Electrodeless Source of UV Radiation Based on Low-Pressure Microwave Mercury Discharge

Abstract

An experimental study of the radiation, temperature, and electrical parameters of an electrodeless UV source with two mercury-argon (рAr ≈ 7.5∙10–1 Torr, рHg ≈ 0.01–0.06 Torr) quartz lamps based on a coaxial microwave discharge has been carried out. The design of a germicidal (185–280) nm spectral range UV irradiator with its disinfection of the air-aqueous environment and its main parameters are proposed. A magnetron for household microwave ovens (2.45 GHz, 1 kW) was used as a source of microwave radiation. The maximum UV radiation flux (87.2 W) was achieved at the power consumed by the magnetron from the mains Pel = 687 W. It has been established that with water cooled burners (twater = 15 °C), the power range of Pel, at which the maximum energy efficiency of the lamp and irradiator is achieved, in the indicated wavelength range is wider (up to 13 %) in range (490–720) W, than with air (tair = 23 °C) cooling with power range (490–550) W.