Everything you need to know about water treatment with ultraviolet rays

Water treatment with ultraviolet rays is one of the most effective water treatment methods for disinfection. UV sterilizers work quickly to target and stabilize all biological impurities present in the water. No additional chemicals are needed, thus saving costs, including eliminating the risk of overdose.

Once the sterilization process is complete, up to 99% of germs will be killed in less than 10 seconds of exposure to UV light. Ease of installation and lack of change in pH, taste, and other elements of the water give UV water treatment its respected reputation.

Before purchasing a UV water sterilization system it is important to understand that UV light destroys 99.99% of waterborne microbes such as viruses and bacteria. But UV rays do not treat contaminants such as heavy metals, salts, chlorine, pesticides, arsenic, rust, petroleum products, or pharmaceuticals. Other filtration methods or an integrated UV system with UV rays should be used to ensure all contaminants are removed from the water.

How to choose the right UV sterilizer

To provide peace of mind and daily protection from microbiological contamination of water, it is important to select the appropriately sized UV curing system. Therefore, our Carewater experts provide answers to all your inquiries to provide all appropriate solutions.

Space requirements for water treatment with ultraviolet rays system

The space requirement in UV sterilization systems is generally very small. That’s why they’re easy to install in most applications. If a water softener and other pretreatment are installed with a UV filtration system, more space will be needed. UV systems are usually installed vertically, but can also be installed horizontally.

When determining the space needed to install the UV system be sure to allow for at least doubling the dimensions of the UV system so that there is plenty of space to replace the bulb and cover. Also, consider the space needed for any pre-filtration systems.

How a UV water treatment device works

A UV water sterilizer exposes organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or cysts (such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia) to a germicidal UV wavelength. With sufficient energy, UV radiation at a wavelength of 254 nanometers disrupts the DNA in disease-causing microorganisms so that they cannot reproduce. UV rays prevent bacteria from spreading disease through drinking water.

UV dose is a measurement of the energy (in mJ/cm²) delivered by a UV water purifier. The higher the dose provided, the more energy is provided to treat the contaminated water. This energy becomes sufficient to a certain extent to inactivate most microorganisms present in the water.

What does UV disinfection remove?

UV disinfection inactivates organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, spores, and cysts, but it does not remove particles from water, add chemicals, or eliminate unpleasant tastes and odors.

UV disinfection treats water to:

• Cryptosporidium
• Giardia
• Dysentery bacilli
• Salmonella
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Streptococcus and coli bacteria
• Hepatitis B
• cholera
• Algae
• Fungi
• Some viruses

Components of a UV water sterilizer?

The UV water purifier includes a quartz casing chamber and a UV lamp. The quartz glass housing holds a UV lamp that emits germicidal (UV-C) radiation to deactivate organisms. Quartz glass shell is transparent to UV rays, allowing UV rays to penetrate the glass and disinfect the water. The quartz housing protects the UV lamp from water because water and electricity do not mix well. One or two rings seal the entire system together.

UV lamp

UV lamps work on mercury vapor. Mercury vapor is loaded into a UV lamp in the form of small beads. The mercury vapor generated by these beads powers the lamp. Sometimes, you may see the beads rolling around in the lamp.

Safety of water treatment with ultraviolet rays?

UV water treatment is safe. It does not use harmful chemicals or change the composition of the water. The UV sterilizer uses ultraviolet light for disinfection. Ultraviolet light is as harmful to humans as it is to microorganisms. However, you are not at risk of exposure unless you touch or look at the UV bulb while it is running.

Chlorine therapy is an alternative to UV light, but UVB therapy is safer. UV light treats the water of protozoa that chlorine disinfection cannot remove. The UV system is much easier to maintain and safer to use than chemical disinfectants. Chlorination of water requires a holding tank, syringes, and fine solutions. Many wastewater treatment plants now use UV water filtration to eliminate harmful chemical products in the water resulting from chlorine or chloramine treatment.

Effectiveness of water treatment systems with ultraviolet rays

UV systems are effective in inactivating 99.99% of organisms in the water. They are designed to operate continuously to ensure that the water you use is always safe. Since the UV purifier is not a filter, there is no wastewater or debris left to clean. Every drop of water that enters the UV system is purified.

UV water purifiers vs water filters

Unlike water filters, a UV water purifier does not remove particles from the water. Reverse osmosis systems, ultrafiltration systems, carbon filters, and ceramic filters separate contaminants from the water through the tiny pores of the filter or membrane. UV treatment purifies water by exposing organisms to ultraviolet light but does not filter it. Water filters do not remove bacteria and viruses as effectively as UV systems. UV disinfection works in conjunction with water filtration systems to provide clean water.

Advantages of water treatment with ultraviolet rays

UV water purifiers offer several benefits compared to chemical sterilization:

• Inactivates bacteria and viruses. When exposed to ultraviolet radiation, bacteria, and viruses are no longer able to reproduce.
• Disinfects Without Chemicals The UV wavelength does not leave byproducts in the water as chemical disinfectants do.
• Adding no taste or odors, UV disinfection does not chemically alter the water in any way, shape, or form.
• Easy to Maintain Annual UV lamp replacement is one of the most common maintenance needs.
• No water wastage The UV curing process does not flush any water down the drain.

Disadvantages of UV water purifier

Despite the many advantages that UV water purifiers have, there are some disadvantages compared to other treatment methods, such as:

• It does not remove contaminants, UV rays only inactivate organisms, so the system needs pre-filtration to remove loose particles.
• When you don’t have running water and are in a room, the UV lamp heats the water.
• Does not operate during a power outage, the UV system requires electricity to operate.