AU2020227125A1

AU2020227125A1 - Uvc photo luminescent shielding simultaneuosy providing visible light for localised air sanitation and production of ozone

Info

Publication number: AU2020227125A1
Application number: AU2020227125A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael Greaves
Original assignee: Michael Greaves & Ass Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Michael Greaves & Associates Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-07-27
Filing date: 2020-09-05
Publication date: 2022-02-10

Abstract

An apparatus for the sanitization of air and the simultaneous production of light in the visible spectrum, which is constructed from (1) a UVC emitter producing UVC in the approximate frequency of 253.7 nanometres , (3) an envelope on which a (2) phosphorus coating is applied, (7) a gap between the emitter (1) and the (3) envelope whereby air (6) is caused to flow. The UVC radiation emanating from the UVC emitter reacts with any biological matter in the airflow, causing damage to the DNA molecules thereby causing that air to be sanitised. The UVC radiation then proceeds to the outer sleeve (3) and is absorbed by the phosphorous coating (2) which in turn produces visible light through a process common in fluorescent lighting. In the case of the UVC emitter producing UVC light at the 185 nanometres, the process is identical to that described above for sanitization excepting that the portion of air containing oxygen (roughly 21%) existing in the space between emitter (1) and envelope (3) is broken into atomic oxygen which combines to produce 03 (ozone), The UVC then goes on to interact with the phosphorous coating (2) to produce light in the visible spectrum through the process common in fluorescent lighting. GLOSSARY OF TERMS (a) It is understood for the purposes of this document the term "UVC" shall be used to replace the electromagnetic radiation commonly termed Ultraviolet C with wavelengths between 100 and 280 of both ozone producing and non, ozone producing frequencies. (b) It is understood for the purposes of this document the term "Phosphorous coating" refers to any coating made of varying blends of metallic and rare earth phosphor salts for the purposes of converted ultraviolet energy to visible light by the fluorescence of the phosphor coating (c) It is understood for the purposes of this document the term "Lamp" refers to the embodiment of the invention

Description

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

(a) It is understood for the purposes of this document the term "UVC" shall be used to replace the electromagnetic radiation commonly termed Ultraviolet C with wavelengths between 100 and 280 of both ozone producing and non, ozone producing frequencies.

(b) It is understood for the purposes of this document the term "Phosphorous coating" refers to any coating made of varying blends of metallic and rare earth phosphor salts for the purposes of converted ultraviolet energy to visible light by the fluorescence of the phosphor coating

(c) It is understood for the purposes of this document the term "Lamp" refers to the embodiment of the invention

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990

PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION

UVC Photo-luminescent shielding

The invention is described in the following statement

Michael Greaves 27 July 2-2020

UVC PHOTO LUMINESCENT SHIELDING SIMULTANEUOSY PROVIDING VISIBLE LIGHT FOR LOCALISED AIR SANITATION AND PRODUCTION OF OZONE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[01] The present invention is relative to treatment of air by interaction of UVC radiation while simultaneously producing visible light from the same UV source.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[02] The present invention provides a shielding mechanism for UVC light used for the production of Ozone and or for the sanitising treatment of air using the germicidal qualities of UVC radiation.

[03} Due to the harmful effects of UVC radiation UVC systems used to sanitise air rely on opaque shielding typically of metal due to its stability when exposed to UVC radiation.

[04] The present invention provides a photo-luminescent shielding in order that the UVC light will be able to be used to provide visible light at the same time as sanitising air

[05] Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet (UVC) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions. UVGI is used in a variety of applications, such as food, air, and water purification.

[06] The application of UVGI disinfection has been an accepted practice since the mid-20th century. It has been used primarily in medical sanitation and sterile work facilities. Increasingly, it has been employed to sterilize drinking and wastewater since the holding facilities are enclosed and can be circulated to ensure a higher exposure to the UV. UVGI has found renewed application in air purifiers.

[07] Human, skin exposed to wavelengths of UV light can produce rapid sunburn and skin cancer. Exposure of the eyes to this UV radiation can produce extremely painful inflammation of the cornea and temporary or permanent vision impairment, up to and including blindness in some cases. UV can damage the retina of the eye.

[08] Fluorescent lights have been commercially available since 1938. The fundamental mechanism by which typical fluorescent lamps emit visible light, through a process of first creating UV light which energises to a phosphorus coating which then emits a photon in the visible light frequencies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[09] This innovation is generally directed to Purifying air via exposure to UVC and production of visible light through the whereby UV radiation produces light by exciting a phosphorous coating.

[10] UVC emitters require adequate shielding in order to protect humans from the harmful effects of UVC radiation. The shielding of the emitters makes the unsuitable to be placed where needed most, close to the source of human exhalation.

[11] The use of photo-luminescent shielding of a UVC emitter blocks UVC radiation and provides visible light, enabling a UVC air sanitiser to be placed close to the source of human exhalation, thereby providing both a light source and air sanitisation.

[12] The combination of light source and air sanitiser allows for the placement of numerous devices throughout the built environment in place of or adjunct to typical lighting

[13] The production of Ozone or germicidal UVC or both can be facilitated by selection of UVC emitter.

[14] This innovation is novel by the separation of the purposes of these previously described mechanisms and the inclusion of air flow between the UVC lamp and the phosphorous coating, thereby producing a lamp that is capable of producing visible light, sanitising air while protecting humans from exposure to harmful UVC radiation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[15] FIG #1 depicts (3) The envelope of suitable transparent medium (glass or polymer), (1) A UVC emitter (2) The phosphorus coating (7) Air gap

[16] FIG #2 depicts in sectional elevation (1) A UVC emitter (2) A phosphorus coating. (3) An envelope of suitable transparent medium (glass or polymer) (4) A fan to produce forced induction of air (5) A diffuser (6) Air flow

[17] FIG #3 depicts in sectional elevation alternative arrangement using natural convection (1) A UVC emitter (2) A phosphorus coating. (3) An envelope of suitable transparent medium (glass or polymer) (5) A diffuser (6) Air flow (8) A reflector

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[18] With continued reference to the drawing figures, the "lamp" of the present invention is formed as generally (1) a UVC emitter inside an envelope lined with a phosphorus coating with suitable gap (7) between emitter and envelope (3) to facilitate air flow either by direct induction by use of a fan (4) or by use of natural convection (fig #3) caused by the rising of air warmed by the heat caused by the conversion of UVC into visible light.

[19] The present invention is designed to provide the sanitation of air (6) between the UVC emitter (1) and the phosphorus coating (2) on the surface of the envelope (3).

[20] The Phosphorus coating may be encapsulated in an envelope (3) or may be constructed of a material, which has phosphorus material, embedded in its medium

[21] The "envelope" (3) may be constructed by forming a cylinder from glass or other clear medium and applying a phosphorus material to the envelope.

[22] The UVC emitter (1) may be configured by its crystalline casing to either produce Ozone or UVC, dependant on if germicidal or odour control or both simultaneously is desired.

[23] Alternatively the inclusion of a reflector (fig3 #8) may be incorporated so as to to concentrate the UVC radiation towards a particular area which would be coated with phosphorus material. This arrangement would be particularly suitable for office lights in suspended ceilings.

Claims

CLAIMS (6)

1. The novel use of a "Lamp" to provide both sanitising of air and illumination of phosphorus coated shielding via the process of allowing air to transit between a UVC emitter and a phosphorus layer.

2. The novel use of a "Lamp" to provide both production of Ozone and illuminated shielding through the process of allowing air to transit between the UVC emitter and the phosphorus layer.

3. A mechanism according to claim 1. and or 2. Wherein the incorporation a fan causes forced induction of air to travel in the space between emitter and phosphorus coating.

4. A mechanism according to claim 1. and or 2, wherein tapering of the space between the emitter and the envelope produces a venturi effect in action with heat generated by the reaction of the UVC radiation and the photo-luminescent medium causes flow of air through the space between emitter and phosphorus coating.

5. The arrangement of the mechanism according to claim 1. and or 2 in either a vertical or horizontal arrangement.

6. The novel use of a "Lamp" to provide both sanitising of air and illumination of phosphorus coated shielding via the process of allowing air to transit between a UVC emitter and a phosphorus layer with the interaction of a reflector so as to direct the UVC radiation towards the phosphorus layer.