Can You Succeed With a Single UV Disinfection Device?

by | Mar 15, 2023 | Academy, Articles, Content, Disinfection

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the limitations present when using a single UV disinfection device, discuss a proposed solution, and show how a single OhmniClean is actually the answer.

UV-C technology has a proven track record as a disinfectant, for it can eliminate a variety of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. However, when it comes to using UV-C technology for disinfection, a common question arises: Can you effectively disinfect with just a single UV disinfection device? Or do you need multiple units in order for the disinfection to be thorough?

Limitations of a Single Stationary UV Disinfection Device

Most UV-C disinfection systems utilize a single, stationary UV emitter, which presents a number of limitations. 

  1. Time Wasted on Repositioning – the stationary nature means that for an entire room to be disinfected, the unit must be frequently repositioned throughout the space. This repeated process is laborious and time-consuming.
  2. Misplacement Due to Human Error – if the operator fails to position the UV disinfection device correctly or misses an entire position, the disinfection process will be ineffective and could leave pathogens present. 
  3. Incomplete Disinfection & Shadowing — since the emitters cannot navigate around objects and barriers, the UV light could be blocked from hitting all surfaces, leading to an even-less efficient disinfection.
  4. Poor Operational Manuevarbility – stationary emitters are often heavy and bulky, which can make it difficult to maneuver into tight spaces and position in such a way that the light reaches all surfaces.

All of these factors could lead one to believe that using a single UV disinfection device is infeasible and not worth investing in.

A gif showing the effects of UV-C disinfection shadowing

Three UV Emitters to the Rescue?

In an attempt to address issues arising from using just one UV disinfection device, some companies propose that you simply need to increase the number of units used. By having multiple units, you can technically cover more area. For instance, if you have three emitters in a room, you can place them in three different locations — one by the door, one by the bathroom, one by the bed, etc. — and, ostensibly, this should provide proper coverage of UV light to achieve disinfection across all surfaces.

However, this process still presents a multitude of potential problems. For one, each UV disinfection device must be placed in the exact right spot, which, as previously noted, can be done incorrectly due to human error. And while you may have more room coverage with multiple emitters, it’s still not full room coverage, as there remain surfaces that could be missed — especially in rooms with lots of equipment that could create more instances of shadowing. Also, if rooms are particularly small, it may be difficult to fit all three emitters inside, leaving you susceptible to missed spots.

OhmniClean UV disinfection device in a hospital patient room.

Lastly, using multiple UV emitters can create problems for your staff, as wrangling and moving them from one location to another can be cumbersome, potentially wasting even more time and energy.

FAQs About Using a UV Disinfection Robot

Q: What is a UV disinfection robot?
A: A UV disinfection robot uses powerful UV-C light to destroy 99.9% of harmful pathogens without having to expose humans to any harmful chemicals.

Q: How long does it take a UV disinfection robot to clean?
A: Our OhmniClean UV disinfection robot can disinfect a typical room in less than 10 minutes. A single stationary UV emitter can take anywhere from 30-90 minutes and three stationary emitters can disinfect in roughly 20 minutes, not accounting for the time required to position them correctly.

Q: How much does a UV disinfection robot cost?
A: We offer several flexible purchasing options to fit your budgetary needs. Please contact us to get a direct quote our OhmniClean UV disinfection device.

Q: Is every UV disinfection robot autonomous?
A: No, not all UV emitters are autonomous like our OhmniClean. They require staff members to spend time repositioning them multiple times within a space to achieve thorough disinfection.

Q: Can a UV disinfection robot replace manual cleaning?
A: UV-C disinfection is intended to be used adjunctly with standard terminal cleaning, which will provide the greatest degree of protection against pathogens.

OhmniClean — Your Single UV Disinfection Device Solution

The truth is that it is possible to disinfect with a single UV disinfection device — it just needs to be autonomous. Our OhmniClean autonomous UV-C robot gives you true total room coverage and eliminates shadowing, all with just a single unit.

Being autonomous, the robot drives itself around any space, bringing the UV light up close to every surface without any repositioning needed by staff members. Coupled with its compact size and lightweight, it can easily fit into any room regardless of how small and makes transporting the unit an easy task for anyone on your team. 

With OhmniClean, you only need one UV disinfection device in a room to quickly achieve a complete and thorough disinfection.

Want to learn how a single OhmniClean unit can optimize your disinfection?

Related Articles

Newsletter sign up

OhmniClean Autonomous UV Disinfection Robot
OhmniClean Autonomous UV Disinfection Robot
OhmniClean Autonomous UV Disinfection Robot
OhmniClean Autonomous UV Disinfection Robot
OhmniClean Autonomous UV Disinfection Robot
OhmniClean Autonomous UV Disinfection Robot

The World’s Premier UV Disinfection Robot

OhmniLabs is at the forefront of designing and producing top-tier autonomous mobile robots. Our fully automated UV disinfection robot provides exceptional efficacy and cost-savings in all types of settings including offices, schools, sports stadiums, or anywhere else in need of a disinfecting robot.

Book a personalized demo to discover how our OhmniClean UV robot utilizes the power of UV-C light to eradicate harmful pathogens, bacteria, and fungi. You’ll quickly see why UV-C disinfection is the best solution to keep your facilities safe, clean, and successful.

* OhmniClean is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Why Ohmni?

“Made in the USA and shipped worldwide. Ohmni robots are reasonably priced, fast and easy to set up and use, typically within minutes. Get yours today!”
Contact Us