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Precautions for Flow-Through Ultraviolet Sterilizers

2023-01-04

Precautions for Flow-Through Ultraviolet Sterilizers

   Flow-through ultraviolet sterilizer The manufacturer stated that, Ultraviolet light is a type of electromagnetic wave that is almost invisible to the naked eye. It lies beyond the violet end of the visible spectrum, hence the name "ultraviolet." Ultraviolet (UV) light is one of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the sun. It is a special form of matter movement—a stream of discrete particles that are not interconnected. Each ultraviolet photon with a wavelength of 253.7 nm carries an energy of 4.9 eV. When ultraviolet light irradiates microorganisms, energy is transferred and accumulated within them. This accumulation ultimately leads to the inactivation of the microorganisms, thereby achieving disinfection. When bacteria and viruses absorb doses exceeding 3,600 to 65,000 μW/cm², they suffer severe damage to their deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), causing these microorganisms to lose their viability and reproductive capacity, thus effectively eliminating them and achieving sterilization. On one hand, ultraviolet radiation can induce mutations in nucleic acids, inhibiting their replication and blocking the transcription and synthesis of proteins. On the other hand, the generation of free radicals can trigger photoionization, leading to cell death.

  The sterilization principle of ultraviolet sterilizers is based on the irradiation intensity of the UV lamp tube—specifically, the irradiation intensity of a UV sterilization lamp is inversely proportional to the distance from the lamp. When the irradiation intensity remains constant, the longer the disinfectant object is exposed to the UV radiation and the closer it is to the sterilization lamp, the more effective the sterilization will be; conversely, the farther it is from the lamp, the less effective the sterilization will be.

  What are the precautions for using a flow-through ultraviolet sterilizer?

  1. The ultraviolet sterilizer should not be started frequently, especially within short intervals, to ensure the longevity of the UV lamp.

  2. Regularly clean the UV sterilizer: Depending on water quality, the UV lamp and the quartz glass sleeve need to be cleaned periodically. Use an alcohol swab or gauze to wipe the lamp tube, removing any dirt from the quartz glass sleeve and ensuring it is thoroughly cleaned. This prevents interference with UV transmission and ensures effective disinfection.

  3. When replacing the lamp tube, first unplug the power socket of the lamp tube, then remove the old lamp tube. Next, carefully insert the cleaned new lamp tube into the sterilizer, secure the sealing ring, and check for any leaks before plugging in the power again. Be careful not to touch the quartz glass of the new lamp tube with your fingers, as any fingerprints or smudges could impair its sterilization effectiveness.

  4. Preventing UV Radiation: Ultraviolet rays have a strong bactericidal effect and can also cause certain harm to the human body. When the disinfection lamp is turned on, avoid direct contact with the human body; if necessary, wear protective eyewear. Do not look directly at the light source with your eyes, as this could cause eye damage.

  It’s also important to note that flow-through ultraviolet sterilizers have a powerful bactericidal effect, but they can also pose certain risks to human health. The part of the body most vulnerable to injury is the eyes. Therefore, under no circumstances should you ever look directly at the lamp of an ultraviolet sterilizer while it’s lit, as this could cause serious eye damage. If you absolutely must look at the light emitted by the UV sterilizer, be sure to use ordinary glass (wearing glasses) or a transparent plastic sheet as a protective shield. Never, under any circumstances, use quartz glass, since ordinary glass almost completely blocks ultraviolet light. Should you happen to suffer an injury, don’t panic—skin injuries typically take several days to heal and are often irreversible. If your eyes are injured, you’ll experience tearing and sharp pain, and it will take about three to four days for them to fully recover. Regardless of the situation, if you suspect you’ve been exposed to ultraviolet radiation and sustained an injury, it’s always best to seek medical attention immediately.