* uvgi: ultraviolet germicidal irradiation
uvgiHIT® It is a project in development of HIT HEALTHY INDOOR TECHNOLOGY SLP that uses andHigh-intensity UVC (HIT) ultraviolet energy for the genetic inactivation of airborne microorganisms without the use of retention filters or chemical diffusion. It is a patented system that protects people from high-intensity ultraviolet radiation when applied to the air. It requires minimal space and its protective capacity is permanent. It does not depend on the condition of particle-retaining filters or their periodic replacement.
Dual function alternative air/surface:
We also have a patent granted for an air and surface disinfection system based on UVC technology.
Air disinfection works continuously with people present, and additionally without people present, it can use the same UVC emitter for surface disinfection.
Currently, devices with dual conventional intensity functionality are installed and operating in several locations in Burgos: the Tequipo offices; the senior residences in Parralillos, San Pedro, and San Felices; the Civic Center of La Estación; the San Amaro Higher Polytechnic School; the School of Economics; the School of Education; the Vena Higher Polytechnic School; the School of Chemical Sciences; the School of Law; the Rector's Office; and the School of Health Sciences.
Aerosols are tiny particles of solids or liquids suspended in the air. They can disperse and spread over significant distances, and depending on their specific nature, can disrupt industrial processes or cause disease. There is a need and obligation to use aerosol treatment systems that are guaranteed to be effective, as well as to maintain them in good condition.
There are four technological solutions to the problem of biological aerosols:
(click on the tabs to see the full table)
The most common solution is theATMOSPHERIC,
or natural ventilation, it is hoped that the incoming air is clean, and the outgoing air is sufficiently diluted in the atmosphere before reaching another location; where it is also hoped that it will arrive clean.
It should be noted that
The effectiveness of natural ventilation depends largely on the sun as an emitter, in the ultraviolet spectrum, UVA and UVB, which have a lower germicidal range than UVC. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi survive for a few minutes if exposed to the sun in summer, several hours on a cloudy winter day, and in total darkness, they remain indefinitely until inactivated by other physical agents such as variations in humidity or temperature. Although there are several studies on this subject, it is considered appropriate to mention the one conducted by the "National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute for the US Department of Homeland Security, Frederick, Maryland, USA" on July 15, 2020, entitled "Simulated Sunlight Rapidly Inactivates SARS-CoV-2 on Surfaces."
Solar radiation is one of the best biodefense tools against aerosols, but it is not always available; it varies greatly throughout the day, and in areas with high density of people or activities, it is not reliable.
uvgiHIT is NOT a mechanical or particle retention system
A substantial improvement is the so-called solution
MECHANICS; involves passing air through a perforated surface, a filter similar to a mask or strainer (HEPA, MERV, etc.), thereby retaining microorganisms larger than these perforations. The problem is that the smaller ones—usually viruses—do pass through, and those that are retained are active, which poses a risk of dissemination if they break. To avoid this risk, they must be changed periodically. This procedure involves handling biologically hazardous materials, as it can contaminate the operator, the environment, and the device.
uvgiHITIt is NOT a chemical or product dispersion system
The use of biocides, which prevents this biological manipulation operation, is a solution.
CHEMISTRY
Based on the dispersion of products in the air, but cannot be used in the presence of people and food, as they are as aggressive to microorganisms as they are to people. Furthermore, they leave residues after use on surfaces and in aerosols. They are usually eliminated by diffusion through natural ventilation, becoming atmospheric pollutants, with a negative impact on the environment.
uvgiHIT is a physical or energetic system
There is a third option, the solution
PHYSICS: ultraviolet light energy with a preferred UVC wavelength, which only exists naturally in the upper layers of the atmosphere. To date, all viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens have lost their ability to replicate, inside or outside the human body, after being exposed to it. Numerous studies support this usefulness, one of the most important being that of Jensen MM. in 1964. Inactivation of airborne viruses by ultraviolet irradiation. Appl. Microbiol. 12:418–420.
uvgiHIT SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF BIOLOGICAL AEROSOLS
Light radiation is one of the best biodefense tools against aerosols and is not a new discovery; however, it has been underutilized due to its implementation challenges. Based on this UVC technology, we developed devices capable of eliminating the most dangerous aerosols.
