Safe and Simple UV Air Purification with Built-In Filtration

By Chad Edmondson

The Covid pandemic has forced everyone to take a deep dive into the concept of healthy indoor air and the cost/benefits of the various solutions for removal of disease-causing pathogens. Owners and occupants want to know how effective a given solution is, and what downsides there may be. Will it take up valuable floor space? Will it be loud? Will its installation, operation or maintenance create undue disruption and burden to owners or occupants? JMP has recently added a product that we believe is as effective as any we have seen, without being complicated or disruptive.

The Armstrong VidaShield™ UV24 Air Purification System provides 24/7 continuous air cleaning using a combination of patented UV-C light technology and MERV 6 filtration. This unique solution is designed with room facing panels that align flush with ceiling tiles. The working components have a low profile, so the system can be tucked safely and unobtrusively just above the ceiling plain. It is easy to install and simply requires universal 110-277 voltage. Additionally, the system requires minimal maintenance.

Most important, it is extremely effective at neutralizing most problematic pathogens, including coronavirus (SARS) and influenza A viruses. (Table 1) Its efficacy has also been documented in various whitepapers, including this “Report on the Performance of the VIDASHIELD™ UV24 AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEM” by Dr. Wladyslaw J. Kowalski, a world expert in the field of ultraviolet disinfection.

Table 1. Combined Single-Pass Removal Rate of Pathogens by the Armstrong VidaShield™ UV24 Air Purification System

How It Works

Each VidaShield system includes a UV Lamp, MERV 6 Filter, light baffles which keep UV light from escaping, and an array of small fans which are positioned horizontally with the ceiling. The fans pull air into the fixture through an inlet grill and through the MERV 6 filter which removes dust and some pathogens. The air then flows across the UV irradiation space which is equipped with 15-watt UV lamps that produce a UV dose of 198 J/m2 at 50 cfm. The combination of UV lamp, filter, and 50 cfm airflow rate produce an average pathogen removal rate, in excess, of 97% in a single pass. A single 24” wide x 48” long x 6” high purification fixture can treat a 10 x 10 x 8 ft room four times per hour.

It's also important to note that the light baffles ensure that no hazardous levels of UV light escape from the system.

This method can be easily applied in classrooms, healthcare settings, offices and other spaces where active pathogen reduction is desired. Combined with ASHRAE’s recommendations for reducing virus transmission by maintaining a minimum of 40% RH (see our blog series, Reducing Virus Transmission With Humidification), the VidaSheild UV24 Air Purification System is an effective healthy indoor air strategy.