PHI
The combination of UV light enhanced by a hydrated qui-metaIIic compound target develops an advanced oxidation reaction. This process produces hydro-peroxides, super oxide ions, ozonide ions and hydroxides. By engineering the proper UV light wavelength, in combination with a triple function, no maintenance unit, The PHI Cell provides safe hydro-peroxides, super oxide ions, ozonide ions and hydroxides to purify the air. With the RGF HVAC-PHI Cell Advanced Oxidation System, micro-organisms can be reduced by over 97%. Gases, VOCs and odors can also be reduced significantly. Advanced oxidizers will be carried throughout the ducts and rooms for a continuous purification process and a quick kill of newly introduced odors or microbials. This is far superior to UV alone. In addition the PHI Cell has a protective poly coating to prevent mercury contamination in case of lamp breakage.

UV-C - Germicidal Lamps
These are rapidly becoming very popular as an easy fix or the air conditioner coil mold problem. This is one of the most prevalent cause of the mildew smell you get *hen you enter an air-conditioned sick building. UV-C (254nm) lamps are basically similar to sun lamps and are typically only effective on microbials that pass by within a few inches of the lamp or areas where the light is shining directly on for extended periods of time, such as the air conditioner coil (see article in HVAC News - June 30 003 and associated press
11-24-03).

Pros: Low cost, easy installation, and effective on suppressing mold growth on the coil.

Cons: Not effective at killing airborne mold unless numeious lamps are used (see article). Only effective on the surface of the coil that is in direct light. This leaves much of the coil with no treatment. Does not provide ongoing room protection. Most UV systems install a glass UV mercury bulb without protection from breakage. A broken bulb could release mercury, a potential environmental and health hazard. Minimum of two lamps must be used to cover at least one-quarter of the coil surface (the upper half of the outer coil). For one-half coverage, thre to six lamps must be used. 100% coverage is not practical. For a 90% kill rate of airborne microbials, 30” lamps would have to be placed every 2’ in a 95’ duct, calculated with a 24” x 24” plenum at 2000 cu ft per minute.