Mathematical Modeling of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation for Air Disinfection

Authors: Kowalski W.J.¹; Bahnfleth W.P.²; Witham D.L.³; Severin B.F.⁴; Whittam T.S.⁵

Source: Quantitative Microbiology, Volume 2, Number 3, October 2000 , pp. 249-270(22)

Publisher: Springer

Abstract:

A comprehensive treatment of the mathematical basis for modeling the disinfection process for air using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). A complete mathematical description of the survival curve is developed that incorporates both a two stage inactivation curve and a shoulder. A methodology for the evaluation of the three-dimensional intensity fields around UV lamps and within reflective enclosures is summarized that will enable determination of the UV dose absorbed by aerosolized microbes. The results of past UVGI studies on airborne pathogens are tabulated. The airborne rate constant for Bacillus subtilis is confirmed based on results of an independent test. A re-evaluation of data from several previous studies demonstrates the application of the shoulder and two-stage models. The methods presented here will enable accurate interpretation of experimental results involving aerosolized microorganisms exposed to UVGI and associated relative humidity effects

Keywords: UVGI; UV air disinfection; surface disinfection; survival curve; decay curve

Language: English

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: Department of Architectural Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, Engineering Unit A, University Park, PA 16802, USA drKowalski@psu.edu 2: Department of Architectural Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, Engineering Unit A, University Park, PA 16802, USA 3: Ultraviolet Devices, Inc., 28220 Industry Drive, Valencia, CA 91355, USA 4: M.B.I. International, P.O. Box 27609, 3900 Collins Road, Lansing, MI 48909, USA 5: Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA

Publication date: 2000-10-01

• In this: publication
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• In this Subject: Biology ,  Microbiology ,  Pathology
• By this author: Kowalski W.J. ;  Bahnfleth W.P. ;  Witham D.L. ;  Severin B.F. ;  Whittam T.S.

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