UV-C water disinfection

UV-C water disinfection technology is a physical treatment without chemical disinfectants. Moreover, its effectiveness on micro-organisms makes it particularly interesting.

UV light - Definition

Ultraviolet or “UV” is a type of energy found in the electromagnetic spectrum. That is, between X-rays and visible light. This means that UV rays are not perceptible to the human eye. However, we are exposed to this every time we go out in the sun. In fact, UV light is responsible for sunburn.

Their wavelength is between 100 nm and 400 nm. These rays are divided into three categories, each with increasing energy: UV-A (315 – 400 nm), UV-B (280 – 315 nm), UV-C (100 – 280 nm)

For disinfection, we are only interested in UVC.

Principle of disinfection by UV radiation

UV-C water disinfection systems use special lamps that emit UVC light. These have a particular wavelength capable of disrupting the DNA of microorganisms.

These UV light waves are also called “spectrum” or “germicidal frequency”.

The frequency used in killing microorganisms is 254 nanometers (nm).

When water passes through a UV water treatment system:

the rays produced by the lamps reach the pathogenic microorganisms that pass by. These UV lamps contained in a reactor are usually made of stainless steel.
They are exposed to a lethal dose of UVC light that attacks the DNA, thus eliminating the ability of the microorganism to reproduce.
Thanks to this process, it cannot replicate itself or infect other organisms with which it comes into contact.

This process of exposing water to UV light is simple and effective, killing 99.99% of harmful microorganisms without adding chemicals to the water. In addition, it is a safe method that creates no harmful chemical by-products.