Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a proven means of addressing microbiologically contaminated waters. This simple and safe technology is suitable for domestic, commercial and industrial uses. However all UVs are not the same. At Clarwick we will help you get the correct UV. We have the experience and knowledge of water purification to help you select the right UV bearing in mind your water supply, the flow rate you require and the pre-treatment you may need prior to the UV.
A correctly selected Ultra Violet Steriliser will easily handle the following microbial contaminants Bacteriophage (E.Coli), Streptococcus, Salmonella, Legionella pneumophilia, Dysentary bacilli and many more.
Microorganisms encompass a wide variety of unique structures and can be put together into five basic groups.
- Bacteria
- Virus
- Fungi
- Protozoa
- Algae
The benefits of Ultra-Violet sterilisers are:
- Environmentally friendly.
- No dangerous chemicals to handle or store.
- No danger of overdosing
- Low running costs when compared to chemical treatment.
- Immediate treatment, no need for retention times and holding tanks.
- No chemicals added to the water, no change in taste, odour, pH, or conductivity.
- Easy installation.
How UV Works?:
In simple terms, a microorganism is made up of the Cell wall, Cytoplasmic membrane and the cell’s Genetic material, nucleic acid. It is this genetic material or DNA that is targeted by UV light. As the light penetrates the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane it causes a molecular rearrangement of the microorganism’s DNA and prevents it from reproducing. If the cells cannot reproduce they are considered dead.
Factors Affecting UV:
- Suspended solids – This can initiate a shielding problem in which a microbe may pass through the unit without having any direct UV penetration. This difficulty can be reduced by mechanical filtration down to at least five microns.
- Iron/Manganese – Iron will cause staining of the Quartz sleeve with levels as low as 0.03 ppm and levels of manganese should not exceed 0.05 ppm. This staining will inhibit the transmitting of UV light through the water in the chamber. If these problems occur then pre-treatment will be required.
- Calcium/Magnesium – These will cause scale to form on the quartz sleeve and will be magnified during times of low or no flow. This scale will inhibit the transmitting of UV light through the water in the chamber. If these problems are present they can be easily treated by the use of an ion exchange softener.
