Reducing odors with a germicidal lamp

A method capable of controlling low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and common organic odors in an air flow and capable of operation at ambient and cool temperatures comprising:

• (a) passing the contaminated air flow through a duct, the air flow having a speed of at least 100 cubic feet per minute, the air flow having a concentration of volatile organic compounds of at least 100 parts per million and a temperature of between 30° and 70° F.;
• (b) generating ultraviolet light of approximately 254 nm without generating a substantial quantity of ozone;
• (c) directing the generated ultraviolet light into the duct with a power of at least 300 microwatts/cm2 at 1 meter for every 4 square feet of duct area, with substantially no ozone generated;
• (d) converting with the ultraviolet light the VOCs into non toxic materials;
• wherein organic gas phase compounds are degraded to below threshold limit values.

A mechanical ventilation system which obtains and maintains to below threshold values reduced concentrations of volatile organic compounds and common organic odors in an air stream, the air stream having a concentration of volatile organic compounds of at least 100 parts per million and a temperature of between 30° and 70° F., the mechanical ventilation system comprising:

• (a) a duct having a volume of at least four cubic feet for temporally containing and directing the air stream, the duct comprising at least one wall which is air-tight and defining an interior through which the air stream passes and an exterior;
• (b) an air moving apparatus for moving the air stream through the duct at a speed of at least 100 cubic feet per minute;
• (c) a low pressure germicidal lamp installed with respect to the duct such that the germicidal lamp, when energized, will irradiate the air stream passing through the duct;
• (d) wherein the germicidal lamp, when energized, produces ultraviolet radiation of approximately 254 nm with a power of at least 300 microwatts/cm2 at 1 meter for every 4 square feet of duct area, with substantially no ozone generated.