Portable UV-C sterilizers for ‘anywhere protection’ | Global Sources
by Dong-Wook Park & Cecile de Veyra
Adoption of UV-C disinfection equipment has broadened from volume applications in drinking water and wastewater treatment and preventing the spread of airborne bacterial pathogens to everyday consumer products.
UV-C radiation used for sanitizing surfaces has a wavelength range of 200 to 280nm, exposure to which is said to eliminate more than 99.9 percent of the COVID-19 virus present in airborne particles and droplets. Far-UVC light’s 222nm range is powerful enough to inactivate pathogens without being harmful to the human body.
As UV-C LEDs use a single wavelength and are manufactured without mercury, they are considered relatively safe to use. These diodes are getting smaller, making them easier to embed in small devices, have a long life span and are energy-efficient, requiring no warm-up time.
In South Korea, UV-C radiation is used in cases, tumblers, phone holders and air purifiers, offering the convenience of compact designs for homes and portability for on-the-go disinfection. Such products can be used items that people use every day, such as masks, phones, wearable devices, toys, eyeglasses and bottles. Taking this further, there are manufacturers that have adopted the technology in tumblers or combine it with known air filters for products that can be used to clean the air in homes and cars.
Globally, the UV disinfection equipment market is expected to grow. Based on Allied Market Research’s projections, it will reach $5.7 billion by 2027, posting a 17.1 percent CAGR from 2020.
219x103x75.6mm compartment
Bitel Co. Ltd’s BS-600 or BECSY is a UV-C sterilizer with 275nm rays that eliminate 99.9 percent of germs in 10 minutes. With a 219x103x75.6mm compartment, it can be used on everyday items such as masks, phones, remote controls, toys, makeup tools, water bottles and baby bottles. Designed for safe and easy use, this KC- and CE-approved device does not generate ozone and automatically stops after sterilization or if the lid is accidentally opened. Its LED lamp lasts 15,000 hours. Power comes from a Li-ion battery, which supports 200 minutes of operation when fully charged for three hours via a USB-C port. This 5V, 2A unit also has aromatherapy, remote control and timer functions. Dimensions are 240x130x103mm.
80 uses on single charge
The L-S600 from Link Co. Ltd is a tumbler with a UV-C sterilization function, which provides germ-free water up to 80 times on a single charge. It emits 275nm rays for 90 seconds at a distance of 5cm and can kill 99.9 percent of germs, including E. coli and Staphylococcus. This product is made of double-walled 304 stainless steel and charges via a USB port. It comes in black (480mL) and white (350mL) variants.
Doubles as phone holder
This UV-C sterilizer and phone holder combo from Link Co. Ltd, the L-S500, can be used on phones, masks and wearable devices. Disinfection takes about six and a half minutes, with a sterilization rate of 99.9 percent. Charging is via USB.
UV-C lamp + HEPA filter
Mobistar’s Airtum is an air purifier and freshener that removes fine dust in the air with an H13-grade HEPA filter while disinfecting with a UV-C LED lamp. In a compact 250g design, it can be used in homes and vehicles. This 70x70x186mm device has dual fans with 6,500rpm speed and an aroma or an activated carbon cartridge at the base. It has a cup-holder sensor that turns off the bottom fan and increases the speed of the top fan, and an alert for filter replacement. This product, in black and white variants, has KC, CE, RoHS and FCC certifications. A premium version, with a PM 1.0 dust sensor, is also available.
USB-C connection or batteries
From Mobistar, the Dr. Capsule is a UVC-LED case for disinfecting small items, including phones, masks, makeup tools, jewelry, eyeglasses, toothbrushes, spoons and baby bottles. It comes with an optional air freshener stick in choices of lemon-lime and black cherry. This 250g device has a white ABS housing and can be plugged in using a USB-C cable or use AAA batteries. It is 203x132x69mm. Product certifications are CE, KC, FCC and RoHS. Price is $15. A premium version, with a fan and a wireless charging feature, is also available for $23. It meets KC, FCC and RoHS requirements.
