Solar Light PMA2122 UVC Germicidal Radiometer
| Brand | Solar Light |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | PMA2122 |
| Spectral Response | 249–261 nm |
| Angular Response | ±5% up to 60° from normal |
| Measurement Range | 0.01–2000 µW/cm² (0.1–20,000 mW/m²) |
| Display Resolution | 0.01 µW/cm² / 0.1 mW/m² |
| Operating Temperature | 0–50 °C (non-condensing) |
| Temperature Coefficient | ±1 %/°C (for solar-weighted irradiance) |
| Cable | Retractable 0.3–1.5 m |
| Dimensions | Ø40.6 mm × H45.8 mm |
| Weight | 200 g |
| Calibration | NIST-traceable |
Overview
The Solar Light PMA2122 UVC Germicidal Radiometer is a precision optical instrument engineered for quantitative measurement of germicidal ultraviolet radiation at the 253.7 nm mercury emission line—the internationally recognized benchmark wavelength for UV-C disinfection efficacy. Based on photodiode detection with a narrowband interference filter and cosine-corrected diffuser, the PMA2122 delivers high-fidelity radiometric response strictly confined to the 249–261 nm spectral band. This targeted spectral selectivity ensures immunity to visible light, near-UV (UVA/UVB), and infrared interference—critical for accurate dose assessment in real-world UV lamp validation, water treatment monitoring, and air sterilization system commissioning. Unlike broadband UV meters, the PMA2122 adheres to the ISO 15714:2021 and CIE S 019/E:2020 definitions of effective germicidal irradiance (Eeff), enabling traceable, repeatable quantification of biologically weighted UV fluence rate (µW/cm²) required for regulatory compliance and process validation.
Key Features
- NIST-traceable calibration: Each unit ships with a certificate documenting calibration against primary standards at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ensuring metrological integrity across laboratory, pilot-scale, and full-scale industrial deployments.
- Cosine-corrected angular response: Optimized diffuser geometry maintains ±5% deviation from ideal Lambertian response up to 60° incidence angle—essential for accurate integration of irradiance from non-normal or spatially distributed UV sources such as low-pressure mercury lamps and UV-LED arrays.
- High dynamic range & stability: A 2 × 10⁵ linear dynamic range supports measurements from low-intensity aging lamp diagnostics (0.01 µW/cm²) to high-output multi-lamp reactors (2000 µW/cm²), with long-term drift <0.5% per year under routine handling and storage conditions.
- Field-deployable form factor: Compact cylindrical housing (Ø40.6 mm × 45.8 mm), lightweight (200 g), and IP54-rated ingress protection enable handheld operation in humid or chemically aggressive environments—including wet benches, UV reactor chambers, and HVAC ductwork.
- Multi-unit display options: Simultaneous readout in µW/cm² and mW/m² eliminates manual unit conversion errors during cross-system reporting or regulatory documentation (e.g., US EPA UV Disinfection Guidance Manual, NSF/ANSI 55).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PMA2122 is validated for direct irradiance measurement of low-pressure mercury vapor lamps (253.7 nm dominant), amalgam lamps, and emerging UV-C LED sources emitting within its 249–261 nm passband. It is routinely deployed in applications governed by ASTM E3135–21 (Standard Practice for UV Dose Determination in Water Treatment), ISO 19930:2017 (UV water treatment systems – Performance testing), and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data logging configurations when paired with Solar Light’s optional PMA2100 interface module. Its NIST-traceable calibration supports GLP/GMP audit readiness and satisfies third-party verification requirements for municipal water utilities and pharmaceutical cleanroom HVAC validation protocols.
Software & Data Management
While the PMA2122 operates as a standalone analog meter with digital LCD readout, it is fully compatible with Solar Light’s PMA2100 Data Acquisition Interface for PC-based logging, real-time graphing, and automated report generation. When connected via USB, the system records timestamped irradiance values at user-defined intervals (1 Hz to 1 sample/hour), applies temperature compensation algorithms per manufacturer specifications, and exports CSV or Excel-compatible files. All acquired datasets retain full metadata—including serial number, calibration date, operator ID, and environmental notes—enabling full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when configured with electronic signatures and audit trail activation.
Applications
- Drinking water & wastewater treatment plants: Routine verification of UV lamp output degradation, validation of hydraulic residence time vs. delivered fluence, and troubleshooting of quartz sleeve fouling or lamp alignment issues.
- Pharmaceutical & biotech manufacturing: Qualification of UV sterilization tunnels, laminar flow hoods, and purified water (PW) loop sanitization cycles per USP and EU GMP Annex 1.
- Healthcare facility engineering: Commissioning and maintenance of upper-room UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) systems and HVAC coil irradiation units.
- Research & development laboratories: Characterization of novel UV-C emitters (e.g., KrCl excimer, AlGaN LEDs), dose-response studies of pathogen inactivation kinetics, and inter-laboratory round-robin testing under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation frameworks.
FAQ
Is the PMA2122 suitable for measuring UV-C LEDs?
Yes—provided the LED peak emission falls within the 249–261 nm band and spectral width does not exceed ±5 nm FWHM. For broader-spectrum or deep-UV (<240 nm) sources, consult Solar Light’s application engineering team for spectral mismatch correction factors.
How often should the sensor be recalibrated?
Annual recalibration is recommended for critical compliance applications; biennial recalibration is acceptable for routine maintenance where historical stability data support extended intervals.
Can the PMA2122 be used underwater or in condensing environments?
No—the instrument is rated IP54 (dust-protected, splash-resistant only). For submerged or high-humidity continuous monitoring, Solar Light offers the PMA2122-WP variant with hermetically sealed housing and marine-grade cable.
Does the unit include temperature compensation for UV-C measurements?
Yes—built-in thermistor enables automatic correction per the documented ±1 %/°C coefficient for irradiance readings, referenced to 25 °C ambient baseline.
