Quartz lamp for home use: instructions for use - Setafi

Are you interested in the difference between a quartz lamp and a bactericidal lamp? Do you want to know where quartz and germicidal lamps are used? Need to learn how to use a quartz lamp? Then read on - the differences and similarities of a quartz and bactericidal lamp, places of application of quartz lamps, instructions for the use of a quartz lamp, as well as tips and requirements for the use of bactericidal and quartz irradiators.

Ultraviolet irradiators, why are they needed, how they work, types. Quartz and bactericidal lamps, differences and similarities.

So, ultraviolet irradiators are sterilization devices, they are used during sanitary processing in order to qualitatively disinfect, decontaminate or clean the room, its air or a specific object in it. UV irradiators kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores and other microorganisms. There are many devices for disinfection / sterilization, but ultraviolet irradiators and devices with a similar principle of operation are the most popular. This is due to the high efficiency of these models, the quality of their work, little time / effort, as well as their low price.

Types of ultraviolet irradiators. There are three main types of irradiators:

• For sterilization of objects (small structures in which medical instruments, tourniquets, tissues, etc. are placed)
• For air sterilization (closed-type recirculators / irradiators drive air into a certain container, where it is disinfected)
• For sterilization of the room as a whole (large devices, installed in the center of the room, illuminate the entire room with ultraviolet, disinfecting it)

The principle of operation of such irradiators is simple:

The main working part is an ultraviolet lamp, but the path starts from the mains - electricity is supplied to a special stand for the lamp / cartridge. Then it is fed to the lamp, and it lights up. Its light passes through a coating that filters it. The radiated ultraviolet glow falls on the objects of the room, air, walls. The photons emitted by them kill bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. This happens by the destruction of their DNA - photons enter the cells, where they interact with the nucleus and its DNA. Powerful lamps emit powerful photons that destroy DNA and the nucleus with their constant movement.

Irradiators for sterilizing objects have a similar principle: UV lamps also act on objects, destroying the DNA of microorganisms, but these objects are first placed in a compartment made of a special material. This material does not transmit wavelengths less than 257 nm (harmful to human health) to protect the user using the irradiator. Instead, the material reflects light so that it stays inside and irradiates objects.

Closed-type irradiators are also called recirculators - their work is also based on an ultraviolet lamp. But in this case, it irradiates only air. It is driven into a special container by a small fan. The walls of the container are made of a special material that reflects light back for more efficient cleaning. The UV lamp irradiates a portion of the air, which then exits from the other side.

In all listed types of irradiators, one of two types of UV lamps can be used: quartz or bactericidal. Their similarity is the principle of operation. They emit ultraviolet rays, the rays of which destroy the structure of DNA.

They differ in the material of manufacture. Quartz lamps use quartz glass as the bulb material. When ultraviolet light passes through this glass, a large amount of ozone is released. Ozone is dangerous for living organisms, so after using a UV irradiator with a quartz lamp, it is necessary to ventilate the room for 15 minutes. At the same time, both during sterilization and during ventilation, no people, animals, or plants should be in the room.

Bulbs of germicidal lamps are made of uviol glass. It does not let ozone through, it filters it, so it is not necessary to ventilate the room after sterilization with this device, but the presence of living organisms during the operation of the device is also prohibited. Because of the ability of germicidal lamps to filter out ozone, they are sometimes called "ozone-free". However, when the illuminator is turned on and off, a slight smell of ozone may be detected. This is normal for this type of lamp.

How to distinguish a bactericidal lamp from a quartz one. Usually this is written in the product description or instructions, but if you don’t have either one, then you can distinguish a quartz lamp from a bactericidal one by appearance. The quartz glass flask has longitudinal scratches along the entire surface.

In the instructions for using a device with a quartz lamp, the manufacturer writes that after sterilization, the room must be ventilated. On devices with bactericidal lamps, this is not the case.

Why are quartz lamps still used? There is a banal answer to a banal question - they are cheap. Quartz lamps are three to four times cheaper than bactericidal ones. Their main difference is that you need to ventilate the room after application. It is unprofitable for manufacturers of UV sterilizers to switch to bactericidal flasks.

Where are quartz and bacterial lamps used. Most often, ultraviolet irradiators with quartz lamps can be found in medical institutions - hospitals, bed wards, offices doctors, treatment centers, and these devices are also found in sanitary-resort centers, spa salons, least often they can be found in ordinary houses/apartments.

Germicidal emitters can also be found in medical facilities, resorts and spas, but they are also used in offices, shopping centers, beauty salons and residential buildings.

How to use quartz lamps. Keep in mind that quartz lamps and UV irradiators themselves are dangerous to human health if used improperly, so handle them carefully:

• When inserting an ultraviolet lamp into the socket, hold it by the base.
• Before and after using the lamp, it must be wiped (when it cools down).
• Remove all plants, animals and people from the premises.
• Close windows and doors so that the purified air does not leave the room.
• Turn on the quartz lamp and leave the room.
• After 30 minutes, turn off the device and open the windows.
• The room should be ventilated for 15 minutes, the lamp will cool down during this time.

Tips for using a quartz lamp:

1. Make a schedule for sterilization and ventilation of the room, strictly adhere to it.
2. If you don't want to be exposed to ozone, turn the lamp/illuminator switch outside, wear safety goggles and a mask/cloth when entering the sterilized room.
3. Move the fabric away from the lamp or take it out of the room - with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the fabric, it fades.

It is forbidden to use a quartz lamp both for cleaning the premises, for prevention, and for medicinal purposes. people with hypertension, peptic ulcer disease, thyroid disease, and people allergic to ultraviolet.