PLC Intelligent Control Open-channel Wastewater Treatment UV Sterilization System

What is UV Sterilization system?

Ultraviolet or “UV” is a type of energy found in the electromagnetic spectrum, lying between x-rays and visible light. Although we cannot see UV light or rays, we are exposed to them every time we step out into the sun. In fact, UV light is responsible for causing sunburns.

UV sterilization systems use special lamps that emit UV light of a particular wavelength that have the ability, based on their length, to disrupt the DNA of micro-organisms. These UV light waves are also referred to as the Germicidal Spectrum or Frequency. The frequency used in killing micro-organisms is 254 nanometers (nm). As water passes through a UV water treatment system, living organisms in water are exposed to UV light which attacks the genetic code of the microorganism and rearranges the DNA /RNA, eliminating the microorganism's ability to function and reproduce. If a microorganism can no longer reproduce, it cannot replicate, therefore it cannot infect other organisms with which it has contact. This process of exposing water to UV light is simple but effective, destroying 99.99 percent of harmful microorganisms without adding any chemicals to water.

The part of the sterilization system

UV lamp - Low pressure amalgam UV lamp. The lamp is the low pressure high intensity UV lamp. Preheating improves the lamp lifetime. 254nm wavelength, more than 12000 hours service life. The lamp is operated and controlled by the electronic ballast of variable power output. The UV output is adjustable between 50%~100%.

UV Quartz Sleeve - The quartz sleeve of a UV system is the long, cylinder-shaped tube. The tube is made of quartz glass and is there to protect the UV lamp which is powered by electricity from the flow of water. The UV lamp transmits light through the tube into the water. It is important to clean the sleeve (generally when the lamp is changed) as minerals and contaminants in the water can cloud the glass tube.

UV Sensor - Available option on most UV systems, the UV sensor monitors and indicates the intensity of the UV light. If the intensity becomes too low, even though the lamp is on, an alarm is triggered.

Solenoid Valve - Available option on most UV systems, the solenoid valve automatically shuts the water off if the system is not functioning properly, preventing the possibility of contaminated water flowing through the system that is not treated properly.

Flow Meter - Standard on some UV systems, the flow meter calculates the actual real-time UV dose delivered for a particular flow rate, ensuring water is treated properly.

The advantages of using a UV system are many

Effective – Destroys 99.99% of microorganisms;

Chemical free – no harmful chemicals need to be added;

Environmentally Friendly –Go green! UV is an environmentally friendly alternative to chlorine disinfection and has no disinfection byproducts;

Essentially trouble-free – once installed, annual service is usually all that is required;

Reliable – works night and day, 24/7, consistently keeping water safe;

Safe – no handling of chemicals;

Cost-Effective –only lamp & sleeve replaced annually;

Clean – no dirty parts to dispose of;

Quick Process – water flows through the system without need for holding tank or reaction times;

More effective than chlorine or chloramines – especially on some water borne cysts;

Low energy usage – low electrical needs;

FDA Approved – one of only 4 methods approved for disinfection by US Food & Drug Administration (FDA);

Conserves water – The UV purification process does not waste any water;

Taste and odor – Chemical disinfection methods (such as chlorine) change the taste & odor of water and produce byproducts. UV does not.

Comparison to Other Sterilization Methods