Nichia UVC 280nm LED Modules – High-Performance Disinfection & Curing Solutions

Nichia High Output UVC 280nm LED Modules: Advanced Solutions for Disinfection and Curing

Disinfection and sterilisation are of the utmost importance. In addition to traditional sterilisation methods using chemical liquids or sprays and the use of high temperatures, UV-C radiation plays a particularly important role. In the wavelength range between 280 and 100 nm, pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms are killed within a very short time. With the rapid development of LED technology, it has been possible to develop ever more powerful LEDs that can be used effectively for sterilisation and allow a high degree of design flexibility.

Nichia High Output 280nm UVC LEDs are advanced light-emitting diodes specifically designed to emit ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 280 nanometers. This particular wavelength falls within the UVC range, which is known for its strong germicidal properties. UVC LEDs are highly effective for disinfection and sterilization applications, including air disinfection, mold control, water disinfection, and surface disinfection. Nichia, a leading manufacturer of LED technology, provides high-output UVC LEDs that offer superior performance, reliability, and efficiency.

In collaboration with Nichia, the leading UV LED manufacturer, we produce high-quality UV LED modules in Germany that are powerful and efficient solution for disinfection and curing applications. These modules combine our 20 years of LED lighting experience with Nichia's expertise in UV LED manufacturing, ensuring exceptional radiant power, energy efficiency, and longevity. Our LED modules can be tailored to meet specific needs of industry, luminaire manufacturers or medical technology companies.

Our UVC modules use the latest generation Nichia UV LED series:

• NCSU434C (280nm): 3535 Glass Package, 3.5×3.5mm
• NCSU434B (280nm): 3535 Glass Package, 3.5×3.5mm
• NCSU334B (280nm): 6868 Glass Package, 6.8×6.8mm
• NC4U334BR (280nm): 6868 Glass Package, 6.8×6.8mm

Importance of Using High-Performance UVC LEDs for Disinfection and Curing

Using high-performance Nichia UVC LEDs for disinfection and curing is crucial for several reasons:

1. Performance and Reliability: Nichia UVC LEDs ensure consistent performance and reliability. They provide stable ultraviolet light output, maintain spectral integrity, and operate efficiently without flickering or diminishing in intensity prematurely.

2. Enhanced Germicidal Efficacy: Nichia UVC LEDs are designed to deliver precise wavelengths that maximize germicidal efficacy. This ensures that microorganisms are effectively inactivated, providing thorough and reliable disinfection.

3. Longevity: High-quality Nichia UVC LEDs are constructed with superior materials that withstand the rigors of continuous operation. This durability means fewer replacements and lower maintenance costs, enhancing the return on investment.

4. Safety Top-quality UVC LEDs adhere to strict safety standards, ensuring that the disinfection systems are safe to operate and install. This reduces the risk of exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation and potential hazards.

5. Environmental Impact Nichia UVC LEDs are manufactured using environmentally friendly processes and materials. By opting for high-quality UVC LEDs, manufacturers contribute to sustainability efforts, reducing waste and minimizing the environmental footprint of their products.

Applications of UVC Nichia High Output 280nm LEDs

1. Air Disinfection: UVC LEDs can be integrated into HVAC systems and air purifiers to disinfect the air, eliminating airborne pathogens and reducing the risk of airborne diseases. This is particularly important in hospitals, offices, and public spaces where air quality is critical.

2. Mold Control: UVC LEDs are effective in preventing and controlling mold growth in damp and humid environments. They can be used in basements, bathrooms, and ventilation systems to maintain a mold-free environment, improving indoor air quality and health.

3. Water Disinfection: UVC LEDs provide a chemical-free method for disinfecting water, making them ideal for use in residential water purifiers, industrial water treatment plants, and municipal water systems. They ensure that water is safe for drinking and other uses by eliminating harmful microorganisms.

4. Surface Disinfection: UVC LEDs can be used to disinfect surfaces in healthcare settings, laboratories, and food processing facilities. They effectively eliminate pathogens on countertops, medical equipment, and other surfaces, ensuring a hygienic environment.

Nichia High Output 280nm UVC LEDs offer a powerful and efficient solution for disinfection and curing applications. Their germicidal properties, energy efficiency, long lifespan, and environmental benefits make them an ideal choice for air disinfection, mold control, water disinfection, and surface disinfection. The use of high-quality UVC LEDs ensures optimal performance, reliability, and safety, making them a crucial component in modern disinfection systems. 

Key Questions in the Design-In Process:

• What is the optimal positioning of the UV-C LED modules?
• How much optical power reaches the surfaces?
• How long does it take to inactivate viruses and germs?
• How can harmful contact with UVC radiation and people be prevented?

To avoid shading, it is crucial to place the UV-C LED lights directly above critical surfaces. In this simulation, we deliberately chose a non-optimal arrangement to illustrate the range of results, as shown in the picture: the instrument table (1) placed directly under the UV-C lamp versus the filing cabinet (4) on the wall with little direct irradiation. Our team will advise you on the optimal placement of the UV-C modules for your specific application.

The simulation provides results on the optical power reaching each surface, allowing us to derive the duration needed for effective sterilization. The "kill factor" of UV-C radiation varies depending on the target organism. We calculated the time required for 99.9% disinfection on surfaces (1 - 4) for two exemplary pathogens: E. coli bacteria and the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Our findings conclude that effective disinfection can be achieved with UV-C LED power and efficiency, even at greater distances. Effective sterilization of surfaces can be accomplished during intervals between treatment sessions or overnight. At shorter intervals, individual microorganisms can be inactivated within seconds.

Upon request, you will receive a detailed list of data on the optical performance on surfaces (1 - 4) and our calculations for the mentioned pathogens. The simulation of UVC LED radiation propagation with the Violet lens in the defined room concept was conducted by LEDIL Tech Support. Important factors not considered in the optical simulation include room temperature, surface structure, and humidity. Therefore, a metrological comparison of the simulation results with real measurement data is necessary to verify the simulation.

Evaluating UVC Disinfection: Required Fluence for Optimal Pathogen Reduction

While numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of UV light in disinfection and sterilization, the wide variance in results poses a challenge in determining definitive answers to these questions.

Our recommendations are based on an analysis of 413 research papers compiled in "Fluence (UVC Dose) Required for up to 99% disinfection from Viruses, Bacteria, Protozoa, and Algae." This compilation can be downloaded via the links below:

PDF: Fluence (UV Dose) Required to Achieve Incremental Log Inactivation of Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses, and Algae

These studies provide data on the fluence required to achieve log reductions from 1 to 5 for various UVC sources.

The effectiveness of UV light in sterilization or disinfection depends on exposure, time, wavelength, and irradiance.

• Exposure or fluence (sometimes called dose) is measured in mJ/cm² (where 1 mJ/cm² = 10 J/m²).
• Exposure time is measured in seconds (s), minutes (m), or hours (h).
• Irradiance is the flux of radiant energy per unit area, indicating how much UV radiation power (measured in W = 1000 milliwatts (mW) = 1,000,000 microwatts (µW)) reaches the surface. It is measured in mW/cm² or W/m² (1 mW/cm² = 10 W/m²) and depends on the radiant power, distance, and dispersion of the radiation emitted by the lamp source.

Log Reduction Explained

"Log reduction" is a mathematical term indicating the relative number of live pathogens eliminated from a surface by disinfecting. For instance, a "5-log reduction" means lowering the number of microorganisms by 100,000-fold, meaning if a surface has 100,000 pathogenic microbes, a "5-log reduction" would reduce the number to one, equating to a 99.999% kill rate.

Common log reductions in UV light disinfection research range from 1 to 5:

• "1 log reduction" means the number of germs is 10 times smaller (10¹).
• "2 log reduction" means the number of germs is 100 times smaller (10²).
• "3 log reduction" means the number of germs is 1,000 times smaller (10³).
• "4 log reduction" means the number of germs is 10,000 times smaller (10⁴).
• "5 log reduction" means the number of germs is 100,000 times smaller (10⁵).

 

Compilation of Results from 431 Disinfection Experiments with UVC Radiation

The PDF tables compile log reduction results from 431 experiments on the effects of UV disinfection on bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and algae. These studies, along with similar others, inform the science behind designing and deploying UV lamp systems for sterilization or disinfection.

For each pathogen, the fluence (dose) required to achieve the given log reduction is expressed in mJ/cm² when exposed to the UV radiation of the test lamp. The lamps used in the tests, detailed in each result, include UVC LEDs.

UVC LEDs

Tables 1-5 summarize published data on UV fluence-response for various microorganisms. The tables reflect the current state of knowledge but also highlight the variation in techniques and biological responses due to the lack of standardized protocols. Users are advised to exercise critical judgment when utilizing the data.

A fluence of 20 mJ/cm² or less was sufficient for a 90% kill rate (1 log reduction) in 81.90% of the 431 studies, whereas 8.82% required up to 30 mJ/cm², and 9.28% needed 30 to 50+ mJ/cm².