Pulsed light disinfection

Biological decontamination using pulsed light appeared in the 1970s in Japan.

The first patent was filed in 1984 by Hiramoto, who worked on the use of xenon lamps.

Since the late 1980s, numerous studies have been conducted to demonstrate the germicidal effect of pulsed light on a wide range of products: packaging, fruit, vegetables, medical equipment, etc.

Disinfection by pulsed light : flash

The action of pulsed light

Pulsed light treatment is an innovative athermic and ecological process of surface disinfection which uses pulsed power technology to inactivate microorganisms by subjecting them to intense broad spectrum white light flashes for very short times (10- 6 to 10-1 second) produced by an arc lamp.

Each flash delivers an energy of a few joules per cm2. The energy per flash and the number of flashes determine the antimicrobial effect of the treatment.

In this process, the lamp used emits pulses of light with wavelengths between the ultraviolet and the near infrared : about 20% of Ultraviolets (UV from 180 to 380 nm), 30% of visible light (380 at 700 nm) and 50% of infrared (700 at 1100 nm).

The wavelength spectrum of the light emitted by the pulsed light process is 20,000 times more intense than the light emitted by the sun on the earth’s surface.

Continuous UV treatment is an athermal, non-chemical method used for disinfecting water and effluents, can also be used for surface treatment and air with relatively low microbial load.

A UV lamp is protected by a quartz sheath. This sheath contains mercury and an inert gas, usually argon.

The electrical energy supplied ionizes the mercury vapors to an energy level which generates UV radiation.

The bactericidal effect is the result of photochemical reactions. Ultraviolet rays are invisible light rays for humans. Short wavelengths are the most energetic and have the particularity of destroying protein structures such as DNA contained in the cells of microorganisms.

This effect destroys the cells of microorganisms and prevents their replication.


Clean technology

The technology using pulsed light is called “clean technology”.

Pulsed light : a clean disinfection technology

We focus on a rational use of natural resources, energy, water, raw materials with a view to significantly improving efficiency and productivity.

Our desire is accompanied by a systematic reduction in the induced toxicity and the volume of waste, and ensures a performance identical to or superior to existing technologies.

Disinfection by pulsed light does not generate any waste unlike chemical disinfection (wipes, containers, etc.).

Our pulsed light disinfection machines do not generate any by-products or persistence.


Effective products

Sanodev has developed and marketed two product lines using pulsed light technology for disinfection : AgroClean Light and LP.Box.

AgroClean Light :

Agro Clean Light Sanodev Pulsed Light Disinfection
AgroClean Light : Pulsed Light Disinfection

The agricultural sector is known to be one of the most consumers of phytosanitary products or pesticides.

If we take the example of the apple, more than 200 products are likely to be found on the fruits consumed.

The regulated end of glyphosate will be effective in 2021 and, in general, the policies adopted tend to reduce pesticides. Producers therefore need alternative solutions.

Also, we have developed Agro Clean Light, a post-harvest treatment that destroys germs using pulsed light technology.

LP.Box :

The LP.Box is a compact and ergonomic machine, in “desktop” format.

LP.Bpx : Pulsed Light Disinfection

It allows disinfection of surfaces, liquids or products by eliminating the pathogens present.

The LP.Box has been tested on several strains such as Escherichia Coli, Bacillus subtilis or Aspergillus niger.

It also makes it possible to degrade phytotoxins, mycotoxins, alkaloids, phytosanitary and medicinal residues but also to decontaminate containers or samples.

Completely secure for the user, it does not require training.

The LP.Box can meet a wide variety of needs.

LP.Box is adapted to hospitals, home help services, nursing homes, local shops, health professionals, postal and shipping services, etc.

We disinfect objects as varied as keys, smartphones, medical equipment (endoscope, stethoscope, etc.), packaging, mail, jars and food containers.

The LP.Box can be used to disinfect a very wide range of products. It can also be coupled to a conveyor and thus generate a continuous disinfection circuit.