16 Watt Ultraviolet (UV) Sterilizer

Description

Ultraviolet (UV) Sterilizer

Ultraviolet or UV disinfection or purification are used in water treatment and is a highly effective means of neutralizing microbes and prolong the life of water without the use of chemicals. Ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate harmful pathogens in water and destroy illness-causing microorganisms by attacking their genetic core (DNA), this is extremely efficient in eliminating their ability to reproduce. If you are on a private water supply, it is your responsibility to ensure your water’s safety. An Ultraviolet Sterilizer kills the bacteria and microorganisms that can infest water after is has been treated.

Installing a UV system on a municipal water supply provides peace of mind when aging municipal infrastructure fails. Aging infrastructure in many cities can lead to an increase in possible contamination. Ultraviolet technology can give peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected from many of the culprits of water contamination. A UV water purification system effectively destroys 99.9% of waterborne microorganisms.

While there are many advantages of UV water treatment, some attention must be paid to the challenges it poses.

Factors that may influence the UV Sterilizer’s effectiveness

• Size and type of organism: Theoretically UV radiation can kill viruses, bacteria, algae, and protozoa. In general, larger organisms, such as protozoa, require a higher dose of UV radiation than smaller organisms, such as bacteria. But there are also differences between various organisms of the same type: some bacteria are more resistant to UV radiation than others.
• Power of bulb: The amount of UV light produced by the bulb is indicated as the wattage of the bulb. Bulbs with a higher wattage produce more UV light. The ability of the germicidal fluorescent lamp to produce UV light decreases with age, and in most cases, the bulb needs replacement every 12 months.
• UV penetration: If the UV light can not penetrate the water, it will not be effective. Higher water turbidity will decrease penetration. UV sterilizers should be placed after the biological and mechanical filters so the water is as clear as possible when it enters the sterilizer. An additional small sediment filter before the UV sterilizer is also recommended if there are any doubts about suspended particles being present in the water. Finally, cleanliness of the lamp or sleeve is important. If a film or mineral deposit covers the lamp or sleeve, the light will be partially or totally blocked.
• Contact time: The longer the amount of time the water is being exposed to the UV light, the more killing power is available. The contact time, sometimes referred to as “dwell time,” is influenced by the flow rate of the water: slower flow rates increase contact time. The length of the bulb also affects the contact time; with a longer bulb, the water is in contact with the UV light for a longer period of time.

Most Ultraviolet water treatment systems require only an annual change of lamp, as simple as changing a light bulb and a periodic change of a filter cartridge that protects the lamp. Although the initial cost of some UV applications are a bit more than chlorination, the low operating costs make it pay for itself in no time.

Overall, UV water treatment is an outstanding way to meet your water purification needs. UV has proven to be one of the most reliable, quick, and cost-effective methods for disinfecting water at both point-of-use (kitchen tap) and point-of-entry (whole-house) applications.

Remember, water quality changes constantly, so even if your water test negative for bacteria, within 6 months the could be bacterial build up in plumbing, taps, water storage tanks and even in your borehole itself!

The UV sterilizer should be the last piece of equipment in the filtration system before the water runs to a house or is used at a tap. It should be preceded by biological and mechanical filters and any chemical filter that may be required in the system.