UV Light Sterilization

UV light sterilization is the process of killing all forms of microbial water contaminants by zapping them with UV light. Typical microbial contaminants are things such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, spores, mold, and infectious proteins such as prions. The way this occurs in UV light sterilization is that ultra violet light irradiates water that is flowing through what is referred to as a flow chamber. The ultraviolet lights change the form of the nucleic acid in the microbial contaminants such that they cannot reproduce and therefore die. Using UV light to radiate microorganisms alter their DNA (nucleic acid) and therefore kill them. UL light sterilization has been known about for over a century. The formal name for this process is ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). UVGI uses a short wavelength ultraviolet radiation known as UV-C to accomplish its function. As a result it kills all the microorganisms such as pathogens viruses and spores.

UV Light Sterilization: Three types

The UV light is much more intense than sunlight and kills the free-floating microscopic waterborne pathogens There are three types of UV sterilizers. First is tray type. Second is to tube type–wet bulb (non-Quartz lined) and the third is tube type dry bulb (quarts lined). Tray type UV light sterilization means that UV bulbs are suspended in a reflecting fixture over a shallow tray of slow flowing water. The tube type wet bulb (non-Quartz) makes the water flow past the UV-C rays which are in a fluorescent tube. Doing the UV light sterilization this way means that water is exposed to the sterilization from all sides. The tube type dry bulb is similar to wet bulb except that the UV tube is surrounded by a Quartz tube. This last type is the most expensive, the safest (no electrical shocks), and the most widely used.

UV light sterilization occurs best when water flows past the UV light at the proper speed, the light is not blocked due to buildup of deposits or bacterial slime on the bulb (which reduces irradiation) or fading of the light due to declining bulb power. Many UV light manufacturers have a sensor which monitors and makes sure bulb power does not fall below a specified minimum amount.. UV-C light does not penetrate deeply into water so UV light sterilization manufacturers typically position the UV lamps close to the water

UV Light Sterilization: Combine with Water Filters

UV light sterilization has been known about for nearly 100 years and its benefits are indisputable. This type of UV disinfection is inexpensive and efficient. However it does not remove chemicals such as chlorine or trace metals such as calcium and magnesium. UV light sterilization kills microorganisms and water filtration takes care of the rest. Together they are a potent combination against virtually any type of water impurity. UV lights have a natural home in well water and private water applications due to their ability to sterilize micro bacterial organisms. Municipal water systems would have already treated for some of these and would also have added disinfectants such as chlorine to the water to keep the water safe from the treatment plant to your home. Typical bulb life is approximately 6 months

UV light sterilization has many applications in both home and commercial settings. Combine its strengths with the strengths of water filtration and you will have a winning combination.