Uvc decontamination and detoxification device

Abstract

A device for decontamination and detoxification by emitting light flashes rich in UV radiation, particularly UVC. The device includes: a flash lamp; a reflector, preferably placed behind the flash lamp, so as to reflect the light emitted by the lamp towards an output window; and a UV detector for measuring the UV radiation emitted by the lamp.

1 . A method for destroying pathogenic agents present on the surfaces of fruits or vegetables, and notably for destroying patulin, comprising the steps of:
 causing rotation of objects to be treated through more than 360°,   subjecting surfaces of the objects thus rotated to a UVC-rich light emitted by one or more flash lamps, the energy density of the flash or flashes being such that the surfaces of the objects are exposed to an energy density of at least 1 J/cm 2  and to a power density of at least 2 kW/cm 2 , and that at least 20% of the received energy is between 200 and 315 nm.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the fruits or vegetables are apples. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the objects rest on a conveyer comprising rollers moving with the objects, the rollers being made to rotate, at least when passing under the light emission windows. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the rollers come into contact with a friction strip which causes the rollers to revolve thereon, or being fixed to toothed wheels which engage with a toothed belt or a chain extending under the emission window or windows. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein a surface which causes the rollers to rotate is stationary, in which case the rotation speed of the rollers is governed by their speed of movement. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein a surface which causes the rollers to rotate is movable. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more flash lamps are in an enclosure and the process comprises a step of absorption of oxygen by an oxygen absorber placed in the enclosure, to purge the oxygen from the air and reduce the ozone formation.