Everything To Know About UV Systems For Water Treatment
UV disinfection technology is an extremely effective way to combat microbial contamination in water. This system is used for many different applications ranging from the purification of drinking water in individual homes to disinfecting the entire town's water supply and industrial wastewater treatment. The UV systems for water treatment systems are recognized as the safest and most cost-effective way to disinfect water.
This technology uses ultraviolet light of wavelength 253.7 nanometers to disinfect viruses, bacteria, molds, algae, and other microorganisms. This UV light destroys these microorganisms' DNA, leaving them dead and unable to grow further. This technology is used for many applications where microbial-free, safe, and pure water is required and where there is a chance of contamination before it reaches the final point of use. This can be used for water process disinfection, drinking water disinfection, wastewater disinfection, and surface disinfection. It can also be used for TOC removal and ozone destruction.
How Does The System Work?
The UV light in the UV systems for water treatment systems disinfects the water by penetrating microorganisms and destroying their DNA, which plays an important role in the organisms' functions and reproduction. UV light destroys the DNA and prevents the microorganisms from being active and multiplying. The wavelength of this UV light is the same as that found in sunlight in very small quantities. The energy can be produced at stronger intensities with the help of high mercury discharge lamps known as UV lamps. When exposed to the correct dose of UV light, bacteria, viruses, molds, and spores cannot survive. Hence, it is considered the best solution for water sterilization.
Ultraviolet light deactivates living organisms but does not remove particles from water, add chemicals, or remove bad tastes and odors. However, it can treat organisms like algae, Salmonella, Giardia, fungi, E. coli, Cryptosporidium, dysentery bacilli, Streptococcus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Hepatitis B., cholera, and some viruses.
What Is Inside A UV Water Purifier?
The UV system consists of a chamber that encases the entire system and a glass quartz sleeve which holds the UV lamp that emits a germicidal wavelength of radiation that is enough to deactivate the living organisms. The glass sleeve is transparent to the UV wavelength, thus allowing the UV light to penetrate the glass and disinfect the water. It also protects the lamp from the water. The lamps run on mercury vapor loaded into the lamp in the form of little beads. The whole system is sealed together with O-rings.
Turbulent water flow provides complete exposure of organisms to UV radiation. The water flow is parallel to the bulb, and a flow-control device prevents the water from passing too quickly past the bulb, thus ensuring appropriate radiation contact time with the flowing water. The UV housing system is made of stainless steel to protect electronic parts from corrosion. Also, all the welds in the system should be plasma-fused and purged with argon gas in order to ensure that they will be contaminant-free.
Moreover, the major difference in the different types of UV treatment units is in the capacity and optional features. Some may even be equipped with UV emission detectors that warn users when the team needs cleaning or when the light source is failing. This becomes extremely important in order to ensure a safe water supply. Also, a detector is present that emits sound or shuts off the water flow.
When To Use A UV Water System?
UV water purification is the best option if the water contains bacteria or needs additional protection in case of a natural disaster. The system keeps the water free of harmful viruses and pathogens when the water supply is compromised. You can also use a UV water purifier if you own a private well or storage tank, as the well owner is responsible for removing bacteria from the water and UV treatment is the most effective way.
Maintenance Of UV Systems
The housing for the light source must be kept clean as the UV radiation should reach the bacteria to inactivate them. Many commercial products are available for rinsing the unit to remove any film on the UV source. Also, an overnight cleaning with a solution of 0.15 percent sodium hydrosulfite or citric acid effectively removes such films. Some systems may also have wipers to aid the cleaning process. The systems are designed for continuous operations and should be shut down only if treatment is not needed for several days. Before the system is used again following shut-down, a few minutes for lamp warm-up is required. The house's plumbing system should also be thoroughly flushed after a period of no use. After the system is serviced, the entire plumbing system should be disinfected with a chemical like chlorine before using the UV system.
Bottom Line
This is everything you should know about UV water purifying systems in order to maintain their effectiveness and use it to their full potential.