CIC Wonder Bulb

Friday, March 15, 2013

 


INTRODUCTION

 The invention of electric bulb in the 18th century itself was a great revelation in human history. Since then it has been a part and parcel of every human beings’ day to day life. At present, technology has developed up to highly energy efficient LED lamps. Meanwhile, CFL has made a comeback in the most radical manner. CIC Holdings PLC, in association with Hybrid Technologies and Orel Manufacturing introduces a CFL bulb that works as an air sanitizer, air purifier and deodorizer offering a safe and clean air without using any chemicals.

TECHNOLOGY BEHIND THE WONDER BULB

It has no electronic circuit components that are different from a common CFL. The only component used for air purification is a Nano layer of TiO2 applied on the bulbs’ surface. The mechanism behind this lamp is Photo catalytic Oxidation.

 Photo catalysis can be defined as a reaction which uses light to activate a substance, which modifies the rate of a chemical reaction without being involved itself. Photo catalyst is the substance, which can modify the rate of chemical reaction using light irradiation. Chlorophyll of plants is a typical natural photo catalyst. 




The difference between chlorophyll photo catalyst to man-made Nano semiconductor photo catalyst is, usually chlorophyll captures sunlight to turn water and Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen and Glucose, but on the contrary photo catalyst creates a strong oxidation agent and electronic holes to breakdown the organic matter to Carbon Dioxide and Water in the presence of photo catalyst, light and water.

 What is happening in the bulb….?  

Photo catalysis is achieved when UV light rays are combined with a TiO2 coated filter. TiO2 refers to Titanium Oxide.  This reaction releases electrons, or negatively charged particles. At the same time, a positively charged hole is formed in its place. The negative electrons react with oxygen to form super oxide ions which are also known as active oxygen. Super oxide ions have powerful oxidizing & sanitizing properties. The positive protons react with moisture to form hydroxyl free radicals .Both hydroxyl radicals and super-oxide ions, have highly reactive electrons. These highly reactive electrons aggressively combine with other elements in the air, such as bacteria and Volatile Organic Compounds, , which include harmful pollutants such as formaldehyde, ammonia and many other common contaminates released by building materials and household cleaners generally found in home. Once bound together, the chemical reaction takes place between the super-charged ion and the pollutant, effectively "oxidizing" (or burning) the pollutant. This breaks the pollutant down into harmless carbon dioxide and water molecules, making the air more purified.

FEATURES
  • Act as an air purifier, Air sanitizer, a healthy alternative to harmful chemical based deodorizers and prevents the spread of infectious diseases such as deadly flu viruses and bacteria.
  • Energy consumed for the air purifying process is negligible.
  • TiO2 layer is 100% transparent and causes no influence on the brightness.
  • The nano coating further reduces the emission of UV from CFL bulb.
  • Life time of lamp : 8000 hrs
  • Wattages available : 9W, 15W, 20W
  • Area of Air Purification Coverage : 
            • 9W – 60 Sqft
            • 15W- 120Sqft
            • 20W- 150Sqft
  • Emission of CO2 is minimal. (CO2emitted from a bulb that is lit for a year is less that the amount emitted by a vehicle within a minute). Thus all the byproducts are totally harmless.

STANDARDS AND TESTING

 TESTING

 To determine the effectiveness and the efficiency level of the air purification and bacteria removal features of the product, testing is carried out.
  • Open plate test inside Toilets at Ice Cream facility (Airborne Bacteria Removal Efficiency is 99.76%)

STANDARDS

 The CIC Wonder bulb has already applied for the star ratings given by the sustainable energy authority of Sri Lanka to certify the efficiency and the quality of the product. And the CIC claims their product to be having the same ratings as the other similar products in the market, as air purification feature consumes negligible amount of energy.
Apart from that the following ISO certifications have been acquired.
  • ISO 10678:2010
Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) -- Determination of photocatalytic activity of surfaces in an aqueous medium by degradation of methylene blue
  • ISO 27447:2009
Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) -- Test method for antibacterial activity of semiconducting photocatalytic materials
  • Same Sri Lankan standards including the star rating of Orange CFL bulbs are retained.

 APPLICATIONS

The CIC Wonder Bulb is also ideal for victims of allergies as it also destroys air borne allergens and irritants such as pollen, fungal spores and irritation coursing bacteria while also reducing pollution and carbon emissions to fight global warming. It also neutralizes harmful chemicals such as benzene and phthalates, which tend to be emitted from air fresheners, scented gels and aerosols, which have been linked to breathing difficulties.

The bulb is ideal for use in places with persistent odors and is a healthier alternative to harmful chemical based deodorizers. A further unique feature of the CIC Wonder bulb is that germs cannot become immune to it as its sanitizing power is much stronger than that of conventional chemical based disinfectants.

As examples it can be used in garment factories, poultry farms, hospitals and food processing places.

PIONEERS BEHIND THE WONDER BULB

 The patent rights are held by Mr.Manju Gunawardana, Research Scientist and Engineer from Hybrid Technologies.

CIC Personal in charge of the Wonder Bulb


Left – Mr. Maitry Anthony
Divisional Manager
CIC Homecare

Right-Mr. Asanka Garusinghe
Coordinator
CIC Home Care






Article By:

    • M.A.S.N. Madurawala
    • H.P.A. Praveen Amarajeewa
    • D.I. Manamperi

Posted in: