Short-wave ultraviolet radiation, in the "C" band (200 to 280 nanometers) has been used for over 100 years. UV-C (UVC) is also referred to as UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation). UVC penetrates the outer structure of the cell and alters the DNA molecule, preventing replication and causing cell death.

History of UVC

UV light in the form of germicidal lamps has been used since the late 1800s to kill the types of microorganisms that typically cause indoor air quality (IAQ) problems -- bacteria, mold, yeast, and viruses.

In the 1930's, Westinghouse Electric Company R&D engineers and scientists developed and patented the first commercially available ultraviolet lamps.  Luis Veloz, an engineer at Westinghouse, searched to find markets for the new and exciting technology and, in 1949, purchased a Westinghouse ultraviolet lamp dealership.  He subsequently formed AQUAFINE Corporation to focus on the disinfection of water.

  The first products were simple compared to modern-day technology, but they were very effective and initially were sold in conjunction with water filters to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to disinfect surface drinking water sources used by Arizona agricultural workers.

  Luis Veloz recognized other significant market opportunities and began applying his ultraviolet products to the cottage cheese processing industry, fruit drink market, beverage bottlers, ice cream processing centers, and bakeries.  The company continued to refine its product line while dominating many market segments.

  Tom Veloz joined his father in 1962 after graduating from U.S.C. Shortly thereafter, the company enjoyed its greatest growth due to the semi-conductor industry in the Silicon Valley.  Microprocessor chip processing demands a tremendous volume of high-purity water which must be free of any microbiological contamination. This was a natural fit for the company and propelled it into international distribution.

  In the late 1980's, a global marketing company approached Tom Veloz seeking assistance and a partner to help in developing and manufacturing a UV drinking water disinfection system for a proposed health effects consumer appliance for an overseas market. After almost four years and hundreds of evolving prototypes, extensive testing and product certification, Aquafine was awarded the contract to produce the UV sub-assembly for the newly developed consumer drinking water appliance.

  Tom Veloz separated the two companies, incorporated UltraViolet Devices, Inc. (UVDI) in 1992 and moved the high volume consumer identified manufacturing and support operation to a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

  Sales of this consumer drinking water appliance flourished, and UVDI responded by meeting demand, maintaining high levels of quality and driving continuous improvement into the product.