New ASHRAE Handbook Features Chapter on Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recently released the 2011 ASHRAE Handbook HVAC Applications. This reference book provides more than 60 chapters addressing a broad range of HVAC applications, including the latest technologies available for HVAC&R engineers.

The 2011 edition includes a new chapter, "Ultraviolet Air and Surface Treatment." The chapter covers topics from HVAC system surface treatments to studies on airstream disinfection and room surface treatments. Dave Witham, UltraViolet Devices (UVDI)"s vice president of technology, was a member of the team that developed this chapter.

The new chapter provides ASHRAE guidance for recommended levels of UV intensity appropriate for surface disinfection applications. According to the handbook, "UVGI can be applied to HVAC systems to complement conventional system maintenance procedures." It goes on to discuss the benefits of low UV-C irradiance applied to cooling coils and drain pans resulting in a highly cost effective method of preventing mold and bacteria growth on system components.