How Do You Calculate UV Light Intensity Needed to Kill Germs on an AC Coil?

So, if the target is 24 inches from the source, the intensity will be (24/1)^2 = 576 times less than at the source. In summary, the conversation is about calculating the intensity of UV light from a tubular light source to kill germs on a cooling coil in an air conditioning system. The idea is to use the inverse square law and divide the required UV dosage by the incident intensity to determine the amount of time needed to kill the germs. The specific details, such as the intensity rating and dosage, are not provided.
  • #1
mdd16
1
0
Hello,

I need to calculate intensity of light at a distance of 24 inch from a tubular light source with a light intensity rating specified at 3.6 microwatts/sq.cm. per inch of lamp.

The light is a UV light which is to illuminating a cooling coil in air conditioning system. Supposedly there are germs on the surface of cooling coil which needs to be killed. There is a specified level of microwatts.seconds of UV dosage required to kill germs. (For this example we can assume it to be 4500). I want to calculate how long will it take to kill this germ.

Idea is to calculate incident intensity on target surface and then divide required dosage by incident intensity to get answer in seconds.

Can anyone help.

Thanks and regards
Mohan Dhingra
 
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  • #2
Your question is confusing. I don't see the geometry and I don't understand "3.6 microwatts/sq.cm. per inch of lamp."

But basically, just use the inverse square law. Draw a sphere around the source. Draw a sphere around the target. Intensity varies with the square of the radius.
 

Related to How Do You Calculate UV Light Intensity Needed to Kill Germs on an AC Coil?

1. What is the relationship between light intensity and distance?

The relationship between light intensity and distance is described by the inverse square law, which states that as the distance from a light source increases, the intensity of light decreases in proportion to the square of the distance.

2. How does the angle of light affect its intensity at a distance?

The angle of light does not directly affect its intensity at a distance. However, the angle at which light hits a surface can impact the perceived brightness, as light hitting a surface at an angle may appear dimmer than light hitting the surface directly.

3. What factors can affect the measurement of light intensity at a distance?

Some factors that can affect the measurement of light intensity at a distance include atmospheric conditions, reflective surfaces, and the quality of the measuring instrument. In addition, the type and intensity of the light source itself can also impact the measurement.

4. How can light intensity at a distance be measured?

Light intensity at a distance can be measured using a light meter, which is a device that measures the amount of light hitting a surface. This can also be done using mathematical calculations based on the inverse square law, taking into account the distance from the light source and the known intensity of the light.

5. Can light intensity at a distance be manipulated or controlled?

Yes, light intensity at a distance can be manipulated or controlled through various methods, such as adjusting the distance between the light source and the surface, using filters or diffusers to alter the intensity, or changing the type or strength of the light source itself.

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