sniper utilizes powerful bulbs and reflective paneling to control the intensity, dwell time, CFM, and irradiation proximity within the equipment creates the ultimate pathogen destruction environment. Together, these elements form an environment within the Air Sniper unit that is rich with Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI).

Four Elements of UVC Technology

When using UVGI for supplementary air sanitization, it is crucial to measure the effectiveness of the system from a holistic perspective. Four elements, namely intensity, proximity, dwell time, and CFM, ensure UVGI technology optimization is achieved.

Intensity

Intensity is a key driver in the effectiveness of UVGI supplemental air sanitization, as pathogens and harmful bacteria may circulate back into the environment if the UVC intensity is not sufficient. Air Sniper uses several methods to combat this loss, such as increasing the number of bulbs, the wattage of each bulb, ensuring that the air is in close proximity to the UVC bulbs, and the reflective material throughout the unit.

Proximity

Proximity to pathogens and contaminants is crucial for its ability to function as a germicidal solution. Therefore, in designing supplementary air sanitization solutions like the Air Snipers, it is essential to have multiple bulbs throughout the unit’s interior. This accomplishes the dual goal of providing proper UVC intensity and ensuring the space between bulbs is not large enough for the light to lose its required intensity.

Dwell Time

Dwell time defines how long a contaminant spends within the equipment. For the process to be effective, all contaminants must have continuous and cyclical exposure to the UVC bulbs. Additionally, the design must ensure that the air is not circulated too quickly or too slowly, as this may disrupt the flow and allow contaminants to pass through the unit or not enter in the first place.

CFM

As a measure of airflow, cubic feet per minute (CFM) plays an important role in determining the effectiveness of supplemental air sanitization equipment. It is part of the calculations necessary to determine dwell time, and the fans must be powerful enough to circulate all the air within a space in a reasonable amount of time.

UVC
Technology

UVGI has been proven for germicidal use, or sanitization making it a common use for air sanitization. Specifically, UVGI light at a spectrum of 253.7 nanometers is used for germicidal use, since other wavelengths are prone to producing ozone. By using multiple bulbs in conjunction with a reflective environment, Air Sniper equipment can revolutionize the way we look at cleaning and sanitizing our air.

Reflectivity

Using reflective materials in UVGI sanitization units allows the UVC light waves to retain their effectiveness. An environment with sufficient reflective capabilities can maintain the UVGI light necessary to destroy pathogens and remove harmful contaminants from the air. Finally, proper product design is necessary to ensure the equipment does not create shadowing within the unit where the light cannot penetrate.

Photocatalytic
Oxidation (PCO)

Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) technology was originally developed by NASA. While there may be several methods of creating a PCO element, Air Sniper forces the air through the holes of a stainless-steel weave coated in anatase titanium dioxide to generate that reaction, maximizing the proven effectiveness of the PCO elements in accompaniment to the already-powerful sanitation effects of UVGI.