Harrison College, Doncaster
Leading the way in air quality for vulnerable students
A specialist college in Doncaster pilots MidthermUV air sanitisers to create a safer and healthier learning environment for students.
MT250 mobile unit installed in 40m³ classroom
The Challenge
Harrison College serves students with autism who particularly benefit from face-to-face teaching and social interaction in classrooms and common areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining safe in-person learning was critical for student wellbeing and educational outcomes.
Lockdown measures were especially challenging for these students, making it essential to find effective solutions that would allow safe continuation of in-school learning while protecting this vulnerable population from airborne pathogens.
The Solution
Three MidthermUV units were deployed: an MT250 unit in a 40m³ classroom (achieving 6 air changes per hour) and MT750 units in larger 250m³ teaching areas. The units continuously draw room air through sealed chambers where UV-C light neutralises airborne pathogens before returning clean air to the space.
Effectiveness was measured using a Microbio MB1 Air sampler. 1000-litre air samples were passed over agar plates, incubated at 37°C for 48 hours, and Colony Forming Units (CFU) were counted to quantify bacterial levels before and after UV-C treatment.
Results & Impact
63-85% Bacterial Reduction
Small classroom (MT250): Initial 63% reduction in bacteria levels (623 cfu/m³ → 230 cfu/m³), increasing to 80% after extended operation. Large room (MT750): 85% bacterial reduction achieved.
Safe Learning Environment
The installation enabled the college to maintain in-person teaching, providing critical face-to-face interaction for students with autism.
Student Engagement
Students actively participated in air sampling demonstrations, gaining hands-on understanding of air quality science and technology.
Energy Efficient
Unlike ventilation systems that increase heating costs, UV-C air purification maintains air quality without excessive energy consumption.
"It's an absolute privilege to be chosen for trials which could completely transform the way we live in the future. The results were spectacular and it gives us such a feeling of security knowing that we must be the safest college in the county for air quality."
Gemma Peebles
Principal and CEO, Harrison College
How It Works
MidthermUV air sanitisers use germicidal UV-C light (254nm wavelength) to neutralise airborne threats. Room air is continuously drawn into the unit, exposed to UV-C light in a fully enclosed chamber, and returned to the space as clean air.
This continuous recycling process achieves multiple air changes per hour, treating the entire room volume and maintaining consistently high air quality. The UV-C light is completely contained within the unit, ensuring safe operation in occupied spaces.
Testing used petri dishes with agar gel to measure airborne microbes before and after UV-C treatment. These microbes serve as a proxy for viruses, as they are typically harder to eliminate - demonstrating the system's effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens.
Key Takeaways
Protecting Vulnerable Populations
UV-C air purification provides an effective layer of protection for students with special needs who benefit most from in-person learning environments.
Proven Laboratory Results
Scientific testing confirmed the technology's ability to eliminate bacteria and deactivate airborne viruses, providing measurable improvements in air quality.
Cost-Effective Operation
Unlike ventilation systems that increase heating costs, UV-C air purification maintains indoor air quality without excessive energy consumption or heat loss.
Educational Value
The installation provided hands-on learning opportunities for students to understand air quality science and pathogen control technology.
Products Featured in This Study
MT500/750 Mobile Unit
Portable freestanding UV-C air purifier with wheels for flexible placement. Ideal for classrooms and multi-purpose spaces.
Capacity
500-750 m³/hr
Sound Level
35-50 dB
Room Coverage
Up to 125 m²
Type
Freestanding
MT250 Wall-Mounted Unit
Compact wall-mounted UV-C air purifier with F7 filtration. Perfect for smaller classrooms and offices.
Capacity
250 m³/hr
Sound Level
35-50 dB
Room Coverage
Up to 42 m²
Type
Wall-Mounted
Protect Your Educational Facility
Learn how MidthermUV air purification systems can create safer learning environments for your students and staff.