What is UV Sterilization?
The Emperor Aquatics Approach to Successful UV Sterilization
Successful ultraviolet disinfection lies in the details! Science combined with Established Engineering Guidelines. Ultraviolet Sterilization is
unmatched in its efficiency, simplicity and dependability when applied as a microorgansim disinfectant. Understanding the science (the effect that UV-C light has over
a living microorganism) is only the beginning. Learning and following the established engineering guidelines provides control and an objective... To achieve
successful germicidal disinfection.
The UV Sterilization Objective
To render unwanted or harmful waterborne microorganisms incapable of reproducing using ultraviolet light (specifically the spectral area of UV-C). Ultraviolet light
is a spectrum of light just below the range visible to the human eye (see "Light Spectrum" Chart). UV light is divided into four distinct spectral areas and they are
Vacuum UV (100-200 nm), UV-C (200-280 nm), UV-B (280-315 nm) and UV-A (315-400 nm). These spectral areas are very specific. UV-C (200-280 nm) is the most lethal range
as a germicidal disinfectant (capable of altering a living microorganism's DNA, keeping it from reproducing). UV-C, with 264 nanometers being the peak germicidal
wavelength, is known as the germicidal spectrum.
UV Sterilization Benefits & Limitations
It is critical to first identify the microorganism! Each type of microorganism requires a specific UV-C radiation exposure rate to successfully complete the
disinfection process. The targeted microorganism must be directly exposed to the UV-C radiation long enough for the radiation to penetrate the microorganism's cell wall.
However, it takes only seconds for UV-C light rays to inactivate waterborne microorganisms by breaking through the microorganism's cell wall and disrupting their DNA.
This often totally destroys the organism or at the very least, will impair its ability to reproduce.
Benefits: Germicidal disinfection
(directly exposing living microorganisms to UV-C light) is unmatched by ozone or chlorine for simplicity and safety. Chlorine/bromine leaves a residual in the water that
can irritate the skin and eye tissue of mammals, reptiles and birds. Ozone, if not measured and controlled properly, is capable of causing severe tissue damage, even
death with fish and invertebrates. In contrast, UV treatment only takes place inside the UV exposure chamber and leaves no residual downstream, and therefore is harmless
to the animals in the pond. UV Sterilization is a proven solution to waterborne pathogens, viruses, algae, bacteria and protozoa commonly associated with aquatic
re-circulating systems.
Limitations: UV Sterilization treatment takes place inside the UV exposure housing. Exposure time between the
waterborne microorganism and the UV-C light is critical in achieving successful UV disinfection. The condition of the application's water will determine how well the
UV-C light penetrates through it (UV transmittance). UV-C is absorbed by the targeted microorganism or by other organic waterborne particles. It is for this reason
that UV equipment should be positioned after the mechanical filter, where it recieves solids-free water.
4 Steps to SMART UV Sterilizer Success
Using a UV Sterilizer successfully begins with
- Identifying the "Target Microorganism" (example: Waterborne Algae)
- Identifying the Target Microorgansim's Required UV Dose (example: 22,000 µWs/cm²)
- Receiving Accurate UV Flow Rate Information from the UV Manufacturer
- Selecting the correct UV model that delivers the Required UV Dose at your
application's flow rate |
