UV lamp module and UV disinfection device

Abstract

UV lamp module (10) for disinfection, which - a sheath tube (5) with a closed end and a head end facing away from it, and - a UV radiation source (1) with a discharge body (2) and with a head part (3) having an electrical connection at a first end of the discharge body (2), wherein the head part (3) of the UV radiation source (1), which is a low-pressure mercury vapor lamp or an amalgam lamp, is located at the head end of the cladding tube (5) and at least the discharge body (2) of the UV radiation source (1) is arranged in the cladding tube (5), characterized in that the cladding tube (5) is filled with an electrically non-conductive liquid (100) which is transparent to the wavelengths of the radiation emitted by the UV radiation source (1), wherein at least the discharge body (2) is completely immersed in the non-conductive liquid (100) in a usage arrangement of the UV lamp module (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a UV lamp module with a UV radiation source and a UV disinfection device comprising at least one of these UV lamp modules.

[0002] It is known from the prior art to use UV radiation sources to carry out photochemical reactions and for disinfection purposes. This applies not only to use as immersion lamps, for example to disinfect water, but also to use in UV modules for surface or air disinfection. In this case, the medium in the lamp environment is not a liquid, but a gaseous one, usually air. Low-pressure lamps (discharge lamps) such as low-pressure mercury vapor lamps or high-performance amalgam lamps (40 - 800 watts) are often used. When used to disinfect water, for example, these can be enclosed in a cladding tube to protect against contamination. This cladding tube is permeable to the emitted radiation or radiation relevant for the disinfection or photochemical reaction and is therefore often made of quartz glass. The radiation flux orThe radiation output depends on the ambient and operating temperature of the radiator and is optimized for the respective application by using different amalgam mixtures as well as by adjusting the filling pressure, gas and electrode design.

[0003] However, insufficient thermal decoupling of the UV radiation source from the surrounding medium to be irradiated during operation can lead to undesired heating of the medium or the lamp module. Furthermore, deposits from particles in the medium can form on the heated cladding tube that separates the UV radiation source from the medium to be irradiated. If not removed, these deposits will steadily reduce the radiation intensity of the UV radiation radiated into the medium. To prevent this, regular cleaning of the cladding tube is required, which requires the UV module to be shut down each time.

[0004] Apart from that, insufficient thermal decoupling can cause temperature differences and fluctuations, which lead to excessive or insufficient heat dissipation at the UV radiation source, so that the UV radiation source cannot be operated at the optimal operating point, which can sometimes be accompanied by a significant reduction in radiation emission.

[0005] Thermal decoupling is therefore addressed in DE 10 2010 042 670 A1, which concerns a UV lamp module whose UV radiation source can be a low- or medium-pressure mercury vapor lamp. The UV radiation source is separated from the reaction chamber by at least two cladding tubes that define an evacuated or evacuable space. A further cladding tube defines a further space between adjacent cladding tubes, through which a temperature control medium is passed to control the temperature of the UV radiation source. The medium is selected according to its absorption spectrum to transmit the desired UV wavelengths.

[0006] DE 10 2014 012 219 A1 discloses a UV lamp module intended for use in a reaction medium, comprising LEDs mounted on a heat sink and arranged in a cladding tube. The heat sink has cooling channels through which a cooling liquid flows, which is selected depending on the reaction temperature in the surrounding reaction medium. To improve explosion protection, an inert gas purge of the cladding tube is disclosed.

[0007] In DE 44 38 052 A1, the radiation source is surrounded by at least one spacer tube that defines a protective gas-purged spacer chamber and separates the radiation source from at least one media-flowing irradiation chamber. Additionally, the radiation source can be separated from the spacer chamber by a cladding tube.

[0008] Based on this prior art, it is the object of the present invention to provide a UV lamp module that is further improved with regard to thermal decoupling.

[0009] This object is achieved by a lamp module having the features of claim 1.

[0010] Further developments of the device are set out in the subclaims.

[0011] The further object of providing an improved UV disinfection device is achieved by the UV disinfection device having the features of independent claim 12.

[0012] An embodiment of a UV lamp module according to the invention, which is formed with a cladding tube having a closed end and a head end facing away from the cladding tube, comprises a UV radiation source which is a low-pressure mercury vapor lamp or an amalgam lamp. The UV radiation source comprises a discharge body and at least one head part with an electrical connection at a first end of the discharge body, which serves to electrically connect the UV radiation source. At least the discharge body of the UV radiation source is arranged in the cladding tube. Advantageously, the cladding tube is filled with an electrically non-conductive, i.e. electrically insulating, liquid such that at least the discharge body of the UV radiation source is completely immersed in the electrically non-conductive liquid in a use arrangement.The electrically non-conductive liquid is selected so that it is transparent to at least one wavelength of the radiation emitted by the UV radiation source intended for the task to be performed with the UV lamp module.

[0013] Usage arrangement refers to the arrangement in which the UV lamp module is installed ready for use.

[0014] This UV lamp module is advantageously improved in terms of thermal decoupling from the environment and also provides increased overall light or radiation output compared to state-of-the-art lamps. It is therefore particularly suitable for disinfection purposes and can also be used in photoreactors for conducting photochemical reactions or in so-called AOPs ("advanced oxidation processes"). In the following, "electrically non-conductive liquid" will be referred to simply as "non-conductive liquid," although this always refers to electrical non-conduction. Heat can be transferred from, to, and through this non-conductive liquid. "Transparent" is defined as all liquids that exhibit a transmittance of at least 75% for at least one wavelength of the radiation emitted by the UV radiation source along the shortest path between the discharge body surface and the cladding tube's inner wall.

[0015] Advantageously, immersion in the non-conductive liquid not only provides uniform heat dissipation at the emitter surface, so that the UV radiation source can always be operated at the optimal operating point, i.e. without reduction in radiation emission, but due to the refractive index of the non-conductive liquid, which is significantly greater than that of air or inert gas and, for suitable non-conductive liquids, is in the range from approximately 1.35 to approximately 1.55 (at 20°C), both the photon coupling efficiency at the phase boundary between the emitter surface and the cladding tube interior is increased and the reflection at the phase boundary between the cladding tube interior and the cladding tube wall is reduced, so that the overall light output of the UV lamp module, i.e. the amount and density of radiation at the outer surface of the cladding tube, is significantly increased.

[0016] Typically, a cladding tube has a circular cross-section and is arranged concentrically to the axis of the usually rod-shaped UV radiation source. It can advantageously have a test tube or centrifuge tube shape. In a test tube or centrifuge tube, the sealed end is self-contained; if the end is otherwise open (lower), a closure device can be arranged to provide the sealed end of the cladding tube.

[0017] Apart from the round cross-sectional shapes mentioned above, a cladding tube can also have different cross-sectional shapes, for example if the UV radiation source is not rod-shaped or if more than one radiation source is arranged in a cladding tube. The shape of the cladding tube can then be adapted accordingly to a radiator geometry that deviates from the rod shape or to a predetermined constellation of two or more radiation sources in order to provide the most uniform possible distance between the radiator surface and the cladding tube wall. Therefore, cladding tubes can also have polygonal, e.g. rectangular cross-sectional geometries, for example if the UV radiation source, i.e. the discharge body, is designed as a flat lamp rather than a round tube.

[0018] In a further embodiment, a UV lamp module according to the invention has a reflector coating which is applied to at least a portion of the surface of the UV radiation source (hereinafter also referred to synonymously as UV radiator) or its discharge body and / or the cladding tube in order to increase or improve the intensity, light output and scattering in a desired radiation direction, as is desirable for UV modules for surface disinfection.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the section with the reflector coating extends over a portion of the lateral surface of the discharge body or the cladding tube, which is located on a side of the UV lamp facing away from the desired radiation direction and is defined by a circular arc on the discharge body or the cladding tube along the length of the discharge body. The length of the circular arc depends on the diameter of the discharge body or cladding tube and the desired radiation characteristic. With the reflector coating, the UV radiation emitted by the UV lamp can be intensified in the desired radiation direction in which a surface to be disinfected is arranged or conveyed through.If necessary, both the UV lamp and the cladding tube can have sections with reflector coatings whose circular arcs are located at different angular sections with respect to the discharge body in order to achieve a desired radiation characteristic of the lamp module.

[0020] The UV radiation source is selected according to the task to be performed and the required wavelength(s). Accordingly, the non-conductive liquid is chosen from a variety of non-conductive liquids with different absorption spectra, depending on the respective emission wavelength used, so that the non-conductive liquid is transparent to the desired emission wavelength.

[0021] The cladding tube is made of a material that is transparent to the UV wavelengths emitted by the respective UV radiation source. Suitable materials include natural or synthetic quartz glass, or quartz glass blends that are transparent to UV radiation. For applications where emission wavelengths below 200 nm (VUV) are also to be used, the cladding tube is preferably made of synthetic quartz glass.

[0022] The cladding tube can be positioned with its sealed or closed end within the medium to be irradiated, as is often the case with vertically arranged immersion lamps. However, a UV lamp module with a cladding tube closed at one end can also be used in a horizontal arrangement, which may be preferred in UV devices for surface disinfection. Especially with a UV lamp module designed for horizontal arrangement, a cladding tube can be used that is not of the centrifuge or test tube type and therefore does not taper at one end (like these). In this case, for example, a cylindrical tube can be selected that is closed with a plug or other closing device at its "closed end"; accordingly, its head end is also tightly sealed in a horizontal arrangement.

[0023] In order to reliably separate the lamp module and the non-conductive liquid contained in the cladding tube from the cladding tube environment, the head section of the UV lamp can be connected to the head end of the cladding tube by a sealing connection. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing connection is spring-loaded. For sealing purposes, appropriate sealing means (annular sealing bodies) can be provided on at least one contact surface between the head section and the cladding tube, which sealing means can optionally also be designed to secure the UV lamp in the cladding tube. In an alternative embodiment, the UV lamp can also be completely immersed, including the head section, in the non-conductive liquid. In this case, the head end of the cladding tube can be sealed with a sealing means, such as a plug. To enable electrical connection of the UV lamp, the connecting cable(s) can be guided through the plug.To prevent the non-conductive liquid from seeping through the cable (between the insulation and the copper) to the ballast due to capillary action when routing the cable directly through the plug, longitudinally watertight cables can be used. Alternatively, plug-in connectors (plugs, sockets, and connectors) can be provided on the plug, which are watertight both when plugged in and unplugged.

[0024] If necessary, both ends of the duct may be provided with sealing closure devices, both of which also include electrical connection devices.

[0025] Both variants can also be present on a lamp module - sealed arrangement of one emitter end in a sealing means (annular sealing body) at one cladding tube end and immersed arrangement of the other emitter end with one cladding tube end closed by a sealing means (plug). In yet another embodiment, the sealing connection of the head section, which can be formed by a connection or connection base, is additionally spring-mounted to the cladding tube to dampen vibrations and prevent glass-to-metal contact. For this purpose, the head section can be attached to the cladding tube using fastening aids such as flanges and discs and spring-loaded connectors.

[0026] To maintain the optimal operating point of the UV radiation source, the amount of liquid placed in the cladding tube may be sufficient if the thermal conductivity and capacity of the selected non-conductive liquid provides a constant heat dissipation from the UV radiation source. Otherwise, to prevent the heat absorbed by the non-conductive liquid from the UV radiation source from being transferred via the cladding tube to the cladding tube's surroundings or the medium present there, the non-conductive liquid inside the cladding tube can be permanently exchanged. This dissipates the heat absorbed by the UV radiation source, thus keeping the temperature of the UV lamp module constant. Particularly preferably, a recirculation of the non-conductive liquid can be provided, with the non-conductive liquid heated in the cladding tube being circulated in order to release the absorbed heat outside the cladding tube interior.

[0027] For exchanging or recirculating the non-conductive liquid, according to yet another embodiment of the invention, the UV lamp module can accordingly have one or more supply and discharge lines for supplying and discharging the non-conductive liquid, which communicate with the space defined by the cladding tube. For this purpose, at least one supply line for the non-conductive liquid extends from the head end to the cladding tube, thus opening into it, or extending deeper into the cladding tube, and at least one discharge line for the non-conductive liquid extends from the head end away from the cladding tube.

[0028] If necessary, the supply and discharge lines can be connected to or integrated into the head section. Alternatively, these supply and discharge lines can be routed through the sealant (annular sealing body, plug) used to seal the open end of the cladding tube. The cooling circuit for the non-conductive fluid can include a heat exchanger (e.g., a passive heat sink or Peltier element, etc., for heat transfer with air or water), a pump, and, if necessary, a shut-off valve.

[0029] The non-conductive fluid can be selected, for example, from highly refined mineral oils, which consist almost exclusively of alkanes and cycloalkanes, i.e., saturated hydrocarbons. Alkanes and cycloalkanes are advantageously transparent from the visible wavelength range up to the broad UV-C range (220-230 nm). Below this range, the transmission decreases, but can still be sufficient for wavelengths down to 195 nm and below, especially if the gap between the UV radiation source and the cladding tube is sufficiently thin. Cycloalkanes may be preferred due to their higher refractive index compared to the corresponding linear alkane. For example, the refractive indices (20 °C) for C5-C 14 Cycloalkanes over a range of about 1.41 to 1.55, while the refractive indices (20 °C) for the corresponding linear C5-C 14Alkanes cover a range from approximately 1.36 to approximately 1.43. Cyclohexane, for example, has a refractive index of approximately 1.43, while hexane has a refractive index of approximately 1.37. A major disadvantage of saturated hydrocarbons is the formation of highly flammable vapor-air mixtures classified in Temperature Class 3, which specifies a maximum surface temperature of 200°C for operation in flammable atmospheres. Therefore, when using highly refined mineral oils as a non-conductive fluid, careful and sealed air isolation must be ensured to prevent the formation of such flammable vapor-air mixtures.

[0030] A preferred embodiment of the invention can provide low-viscosity silicone oils as the non-conductive liquid, which have refractive indices in the range of approximately 1.37 to 1.55, are advantageously non-flammable, and are transparent from the visible wavelength range up to the UV-C range (approximately 220 nm), and thus to the disinfection-relevant wavelength of 254 nm. Below 250 nm, the transmission begins to decrease, and wavelengths smaller than 200 nm are absorbed, so silicone oils are particularly suitable for applications that wish to use wavelengths greater than 250 nm. For applications that wish to use wavelengths in the range below 220 nm, silicone oils are suitable to a limited extent, namely if the thickness of the liquid-filled gap between the UV radiation source and the cladding tube, and thus the absorption, is small enough to allow sufficient transmission.Otherwise, saturated hydrocarbons should be used as a non-conductive liquid.

[0031] Other alternative non-conductive fluids include synthetic ester and ether compounds. Synthetic organic ester oils have the advantage over mineral oils, among other things, of higher temperature resistance and higher burning and ignition temperatures, and are more environmentally friendly. However, they have the disadvantage of lower aging resistance and are only transparent up to the mid-UV range (approximately 270 to 280 nm), below which absorption increases significantly. Even with ether compounds such as 1,4-dioxane, with a refractive index of 1.422, the transmission only extends to the mid-UV range (270 to 300 nm, except for diethyl ether up to 255 nm). However, the transmission decreases less steeply below this range, so that with a sufficiently thin layer between the UV radiation source and the cladding tube wall, ether compounds can also be used as non-conductive fluids for wavelengths below 270 nm.However, wavelengths below 220 nm are absorbed. Regarding safety considerations, however, it must be taken into account that ether compounds form highly flammable vapor-air mixtures, with significant differences between the various ether compounds. Diethyl ether, for example, falls under temperature class 4 (maximum permissible surface temperature 135 °C), while 1,4-dioxane falls under temperature class 2 (maximum permissible surface temperature 300 °C), so 1,4-dioxane is more suitable for use as a non-conductive liquid.

[0032] Of course, other liquids can also be used in a lamp module according to the invention, as long as they are electrically insulating and transparent to the emitted wavelength of the respective UV radiation source.

[0033] In order to provide a transmission of at least 75% required for the desired transparency even at wavelengths below 250 nm, a lamp module design may be advantageous in which the inner diameter of the cladding tube is selected in relation to the outer diameter of the UV radiation source such that the gap - and thus the absorption - between the surface of the discharge body and the cladding tube inner wall is as small as possible.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the UV lamp module according to the invention, the cladding tube can be a double-walled cladding tube, or the lamp module can have a second cladding tube in which the first cladding tube is arranged in order to improve the thermal decoupling of the UV radiation source from the cladding tube environment through the gap formed between the two cladding tubes or the double walls. This can be further enhanced by generating a negative pressure in the gap using an extraction device or by connecting an additional cooling circuit for fluid cooling in the gap. In the case of a double-walled cladding tube design, the gap between the walls can also be evacuated during its manufacture. Suitable cooling fluids include all media that do not absorb the radiation emitted by the UV lamp, for example water, or gas, in particular inert gas, or even air.The additional cladding tube advantageously increases the surface area of ​​the diving lamp and thus achieves increased photochemical efficiency.

[0035] The UV lamp module according to the invention can be designed for different types of UV lamps.

[0036] According to one embodiment, a UV radiator may have a terminal base at a second end of the discharge body, wherein the electrical connection of the UV radiation source is provided solely by the head part, which has at least one electrical connection device.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment of a UV radiation source, the UV radiation source may have an electrical connection base at the second end of the discharge body, which, together with the head part, provides the electrical connection of the UV radiation source, so that the head part and connection base have corresponding electrical connection devices. At least one electrical connection device can extend from the connection base along the UV radiation source toward the head part and beyond, so that the electrical connection is made on one side at the head end of the cladding tube on which the head part is arranged.Alternatively, if the UV lamp module is a sheath tube of the type having a closure device at the end applied from the head end, the electrical connection can be made on both sides, wherein the electrical connection device of the head part is guided through one head end of the sheath tube, and that of the connection base is guided through the second end of the sheath tube or through the sealing means or plug arranged there.

[0038] In a further alternative embodiment of the UV lamp module, the discharge body of the UV radiation source can be U-shaped, with the head part, which then solely provides the electrical connection of the UV radiation source, extending over the first and second ends of the U-shaped discharge body or accommodating both ends. Alternatively, however, the head part can also be provided at one end of the discharge body and a connection or termination base at the other end. The cladding tube of a UV lamp module having such a UV radiation source with the U-shaped discharge body can have a correspondingly adapted shape, i.e. a flattened, e.g. elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cladding tube types that are not self-contained (in contrast to test tubes or centrifuge tubes, i.e. tubes that taper at one end are self-contained) are also referred to herein as "cylindrical-type cladding tubes."

[0039] Electrical connectors ensure the connection to a power supply and control device of the UV lamp module. The power supply and control device of the UV lamp module, which may include, for example, ballast or power electronics, drivers, and power supplies, can be an external power supply and control device connected via electrical connectors in the head section. Alternatively, the power supply and control device of the UV lamp module can be housed in the head section, if necessary—in this case, the electrical connector serves to connect to a power source.

[0040] For cooling a power supply and control device accommodated in the head part, the head part can have one or more coolant paths, which are preferably connected to at least one of the supply or discharge lines or form at least a section of a supply or discharge line.

[0041] According to yet another embodiment, the UV lamp module has a mechanical connection device for connecting the UV radiation source to a corresponding holder. Depending on the design of the UV radiation source, one or more mechanical connection devices can be provided on the head part, on the head part and the end cap, or on the head part and the connection cap.

[0042] All connection devices can be designed as detachable plug-in, screw-in, plug-in screw, clamp connections or similar, so that the UV lamp module can be easily disconnected from and reconnected to the power supply and / or control device, the supply and discharge lines and the mechanical support.

[0043] A UV disinfection device according to the invention comprises an irradiation chamber into which a product or medium to be disinfected is placed or conveyed, and at least one UV lamp module according to the invention, assigned to the irradiation chamber, with an emission spectrum suitable for disinfection. Irradiation chamber refers to a space or volume penetrated by the UV radiation of the UV lamp. The irradiation chamber does not have to be, but can be, identical to a space defined, for example, by a container, in which the lamp module according to the invention is arranged.

[0044] The UV disinfection device according to the invention is not limited to the disinfection of water placed in a container of the UV disinfection device in which one or more UV lamp modules according to the invention are arranged. Rather, a UV disinfection device according to the invention relates in particular to surface and air disinfection modules in which a product to be disinfected is arranged within the irradiation chamber or conveyed through the irradiation chamber.

[0045] The UV disinfection device for surface disinfection can therefore, for example, in a further embodiment, have a conveyor device which is arranged at a predetermined distance below the at least one UV lamp module in the irradiation chamber or extends through it and is operated at a speed such that a predetermined amount of UV radiation is provided for disinfecting the surface of the conveyor device or the surface of the product conveyed on the conveyor device.

[0046] Further embodiments, as well as some of the advantages associated with these and other embodiments, will become clearer and more easily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures. Items or parts thereof that are substantially the same or similar may be provided with the same reference numerals. The figures are merely a schematic representation of one embodiment of the invention.

[0047] Showing: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a UV lamp module according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic side view of another embodiment of a UV lamp module according to the invention, Fig. 3 a schematic side view of another embodiment of a UV lamp module according to the invention, Fig. 4 a schematic side view of a further embodiment of a UV disinfection device according to the invention with a UV lamp module according to a further embodiment, Fig. 5 a schematic side view of another embodiment of a UV disinfection device according to the invention, Fig. 6 a) a schematic side and top view of a UV radiation source with a head part for electrical connection and a terminal base, b) a schematic side view of a UV radiation source with a head part and a connection base for electrical connection, c) a schematic side and top view of a UV radiation source with a U-shaped discharge body and a head part for electrical connection, and d) a schematic side and top view of a UV radiation source with a head part and a connection base for electrical connection.

[0048] The devices according to the invention are a UV lamp module designed to be used for disinfection, and a corresponding UV disinfection device equipped with one or more UV lamp modules according to the invention, which have a low-pressure mercury vapor lamp or an amalgam lamp, in particular a high-performance amalgam lamp, as the UV radiation source.

[0049] The following embodiments described in the figures are to be understood as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection in any way. Modifications, such as the transfer of individual details from one embodiment to another or combinations of individual details, are therefore to be considered encompassed.

[0050] Fig. Figure 1 shows, by way of example, a UV lamp module 10 with a cladding tube 5 having a "test tube shape," i.e., a cladding tube type that is self-contained at one end. The UV lamp module 10 is designed as an immersion lamp for vertical placement, e.g., in a reservoir for disinfecting water, as is illustrated schematically and by way of example with the disinfection device 110 in Fig. 5, in which the UV lamp module 10 is arranged in a container T. The size of the irradiation chamber S within the container T is determined by the penetration depth of the UV radiation into the water to be disinfected. Since the UV radiation does not penetrate the entire container volume, the water contained therein can be moved around the lamp module to achieve complete disinfection.

[0051] As in Fig. 1, the lamp module 10 comprises a UV radiation source 1 with a discharge body 2, which is connected to a head part 3 that provides an electrical connection for the radiation source 1. Furthermore, the lamp module 10 comprises a cladding tube 5 made of a material that is transparent to the wavelengths of the radiation emitted by the radiation source 1. The cladding tube 5 is filled with a non-conductive liquid 100, so that the discharge body 2 is completely immersed. The non-conductive liquid 100, which is selected from saturated hydrocarbons, silicone oils, and synthetic ester and ether compounds, is transparent to the wavelengths of the radiation emitted by the UV radiation source 1 and has a refractive index (20°C) that can be in the range from at least 1.35 to approximately 1.45, optionally also up to approximately 1.55.

[0052] This increases, on the one hand, the photon extraction efficiency from the discharge body 2, since fewer photons are reflected at the interface between the surface of the discharge body 2, which is defined by a quartz tube transparent to the intended emitted radiation, and the non-conductive liquid. On the other hand, reflection at the phase boundary between the non-conductive liquid 100 and the cladding tube wall 5 is reduced, so that the total light output of the UV lamp module 10, i.e., the radiation quantity and density at the outer surface of the cladding tube 5, is significantly increased. Furthermore, the non-conductive liquid ensures uniform temperature control of the UV radiation source 1, thus achieving an optimal operating point for radiation emission.

[0053] The headboard 3 can, as in Fig. 2, an electrical connection device 7 and a mechanical connection device 9, and in the illustrated embodiment, is arranged in the open end of the unilaterally closed cladding tube 5. A corresponding holder 14 for connection to the mechanical connection device 9 is indicated. Contrary to the illustration, a mechanical holder for the UV radiation source can also be provided simply by connecting the electrical connection device to a corresponding electrical counter-connection device. A separate mechanical connection device is then not required.

[0054] To seal the cladding tube interior 5', the head part 3 can be tightly connected to the head end of the cladding tube 5, as shown in Fig. 2 is indicated by the annular sealing body 17. Of course, deviations in the shape, arrangement, and sealing concept of the head portion on the cladding tube from the illustrated example are possible and covered by the scope of protection. For example, the head portion could protrude beyond the cladding tube, and the seal at the head end of the cladding tube could be provided via the end face or the outer circumference of the cladding tube.

[0055] Not shown is a design with a spring-loaded connection between the head section and the cladding tube to improve the mechanical stability of the UV lamp module as an immersion lamp. For this purpose, the head section has a collar on which an annular disc is arranged. This disc is connected via spring screws to an annular flange located at the head end of the cladding tube. For this purpose, the end section of the cladding tube can be conically flared upwards, and the annular flange can have a corresponding conical opening.

[0056] Furthermore, Fig. 2 shows a circuit for the non-conductive liquid 100, which, by the action of the pump P, is fed into the chamber 5' at the lower end facing away from the head part via a supply line 18, which in the example shown extends through the annular sealing body 17, and is discharged at the upper end of the chamber 5' via the discharge line 18', which extends through the annular sealing body 17. The supply and discharge of the non-conductive liquid 100 at opposite ends ensures that the supplied non-conductive liquid 100 passes through the discharge body 2 and can absorb the heat emitted by it before being discharged from the cladding tube interior 5'. A heat exchanger W enables the heat absorbed by the non-conductive liquid 100 to be dissipated. Using the optional fitting A, the pressure in the chamber 5' can be adjusted if necessary.

[0057] Fig. Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a UV lamp module 10 according to the invention with a cylindrical cladding tube 5, which has a plug as a sealing body 17 at each end to seal the space 5' containing the non-conductive liquid 100. In the example shown, the UV lamp 1, complete with discharge body 2, head section 3, and end cap 4, is immersed in the non-conductive liquid 100. The electrical connection lines 7 extend from the head section 3 through the plug 17 at the corresponding cladding tube end in order to be connected to a power supply and control device 16, which is only indicated schematically here. If necessary, a circuit for the non-conductive liquid 100 can also be provided in this embodiment (not shown), wherein the corresponding supply and discharge lines 18, 18' can be routed through one or both plugs 17.

[0058] Of course, variations of the examples presented are conceivable: For example, a UV lamp can be housed in a cladding tube closed at one end, with its head completely immersed in the non-conductive liquid, with a sealant (plug) sealing the head end. With a cylindrical cladding tube, corresponding alternative designs arise, in which, for example, either the head or the connection or termination base of the UV lamp is sealingly mounted in one of the open cladding tube ends, while the other open cladding tube end is closed with a plug, or in which both the head and the connection or termination base of the UV lamp are sealingly mounted in an open end.

[0059] Fig. Figure 4 shows a UV disinfection device 110 according to the invention for surface disinfection. The horizontally arranged UV lamp module 10, which here, for example, has a cylindrical cladding tube 5 whose ends are each closed with a plug 17, has a UV radiation source 1 that is completely immersed in the non-conductive liquid 100. Electrical or mechanical connection devices of the UV lamp 1 are not shown figuratively. Of course, other UV lamp modules according to the invention can also be used in a UV disinfection device 110 according to the invention.

[0060] The Fig. The embodiment of a UV lamp module 10 according to the invention shown in Figure 4 further shows a reflector coating B on a section, or rather a part, of the inner lateral surface of the cladding tube 5, and, as an alternative thereto shown in dashed lines, a reflector coating B' on a section of the discharge tube 2 of the UV radiation source 1. The reflector coating B, B' is intended to prevent the escape of UV radiation on a side of the UV lamp module 10 facing away from the surface to be disinfected and to increase the radiation intensity, density, and power on the side facing the surface to be disinfected. The position and size of the section coated with the reflector coating B, B' is selected such that the radiation component emitted by the UV radiation source 1 in a direction away from the surface to be disinfected is reflected in the direction of the surface to be disinfected.

[0061] The radiation characteristic of the UV lamp module 10 with the reflector coating B, B' is therefore not uniformly concentric - as in the water disinfection device 110 of Fig. 5 - but directed in one direction. With the horizontal arrangement of the UV lamp module 10, which has the reflector coating B, B' on an upper partial casing section of the cladding tube 5 or the discharge body 2, the irradiation chamber S thus extends below the lamp module 10. For the surface disinfection of a product D, for example a yogurt cup, in the example shown, a conveyor device F is arranged below the UV lamp module 10, with which the products D can be conveyed through the irradiation chamber S at a predetermined distance and a predetermined speed. The predetermined distance and the predetermined speed are selected such that the UV radiation incident on the surface of the product D is sufficient for disinfection. Contrary to what is shown, the conveyor device F itself, for example in the case of a cutting belt, can also be the product to be disinfected, the surface of which is to be disinfected.

[0062] Fig. 6 shows different types of low-pressure mercury vapor and amalgam lamps that can be used as UV radiation source 1 in a lamp module according to the invention. Fig. 6a) shows a UV radiation source 1, which has all four electrical poles or connection devices 7 provided for electrically connecting the radiation source on the head part 3 at the first end of the discharge body 2. A terminal base 4 is arranged at the other end of the discharge body 2.

[0063] Fig. 6b) shows a UV radiation source 1 with a head part 3 and a connection base 3' at the two ends of the discharge body 2, each of which has two of the electrical connection devices 7 provided for the electrical connection of the radiation source. Lines extending from the connection base 3' as an electrical connection device 7 extend along the radiation source 1 beyond the head part 3, so that the electrical connection here also takes place from the head part side. Not shown is a variant in which the electrical connection device 7 or lines from the connection base 3' do not extend along the radiation source 1, but in the opposite direction to the two-sided connection of the UV radiation source in a sheath tube, which is not already closed at one end, but rather by a closure device.

[0064] In Fig. 6c) shows a UV radiation source 1 with a U-shaped discharge body 2, in which the head part 3, which has the four electrical poles or connection devices 7 provided for electrical connection, extends over both ends of the discharge body 2. If such a radiation source 1 with a U-shaped discharge body 2 is used in a UV lamp module according to the invention, the surrounding cladding tube can be selected to match this shape, e.g., with a flattened, elliptical cross-section.

[0065] The radiation sources 1 from Fig. 6 a, b, and c) can be used in all cladding tube types according to the invention with all variants of the head part and seal arrangement described herein. The head end of such a cladding tube can be closed with a sealing closure or plug to seal the cladding tube interior, and the end attached thereto with a connecting or terminating base can be sealed with an annular sealing body.

[0066] Fig.6d) shows a UV radiation source 1 in which the discharge body 2 is equipped with a head part 3 and a connection base 3', each of which has two of the electrical poles or connection devices 7 provided for electrical connection of the radiation source, which are designed for connection at both ends. Such a radiation source is used in a cylindrical cladding tube, with both the head part 3 and the connection base 3' each arranged in a sealed manner at one of the ends of the cladding tube, so that the cladding tube interior can be filled with the non-conductive liquid.

[0067] If a circuit for the non-conductive liquid is provided in an embodiment of the UV lamp module with a cylindrical cladding tube, the supply and discharge lines can be routed through the sealant at the end of the cladding tube remote from the head section as an alternative to routing through the sealant at the head end of the cladding tube. For this purpose, the plug sealingly arranged there, or the connecting or terminating base, or the sealant surrounding it, can be provided with a sealed passage or connection opening for each supply and discharge line. It is also conceivable to arrange one supply or discharge line at the head end and the second supply or discharge line at the head end of the cladding tube, so that one of the supply or discharge lines does not need to pass through the cladding tube interior to the opposite end.

[0068] A UV lamp module according to the invention is highly suitable for use in surface disinfection devices, where UV-C is used as the UV radiation. Therefore, UV lamps with an optimized UV-C content can be used. For this purpose, special amalgam mixtures, e.g., indium amalgam, can be used, and the filling pressure, gas, and electrode design can be optimally adjusted. A further increase in the UVC output emitted in the desired direction can be achieved by using a UV lamp with a flattened discharge body, which is positioned with one flat side facing in the desired radiation direction.

[0069] Areas of application for surface disinfection include, for example, the disinfection of slaughter and cutting lines or other conveyor belts and surfaces in the fish and meat processing industry, as well as the disinfection of packaging such as sealing films, cups and buckets, tubular bags, fork-top packaging, closure caps, e.g. in beverage bottling, packaging materials, particularly on rotary machines with confined spaces, and also the disinfection of machines for industrial food production, e.g. flake ice machines, crushed ice machines in ice production.

[0070] In addition to surface disinfection, UV disinfection devices according to the invention can also be used for air or water disinfection. Furthermore, UV lamp modules according to the invention can be used to create devices for performing AOPs. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 UV radiation source or UV lamp 2 discharge bodies 3 headboard 3' electrical connection base 4 end bases 5 Sheath tube 5' cladding tube interior 7 electrical connection device 9 mechanical connection device 10 UV lamp module 14 Bracket 16 Power supply and control device 17 Sealing body or plug or sealant 18 Supply line 18' discharge line 100 non-conductive liquid 110 UV disinfection device A fitting B, B' reflector coating D product to be disinfected F Conveyor device P Pump S Irradiation room T container W heat exchanger

Claims

[1] UV lamp module (10) for disinfection, the - has a cladding tube (5) with a closed end and a head end facing away from it, and - a UV radiation source (1) with a discharge body (2) and with a head part (3) with an electrical connection at a first end of the discharge body (2), wherein the head part (3) of the UV radiation source (1), which is a low-pressure mercury vapor lamp or an amalgam lamp, is present at the head end of the cladding tube (5) and at least the discharge body (2) of the UV radiation source (1) is arranged in the cladding tube (5), characterized by that the cladding tube (5) is filled with an electrically non-conductive liquid (100) which is transparent to the wavelengths of the radiation emitted by the UV radiation source (1), wherein at least the discharge body (2) is completely immersed in the non-conductive liquid (100) in a use arrangement of the UV lamp module (10). [2] UV lamp module (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that - the cladding tube (5) has a test tube or centrifuge tube shape, or - a closure device forms the closed end of the cladding tube (5). [3] UV lamp module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the UV lamp module (10) has a reflector coating (B, B') which is applied to at least a portion of a radiator surface of the UV radiation source (1) and / or the cladding tube (5). [4] UV lamp module (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the headboard (3) - is connected to the head end of the cladding tube (5) by a sealing connection, wherein the sealing connection is preferably spring-loaded, or - is arranged within the cladding tube (5) and the head end of the cladding tube (5) is closed with a sealing means (17). [5] UV lamp module (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that at least one supply line (18) for non-conductive liquid (100) extends at the head end to or into the cladding tube (5), and that at least one discharge line (18') for non-conductive liquid (100) extends away from the cladding tube (5) at the head end. [6] UV lamp module (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the non-conductive liquid (100) is selected from highly refined mineral oils, silicone oils and synthetic ester or ether compounds. [7] UV lamp module (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the cladding tube (5) is a double-walled cladding tube (5) or the UV lamp module (10) has a second cladding tube in which the first cladding tube (5) is arranged. [8] UV lamp module (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat the electrical connection - is formed by an electrical connection device (7) which is arranged on the head part (3) of the discharge body (2) of the UV radiation source (1), and that a terminal base (4) is present at an end of the discharge body (2) facing away from the head part (3), or - is formed by a connection base (3') present at the second end of the discharge body (2), which has an electrical connection device (7), and an electrical connection device (7) present on the head part (3). [9] UV lamp module (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the discharge body (2) is U-shaped and the head part (3) is arranged on the two ends of the U-shape and forms the electrical connection by at least one connection device (7) on the head part (3). [10] UV lamp module (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized bythat the UV radiation source (1) has at least one mechanical connection device (9) for connecting - the headboard (3) or - the headboard (3) and the end base (4) or - the head part (3) and the connection base (3') each having a holder (14). [11] UV lamp module (10) according to at least one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by that at least one electrical connection device (7) - extends from the connection base (3') along the UV radiation source (1) towards the head part (3), or - the closure device forming the closed end of the cladding tube (5) is formed by the connection base (3') alone or in combination with a sealing means (17). [12] UV disinfection device (110) with an irradiation chamber (S) and at least one UV lamp module with an emission spectrum suitable for disinfection, characterized bythat the UV lamp module is a UV lamp module (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 11.

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