Applications of Germicidal UV LED 254nm Technology in Industrial Engineering Disinfection

Did you know in 2022, the use of UV LED technology in applications for water treatment accounted for 71% of global sales? With that said, Ultraviolet light presents an innovative solution for providing effective and clean urban water purification. 

Surprisingly, the UV LED market is expected to reach a revenue of over US$ 1 billion by the end of 2025. The critical trend projected for this market growth is the ability to expand into new applications, including medical, food industry, and water treatment. 

No matter if you want to treat drinking water or wish to disinfect medical institutions, UV LEDs with a wavelength of UV LED 254nm can be the right solution. BUT how effective this relatively new technology is? Can it provide the industrial engineering disinfection solutions you need for now and in the future?

Understanding UV LED 254nm Technology 

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a common type of radiation found in the electromagnetic spectrum. It is classified into four categories: UV-A, UV-B, UV-C, and Vacuum-UV.

UV-C category has the shortest wavelength (ranging from 200nm to 280nm). This germicidal ultraviolet light can be used as an effective disinfectant to kill microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria. 

How Does UV-C LED Technology Inactivate Microorganisms?

The germicidal UV LED 254nm gets absorbed into the DNA/RNA of the microbes and prevents them from being able to duplicate or reproduce, ultimately stopping their growth. 

Though different types of UV disinfection systems can work differently based on the scale of the solution being implemented, the main principle of how this technology works remains the same. 

A UV LED diode produces a pre-selected wavelength using a small amount of electricity. Then, the LEDs emit UV photons that can penetrate the cells and damage nucleic acid in the DNA of the microorganisms.

As UV LED prevents the cells from replicating, it can render the harmful microorganisms inactive. Additionally, the high-intensity 254nm Led has the ability to kill bacteria and pathogens in just a matter of seconds, and its effectiveness can be measured in LOGs.

Applications of UV LED 254nm in Industrial Engineering Disinfection 

Germicidal UV LED technology is gaining massive traction in industrial engineering disinfection. This chemical-free solution has very low maintenance with no risks of creating harmful by-products. 

Here is a quick breakdown of how this technology can be employed for various disinfection and water treatment applications.

1. Urban Water Treatment Plants

Both small and large-scale water treatment plants can leverage the power of germicidal UV LED technology to ensure the safety and purification of drinking water. UV LEDs for water treatments are often used in conjunction with different disinfection processes, such as chemical disinfection and filtration, to provide a comprehensive solution to water purification. 

UV LEDs inactivate the microorganisms, including common pathogens such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and E. coli. What makes 254nm Led light good for drinking water purification is its ability to treat water without generating any disinfection by-products (DBPs). Moreover, it does not change water's color, odor, or flavor, unlike chlorine. 

Eliminating Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

UV C LED 254nm technology can be integrated with Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) to eliminate Persistent Organic Pollutants from drinking water. AOPs leverage the power of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals, which can degrade complex organic compounds into less hazardous and simpler molecules.

Managing Taste and Odor

Organic compounds such as 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin can give urban water a musty flavor and unpleasant odor. 254nm led wavelength can be used to eliminate these organic compounds, improving the taste and flavor of the water.

2. Food Industry Disinfection

Today’s consumers demand safer foods with the highest-quality sensory and nutritional attributes. Now, the food industry is leveraging the power of non-thermal technologies to process foods while ensuring their flavor, safety, and nutritional attributes.

254nm UV LED has been a promising technology for food industry disinfection. The industry uses versatile UV-powered tools for air and water treatment and surface decontamination. In order to ensure food safety and preservation and prevent the spread of harmful microbes, a 254nm UV LED is used to purify air and treat water in food processing facilities. 

For example, UV lamps are installed with air-handling units to sterilize the air and reduce the risk of airborne diseases. Furthermore, UV lamps that emit light at 250nm to 260nm are ideal for controlling surface microbes in food processing facilities. 

3. Medical Institution Disinfection 

Thanks to their air and surface disinfection rate of up to 99.9%, 254nm UV LEDs are widely used for disinfecting highly occupied spaces like hospitals, schools, and public transportation. 

In medical facilities, maintaining a sterile environment is inevitable to prevent the spread of infections. Here, UV C Led 254nm technology offers unparalleled advantages. With its ability to target specific areas, this UV technology is used for air and surface disinfection without affecting surrounding materials. 

Additional Applications of Germicidal UV LED Technology 

Along with industrial engineering disinfection, germicidal UV LEDs offer reliable disinfection solutions for both air and surfaces. You can use UV LED air purifiers for HVAC in your residential and commercial landscapes to ensure improved indoor air quality. Furthermore, UV C Led 254nm are finding their way in the following areas:

lHealthcare (Dental, Dialysis)

lResidential (POE, Faucets, Appliances)

lTransportation (Automotive, RV, and Boating)

lDefense (Remote Treatment, Personal Hydration)

lLife Science (Ultra-Pure Water, Bio-Pharma)

lSterilization (Toothbrush Sterilizer, Portable Sterilizer, Mini-USB Sterilizer)

Benefits of Using 254nm UV LED Technology for Industrial

Engineering Disinfection

The use of 254nm UV LED technology offers the following advantages across various disinfection applications:

1. Chemical-Free Disinfection

Unlike traditional disinfection and sterilization processes, germicidal UV LEDs are mercury and chemical-free. That means you won’t need to deal with hazardous and intensely potent substances.

Also, this chemical-free solution only damages the RNA and DNA of microbes without altering the flavor and pH value of drinking water. Thus, it is a preferred method for treating water in industries like beverages and food, where the natural properties of water are crucial.

2. Simple Maintenance 

UV LED technology requires less maintenance than traditional water treatment and surface disinfection methods. After installing the system, only periodic cleansing of the quartz sleeve containing a UV lamp is required. Typically, a quality UV lamp needs to be replaced every 12 to 24 months, depending on the usage.

3. Energy-Efficiency

Germicidal 254nm UV LEDs are better known for their energy efficiency and cost savings. Compared to traditional mercury (Hg) lamps, UV LEDs utilize minimal electricity, contributing to energy-conscious and sustainable technologies.

Furthermore, the rapid reaction of UV technology provides quick and consistent results without requiring longer contact times. 

The Bottom Line 

Germicidal UV LEDs provide a reliable and efficient solution for industrial engineering disinfection. From source to consumption, this technology is able to treat urban water at any point of the treatment. Also, the high-intensity UV photons with the wavelength of 200nm to 280nm penetrate the genetic material of microorganisms and prevent them from duplicating and reproducing. 

Now, you’re armed with knowledge about UV LED 254nm. You’ve discovered its significant role in water treatment and food industry disinfection. With such powerful uses, the technology shows promises for the future.

For more details about germicidal UV LEDs, explore our offerings at Tianhui-LED.