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The Application and Advantages of Ultraviolet Disinfectors in Tap Water Purification Systems

2021-03-24

The Application and Advantages of Ultraviolet Disinfectors in Tap Water Purification Systems

As a commonly used physical disinfection method, ultraviolet (UV) disinfection technology is currently widely adopted. Since the discovery of UV’s germicidal effect in the last century, and with the continuous advancement of science and technology, the share of UV disinfectors in the disinfection field has been steadily increasing. A UV sterilizer is a device that utilizes the principle of UV-based sterilization.

As we all know, the tap water we typically use looks clean, but it actually contains many bacteria that are invisible to the naked eye. Therefore, we need to take it seriously. We must recognize that bacteria are ubiquitous all around us, so any kind of bacteria could potentially be lurking in our tap water. Consequently, we need to take appropriate measures to treat it. Among the many sterilization and disinfection devices available, ultraviolet (UV) sterilizers are used more frequently.

Ultraviolet disinfection devices utilize the radiation intensity of UV lamps—specifically, the intensity of radiation emitted by the UV germicidal lamp. The effectiveness of UV disinfection is inversely proportional to the distance between the UV germicidal lamp and the disinfectant being irradiated. When the irradiation intensity remains constant, the longer the disinfectant stays under irradiation and the closer it is to the disinfection lamp, the better the disinfection effect will be—and vice versa. This equipment can be used in direct drinking water systems to achieve excellent water purification results.

Its advantages include:
1. Safe and reliable: UV disinfection boasts high inactivation efficiency against bacteria and viruses, and since no chemical agents are added, it does not cause secondary pollution to water bodies or the surrounding environment.
2. No toxic or harmful byproducts are generated: Ultraviolet light does not alter the properties of organic substances, and since no chemicals are added, no byproducts harmful to human health are produced. Furthermore, it does not increase the biological stability of the pipeline network in terms of TOC and BOD, which could otherwise pose health risks.
3. It has a special disinfecting effect on Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Conventional chlorine disinfection processes exhibit very low inactivation efficacy against Cryptosporidium and Giardia, and at higher chlorine doses, they can produce significant disinfection byproducts. In contrast, products utilizing ultraviolet (UV) disinfection can achieve higher inactivation rates for Cryptosporidium and Giardia even at lower UV doses.
4. It can reduce odors and degrade trace organic compounds. Ultraviolet light has a certain degradation capacity for various trace organic compounds in water, which can help reduce the odor and smell of the water.
5. The disinfection effect is less affected by water temperature and pH value.
 

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