Harnessing the power of the sun.

Many years of research have proved that the most effective alternative water disinfection process available is ultraviolet light (UV). UV disinfection mimics the sun's natural behavior: that is, ultraviolet energy destroys the ability of dangerous microorganisms to multiply, rendering them harmless to humans and the environment.

Ultraviolet light is a natural component of the electromagnetic spectrum. It falls to the left of visible light with higher energy levels and wavelengths between 100 and 400 nm. One of the most effective wavelengths and the one most often used for disinfection is at 254 nm.

                  

Ultraviolet water treatment systems kill bacteria in water. Micro organisms including bacteria, viruses and cysts are all around us naturally. Many are harmless but exposure to "bad" ones can cause severe illness particularly in the elderly and very young.

UV treatment is one of the safest ways to disinfect water as the rays are a natural component of sunlight. The principle is that water flows through a transparent quarz glass tube which is irradiated by strong UV light. No chemicals are added so there is no danger from overdosing or creating a bad taste.

  UV units

UV UNIT SIZING

The UV unit must be dimensioned for the maximum possible flow rate of water.

The longer the exposure, i.e. travel time of the water through the tube, the more effective the sterilisation. If the unit is under-dimensioned, the flow-rate through the tube will be faster, the exposure shorter and the effectivity prejudiced (this is why your doctor tells you to limit your sunbathing). The maximum occupancy must be taken as the guideline for sizing the unit.

Failure to do this will result in the unit not being effective when the greatest number of people are using the water e.g. parties, Christmas etc.

Synergy Boreholes and Systems Ltd. use a range of professional grade UV units depending upon the application, for example.

ITT-Wedeco units are at the forefront of UV technology, backed up by the resources of the ITT multinational group. The Aquada UV system for the disinfection of drinking water does not use any more energy than a standard bulb (35 - 85 Watts) for 1-12 cubic metres per hour throughput. The AQUADA range comes in different degrees of sophistication with the following high level features.

Micro-computer controller
Audible and visual alarm buzzer
Digital lamp life display
Push Button alarm/computer reset
Power connection for optional automatic
UV intensity monitor.
Digital UV intensity display

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