Chemical-based cleaning measures necessitate the manual application of strong chemical disinfectants. These programmes increase labour costs and prolong turnaround times for aircraft. Unfortunately, reports are now emerging that document additional side-effects of such cleaning regimes, which include the creation of surplus hazardous waste and health complaints from staff and crew exposed to such harsh and noxious formulas.

Further to environmental and health concerns posed by the frequent use of chemical disinfectants onboard, the compounds commonly found in them carry the added risk of interior corrosion, embrittlement, increased flammability, and even electrical short circuit. “Depending on the system or part affected, any of these conditions could create either an immediate or latent airworthiness issue.”, warns a Special Airworthiness Bulletin published by the FAA in November 2020.

UV-C breaks the nucleotide bonds of DNA/RNA of pathogens, making it impossible for them to reproduce. Cells that cannot reproduce cannot cause disease. Most viruses and bacteria are killed with just a 1-3mW/cm2 dose of UV-C. Many industries trust UV-C light technology to effectively sterilize air and surfaces, including the food service sector and hospitals.

It’s very effective. There have been several studies conducted regarding the efficacyof UV-C against viruses.

A short burst of UV-C exposure is not dangerous, but prolonged exposure to UV-C (similar to UVA and UVB) can be damaging to the eyes and skin. That’s why we have included several layers of safety features. With the right procedures in place, our automated solution enables operators to physically separate from SparX, using app-based controls to initiate the disinfection process. SparX and RAY also features a sensitive automatic shutoff system that using motion sensing. There is also “a kill switch” within the app control, and a manual shutoff integrated into the device.

No. Since UV is light, it travels through air and water at the speed of light, and when the UV source is turned off, the UV is gone.

No. They are made from a type of quartz that absorbs the “185nm” emission entirely, so they do not produce ozone.

We have collaborated with a major airframe OEM and major research organizations (e.g. National Research Council of Canada, National Institute of Aviation Research in USA...) in testing of discoloration, tensile strength and flame-retardant properties of UV-C on materials, avionics, instruments etc. and have seen very positive results.