As is easy to guess, the importance of water disinfection in everyday life cannot be underestimated. Access to safe drinking water is essential for everyone's health and well-being. In this article, we will outline the advantages of an ultraviolet (UV) water disinfection system, an increasingly innovative technology that has revolutionised the way we treat and consume water.
From its efficiency in eliminating bacteria and other micro-organisms to its contribution to environmental conservation, we will discover how this system benefits people and the planet.
What is a UV water disinfection system?
Before diving into the advantages of this system, it is essential to understand how it works. A UV system uses a type of ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) to disinfect water. Ultraviolet radiation is divided, according to its wavelength, into several sub-types, the three main ones being UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. UV-C radiation (wavelength between 200 and 280 nm) is the most energetic of these three and damages the DNA of micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa, preventing their reproduction and ability to cause disease.
The high germicidal power of this wavelength is explained by the configuration of DNA and the joining of its fundamental components (nucleotides). DNA is a macromolecule present in every living organism in which all the information necessary for life and reproduction resides. The alteration, induced by UV-C radiation, of certain chemical bonds between nucleotides is capable of modifying the information contained and transmitted by DNA. These changes prevent its normal activity, leading irreversibly to cell death.
A bit of history
The history of UV water disinfection systems is fascinating and shows how science and technology have evolved to provide safe drinking water. In the following, I will tell you a little bit about this history:
Beginnings of UV radiation in water disinfection
The idea of using ultraviolet (UV) radiation to disinfect water has its roots in the 20th century. In 1903, German scientists discovered that exposure to UV radiation could inactivate harmful microorganisms. However, at that time the technology was in its infancy and was not widely applied.
Development of UV-C technology
It was in the 1910s that UV-C radiation, the most effective form of UV for disinfection, was developed. This marked a turning point in water disinfection. In the 1920s UV-C lamps were used to disinfect water in treatment plants in Europe. This breakthrough allowed for more efficient and faster disinfection than traditional chemical methods.
Expansion of UV technology
As the 20th century progressed, UV-C technology spread throughout the world. It was widely used in industrial and water treatment applications. However, its adoption in domestic environments was slower due to concerns about cost and complexity.
Advances in miniaturisation and efficiency
Over time, advances in UV-C technology allowed for the miniaturisation of the systems, making them more accessible for domestic use. This meant that families could install UV systems in their homes to ensure a safe drinking water supply.
Advantages of a UV water disinfection system
01: Kills 99.9% of microorganisms
Provided the system is correctly dimensioned, UV water disinfection is capable of destroying 99.9% of the micro-organisms present in the water, including viruses and pathogenic bacteria. An example of such viruses is SARS-CoV-2 (causing COVID-19), which is effectively destroyed by UV-C light.
02: Chemical-free
UV disinfection does not require chlorine or other biocides. This makes it an ideal substitute where chemicals cannot be applied, such as breweries and fish farms. The absence of chemicals also means a safer working environment and lower supply costs.
03: No internal moving parts
Most water disinfection systems have internal moving parts (e.g. dosing pumps for chemicals). Moving parts are subject to wear and tear, thus increasing the need for maintenance. UV disinfection systems have no moving parts. They are self-contained systems with a replaceable UV lamp that lasts for thousands of hours.
04: Flexible UV intensity
One of the most common mistakes in UV disinfection is the belief that a larger system is needed to treat water to a higher quality. This is not true. You need the correct disinfection dose (measured in mJ/cm²), which is determined by the UV intensity, not the size of the system. The size of the system determines the flow rate.
05: Compact systems available for the smallest spaces
UV technology is compact and non-intrusive. It can often be installed in existing treatment systems. Your system can be designed so that it does not take up space on a wall or it can be large enough to process thousands of m3/h.
06: Disinfects water with excellent efficiency
With a sufficiently powerful UV-C light source, UV water treatment systems disinfect water with extraordinary efficiency. It is possible to completely disinfect the water in a single cycle, which increases the yield and the volume treated.
07: Does not affect the colour or taste of the water
UV treatment has no effect on the pH, taste, colour or odour of the water. It does not add anything to it as chemical treatment processes do. This makes it ideal for treating drinking water as part of a single or multi-stage process.
08: Removes a wide range of organic contaminants
UV disinfection not only destroys bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms, but can also remove chlorine and ozone from water. It can also help remove TOC to obtain ultrapure water (UPW) treated to the highest level.
09: Low cost
Thanks to low energy consumption and low maintenance requirements.
UV dosing can be used as part of a multi-stage water treatment process or as a stand-alone treatment to eliminate bacteria and other micro-organisms.
Where can a UV water disinfection system be used?
The versatility of this technology is another significant advantage. UV systems can be deployed in a variety of applications, including:
Households and dwellings
A home UV system ensures safe drinking water for the whole family. It is especially beneficial in areas where water quality is questionable.
Wastewater treatment
UV systems are also used in wastewater treatment to remove micro-organisms before returning the water to the environment.
Food and beverage industries
Water disinfection is crucial in food and beverage production. A UV system is a preferred option to maintain food safety standards.
In conclusion
A UV water disinfection system offers numerous advantages, from the effective removal of microorganisms to the preservation of nutrients and environmental friendliness. Its versatility makes it suitable for a variety of applications, from household to industry. By opting for this technology, you not only ensure safe water, but also contribute to the protection of our planet.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is completely safe. UV radiation eliminates harmful micro-organisms without leaving chemical residues.
UV systems generally have a long service life (lamps last thousands of hours), but proper maintenance is important to ensure their effectiveness.
UV systems are highly effective against most micro-organisms, but some extremely resistant pathogens may require other forms of treatment.
Compared to other disinfection methods, UV systems are quite efficient in terms of energy consumption.
Additional information on UV systems and their specific applications can be obtained from specialised websites and experts in the field.
You can find more information about our ultraviolet (UV) water disinfection systems in our section.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information: info@prodos.es or in our contact form and advice.
