UV-C purification system battles corona

MaxiCool is putting its shoulders to the wheel in our common fight against corona. They are doing so with the UV-C disinfection systems for which a new division was created within the MaxiCool group. The goal is to contain Covid-19 with a proven technology applied in an innovative way.

As it is now in corona times, the news was announced with an online press conference in late August by Group Engels in Antwerp. Group Engels is partnering with Belgian manufacturer Luxibel to jointly fight the Corona pandemic. Under the name Thermo Bel, we want to bring the proven UV-C technology to our schools, hospitals, offices, facilities, hospitality and retail to face the vicious virus. Future variants and other culprits such as bacteria, fungi and yeasts can also be fought with UV-C technology. Group Engels has appointed MaxiCool BV as distributor for the Thermo Bel products in the Netherlands.

"This UV-C technology in itself is nothing new," begins Product & Sales Director Carlo Postulart. "The technology has been around for more than 100 years and has now proven that it can make a significant contribution in neutralizing viruses such as tuberculosis, SARS, Ebola and others. In fact, today all our drinking water has passed a UV-C lamp somewhere. It is also already being used in operating rooms in hospitals. UV-C is therefore a proven technology that dramatically reduces the number of infections." 

"Scientifically speaking, UV-C light is a short-wave emitter of 254. At Boston University, it was shown that this light, provided a sufficient dose of energy, damages the hereditary RNA structure of these viruses, stopping multiplication. Thus UV-C light reduces as much as 99.9999% of the viruses after only 25 seconds. A proven technology."

Thermo Bel's UV-C disinfection systems can be divided into two categories: the closed systems B-Air for air disinfection and the B-Direct units with open lamps for surface disinfection. The latter should be in operation only when no one is present in the room, as the radiation can be harmful to skin and eyes if used incorrectly. Built-in safety systems, including a presence sensor, warning lamp and audible signal, should prevent this. What Thermo Bel is especially betting on, though, are the B-Air closed emitters for air disinfection. These can operate full continuously 24/7, including in rooms where people are present. 

Carlo Postulart: "These closed radiators draw in the potentially contaminated air through an air duct after which it passes two Signify (Philips) UV-C lamps and is rendered virus-free." 

The radiators can be used in different ways: standing, wall-mounted or vertical on the ceiling. "The latter, in the case of rooms with sufficiently high ceilings, is very interesting," he says. "The air is sucked upwards, which restricts the circulation of any aerosols. Once purified, the air is sent back down into the room."

Quality, expertise and safety take precedence. This is why UV-C emitters are distributed through the MaxiCool Thermocomfort network of trained and certified Thermo Bel installers. They are familiar with the correct sizing of the devices and measuring the effective radiation intensity. The installer can also offer his customer an interesting service contract whereby the lamps are replaced annually (service life of 9,000 hours) and the appliance is cleaned. Highly recommended to continue to ensure proper operation.