Introduction
This project is based on Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) which is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet (ultraviolet C or UV-C) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions. UV-C based disinfection is widely used in water and air purification.
UV-C disinfection is widely seen in household as well as industrial and municipal water filters. UV-C is also used in disinfection of surfaces in bio-medical environments and has recently been used in disinfecting aeroplane cabins by Honeywell.
The same concept is being used here to disinfect groceries, mobile phone, wallets, keys, masks and any other object that can transmit microorganism and pathogens.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic it has become very risky to even buy groceries and products that can get easily surface contaminated with Coronavirus. The UV Chamber is an effective way to increase the personal safety at home.
This project is very cheap and easy to build at home. I hope this hopes you and your family to fight COVID-19.
Disclaimer / Safety Information
UV-C is not just harmful for microorganisms but also to humans and other organic life. UV radiation should not be exposed to living body as it caused DNA fragmentation thus causes Cancer and Eye damage.
It is important to carefully handel the UV-C tubelight and should not break as it contains Mercury (Hg) which is toxic.
Wihe handeling UV Chambers always cover the box so that no radiation can escape.
Hardware Bill of Materials
- Philips UV-C Tubelight with Driver (TUV 11W G11 T5 / EB-S 114 TL/PLS/PLC SH)
- 100cm x 60cm x 60cm Cardboard Box
- Aluminium Foil
- Scissor
- Craft Glue (Fevicol)
- Two Pin Power Connector
- Connecting Wire
- Metal Rack
Schematic
Step by Step Guide
Time needed: 2 hours
- Cardboard Box Selection
The size of the cardboard should be big enough to accomdate all the materials and also should leave enough space to reflect the UV light around the objects.
- Aluminium Foil
Use scissor to cut the foil to proper size.
- Sticking the Aluminium Foil
Use craft glue to stick the alumunium foil on the inner surface of the cardboard.
- After Sticking the Aluminium
All the 5 surfaces and the top flaps need to be covered.
- Wiring the Ballast
Connect the Red Connecctor with the two pin power connector. Connect two pair of wire to the gray connector.
- Wiring the UV Tubelight
Connect Pin 1 & 2 to one end of the Tubelight and Pin 3 & 4 to other end of the Tubelight.
- Tubelight holder
Use spare wires to make a holder for the UV Tubelight.
- UV Tubelight Mounting
Mount the UV Tubelight to the internal surface of the box with at least 3 inches of gap from the aluminium surface.
- Place the Rack
Use a wire rack of at least 6 inch height to let the radiation reflect and touch the bottom surface of the materials placed on the rack.
- Testing
Never turn on the light when it is exposed towards any human or animals. Place a mobile inside the box in video recording mode. Switch on the light only once the box is perfectly coverd and no UV light can escape. If everything works a blue glow will be captured by the mobile camera.
For disinfecting any object’s surface give an exposure of 2 – 3 Minutes.
Video
Conclusion
UV-C is an very effective way to reduce the risk involved with handeling foreign goods like groceries, cash, mask etc. But safety need to be taken care of, to prevent any exposure to UV light.
As UV-C based disinfection is based on line of sight. It is recommended to use other methods like Soap or Ethanol based cleaning in combination with UV-C Disinfection method. This will help increase the safety to much higher extent.
Scope of Improvement
- Multiple UV tubelights can be used to reduce the exposure time
- Mechanical agitator can be used inside the box to turn the surface of the objects
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