An ultraviolet heater is a very useful device in the household. But, out of ignorance, it is often confused with infrared heater. This is a mistake: both devices operate in different spectral ranges. Since the properties of the two types of radiation are different, the devices perform completely different tasks.
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What is ultraviolet?
Ultraviolet or UV radiation occupies the spectral range between visible and X-rays from 100 to 400 nm. Ultraviolet was discovered after infrared radiation with shorter wavelengths, lying at the opposite end of the spectrum, was discovered. The main source of ultraviolet radiation is the sun.
Depending on the wavelength, there are three ranges of ultraviolet radiation:
- UV-A (315-400 nm);
- UV-B (280-315 nm);
- UV-C (100-280 nm).
UV-C and 90% of UV-B rays are absorbed by ozone, water vapor, oxygen, carbon dioxide. Only 90% of UV-B and UV-A rays penetrate the atmosphere.
The difference between UV and IR rays
Both those and other rays are part of the solar spectrum, and belong to its invisible part. However, this is where the similarities between them end.
Nearly half of solar radiation is infrared radiation.They are characterized by the fact that they are a source of strong thermal energy, which is emitted by all bodies heated by them, including the human body.
Ultraviolet light not only heats, but also has a photochemical effect. It is absorbed by nucleic acids, which leads to a change in the vital activity of cells - the ability to grow and divide.
The benefits of ultraviolet
UV Towel Heater
Ultraviolet rays destroy some types of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, individual fungi on different surfaces, in water and air. At the same time, UV radiation does not affect the habitat of these microorganisms.
Other beneficial properties of ultraviolet radiation also include the activation of the body's production of vitamin D, which is critical for bone tissue. The radiation of this part of the light spectrum is necessary for the prevention of depression in people.
In addition, UV when properly applied:
- reduces blood viscosity;
- enhances microcirculation;
- strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
- reduces pain;
- improves the conduction of nerve impulses, etc.
The possibilities that radiation provides are used to treat acute inflammatory skin diseases, purulent inflammations, etc. In such cases, ultraviolet irradiation (UVR) is prescribed.
Also, this technology is the basis for the work of solariums, where you can get an artificial tan. Radiation is also used in dentistry to harden dental fillings.
Ultraviolet is also used in other areas:
- mineral analysis;
- spectrometry;
- catching insects;
- restoration;
- chromatographic analysis;
- polygraphy.
UV radiation in moderate doses is necessary for vegetation. But from its excess, the flora dies.
UV damage
Radiation can adversely affect the state of various objects made from polymers. Under its influence, various surfaces fade, crack, and may collapse - this phenomenon is called UV aging. The longer the ultraviolet acts on objects, the sooner the properties are lost.
Susceptible to UV radiation:
- polypropylene;
- polyethylene;
- polymethyl methacrylate, or organic glass;
- aramid fibers, including Kevlar.
So that the materials do not collapse, substances are added to the raw materials that make the products resistant to such effects.
Ultraviolet radiation also has a detrimental effect on human health:
- when the natural protective ability of the skin to tan is exceeded, burns occur;
- mutant cells are formed, resulting in the development of melanoma;
- intense exposure leads to radiation damage to the cornea (electrophthalmia).
Is there ultraviolet heating?
The answer is unequivocal - no, unlike infrared. But ultraviolet still found application in everyday life.
"Blue" lamp
The device is also called the Minin reflector, named after the Russian military doctor who first used ultraviolet light to treat patients.
Lamps are still used today for the complex treatment of various diseases of the skin, nasopharynx, ear, etc. - with acute respiratory viral infections, otitis media, sinusitis, etc. For treatment, the lamp is directed to the problem area. The rays increase the temperature of tissues and destroy pathogenic microflora. After a course of procedures, pain decreases, inflammation decreases.
Until the early 40s of the last century, the Minin lamp was in almost every home. Such popularity of the physiotherapeutic method was explained by the absence or shortage of the necessary medicines.But after antibiotics and sulfonamides began to be widely used, the popularity of the device began to decline.
Shoe dryer
UV shoe dryers are gradually becoming as common a gadget as once "blue" lamps. They are pads that are inserted into shoes.
They contain a heating element powered by the mains and a UV lamp.
Manufacturers claim that in addition to drying wet shoes, such devices disinfect the lining and insole, destroying all types of fungi, and eliminate unpleasant odors.
Towel warmers
Ultraviolet towel heaters are installed mainly in modern spas. They allow you to disinfect textiles used for compresses, rubs, pedicures, etc.
Recently, “smart” gadgets have appeared on sale. They have built-in sensors that react to a person and turn off the ultraviolet if the distance between it and the device is reduced to 2.5 m.
Similar equipment with an ultraviolet disinfection function is also used for other accessories that come into contact with the skin, hair, nails - brushes, sponges, combs, etc., which cannot be disinfected with chemicals and high temperatures.
Aquarium UV Sterilizer
The device is installed in aquariums to purify water from harmful organisms. The ultraviolet sterilizer is a small cylinder, on the surface of which there are two tubes - inlet and outlet. Through the first, water enters the cylinder, is exposed to UV irradiation, through the second - it comes out already purified. Such sterilizers are effective only in fresh water and only in small aquariums.
UV lamps against mosquitoes
Ultraviolet light is also used in the fight against mosquitoes, since this range of the spectrum attracts insects. When mosquitoes fly up to the device, they sit on the grill that surrounds the body. It is connected to an electric current that destroys insects.
Ultraviolet devices are a useful gadget in the home when it comes to disinfection and treatment. But you can’t use them as a heater for space heating, because you can harm your health.
