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Proper Installation and Use of Medium-Pressure UV Sterilizers

2021-03-30

Proper Installation and Use of Medium-Pressure UV Sterilizers

The medium-pressure ultraviolet sterilizer is an installation that uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses in water and air. It boasts a rapid sterilization rate—most bacteria and viruses can be effectively sterilized within one second—and achieves a sterilization efficiency of up to 99.9%. It is currently the most popular sterilization and disinfection method, offering zero secondary pollution, and has thus garnered widespread attention from users.

The UV dose is a direct factor influencing disinfection effectiveness. It is equal to the product of the UV light intensity and the contact time. Under the same UV light intensity conditions, the contact time determines the UV dose. In large-scale wastewater treatment plants, due to the large water volume, it is difficult to ensure an adequate contact time; therefore, the efficiency of UV disinfection is lower than that in smaller facilities.


  I. Key Points for Construction and Installation
  1. It is not advisable to install the UV sterilizer directly adjacent to the outlet pipe of the pump, as this could lead to “water hammer” when the pump stops, potentially damaging both the quartz glass tube and the UV lamp. Note: Water hammer occurs when there’s a sudden power outage or when a valve is closed too quickly. Due to the inertia of the pressurized water flow, a shock wave is generated, much like the impact of a hammer—hence the term “water hammer.”
  2. It should be installed according to the direction of the inlet and outlet.
  3. A foundation higher than the ground level should be provided. When a foundation is present, it generally rises 30–50 cm above ground level (for large-scale sterilizers); when no foundation is provided, a support frame is typically installed (for small-scale sterilizers).
  4. The sterilizer, along with its connecting pipes and valves, shall be securely fixed. The ultraviolet sterilizer must not bear the weight of the pipes or accessories.
  5. The installation of the ultraviolet disinfection unit should facilitate easy disassembly, inspection, and maintenance. All pipe connections must use materials that do not compromise water quality or hygiene.
  6. When installing the UV disinfection unit, a space of at least 1 meter must be left on either side.
  7. If the disinfection equipment is not used for an extended period, please store it in a dry, rainproof location. (Recommendation: Periodically power on the equipment and run it for a short time to prevent deterioration of parts and lamp life.)


  II. Usage and Maintenance Instructions
  1. While the sterilizer is in operation, do not look directly at the UV lamp with your eyes.
  2. If straight-line installation is required, adopt a low-inlet, high-outlet installation method to slow down the water flow and enhance the effectiveness of UV irradiation.
  3. When the fixture is left open, repeatedly turning it on and off will significantly shorten the lifespan of the lamp tube.
  4. If the water flow rate is too high, please install a flow restrictor and a pressure relief device.
  5. When the water pressure exceeds 3 kg, please install a check valve at the outlet to protect the quartz sleeve.
  6. When used in conjunction with a normally closed solenoid valve, please install the solenoid valve at the water inlet.
  7. If the turbidity of the raw water exceeds 5 NTU, a pre-filter must be installed to ensure the effectiveness of UV disinfection.
  8. Every two to three months of use, remove the quartz sleeve from the UV sterilization lamp and inspect its exterior for any signs of scaling. This will help you determine when to clean the exterior of the quartz sleeve next time.

Features of Medium-Pressure UV Disinfectors:

1. Accelerate the growth rate of cultured populations, enhance the health level of both larvae and cultured populations, and produce healthy larvae and healthy adult organisms.

2. Freshwater, seawater, or other water bodies treated by an ultraviolet water disinfection system exhibit high removal rates for various bacteria and viruses. The cost per ton of water treated ranges from 0.4 to 1 Chinese cent (depending on the cleanliness of the water body).

3. Without altering the original ingredients, color, or flavor of various beverages and other liquid foods, it achieves a high removal rate of pathogenic organisms such as bacteria.

4. Adding ultraviolet disinfection to the end-use water supply can meet the standards for directly potable water.

5. Before UV disinfection, treat swimming pool water with a preliminary disinfection step; this reduces the residual chlorine level in the water to 0.5 mg/L while maintaining a high removal rate for bacteria and viruses.

6. For disinfection of municipal wastewater, the Escherichia coli count should be below 20 per 100 ml, and the total bacterial count should be reduced to below 200 per 100 ml.