UV disinfection system applied to downstream protection of membrane treatment systems

It allows water to be treated to make it drinkable, it is a clean, efficient and economical technique for water purification. It eliminates suspended elements, parasites and viruses. These solutions can treat any type of water such as industrial, commercial water or for the production of drinking water, process water or water recycling and others.

If you wish to equip yourself with an effective disinfection system applied to the downstream protection of membrane systems, the complete range of UV reactors for Water for Human Consumption / Sterilization can be consulted online, and the sizing can be carried out on this page.

Disinfection system benefits

In addition to guaranteeing healthy water free of any risk of contamination by microorganisms, UV treatment of water is also part of an environmental approach:

In terms of health, the water treatment, without the addition of harmful pool products, guarantees swimming without the risk of allergies and respiratory diseases (non-chemical)
It is also of interest in terms of comfort by ensuring clear, crystal clear and odorless water.
The absence of chlorine makes for a safe, environmentally-friendly process.
UV treatment makes it possible to achieve real savings thanks to a long service life of the installations and simple, reliable, and long-lasting equipment.
Last but not least, the system can be installed and maintained quickly and easily.

Sizing advice: UV disinfection applied to the downstream protection of membrane-type treatment systems

On the page dedicated to UV reactors for Water for Human Consumption / Sterilization, many solutions are offered (up to a unit flow rate of 130 m3/h). For higher flow rates, up to 130 m3/h, please contact us!

Select “Water for Human Consumption / Sterilization”
Select the source of water to be purified, for example “Drinking borehole water”.
Enter the flow rate to be treated (for example 25 m3/h)
Adjust the cost of electricity in your country (for example 0.09€ for France; 0.23€ for Germany)
Let 30 mJ / cm² (or adapt)
Specify the temperature of the water (normally, between 5 and 40°C is sufficient)
Please enter your email address, we will send you the design right away

In any case, to ensure optimal disinfection and decide if pre-filters are necessary, it is recommended to carry out an analysis of the water source with these parameters:

Iron
Hardness
Turbidity
Manganese
Suspended solids (TSS)
Transmittance UV

FAQ

Why install a UV system after a reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration membrane?

Although membranes filter bacteria, water can become recontaminated after they have passed, especially in storage tanks or pipes. Downstream UV treatment acts as a final safety barrier, without the addition of chemicals, to ensure water is always germ-free to the point of use.

Can UV prevent biofilm formation after a membrane?

Indirectly, yes. By continuously disinfecting the treated water, UV reduces the risk of bacterial colonization in the pipes. This limits the formation of biofilms downstream, which is essential for maintaining the microbiological quality of the water in the distribution loops.

Is bacterial release after membranes a common problem?

This is a well-known risk, especially during pressure variations or in the event of biofilm development on the membranes. This release can compromise the quality of the water produced. A downstream UV acts as a safety net by destroying any bacteria that may be released into the circuit.

What UV dose is recommended for downstream disinfection of a membrane system?

A dose of 40 mJ/cm² is usually sufficient for standard applications. For more sensitive uses, such as cosmetics or laboratories, 60 or even 100 mJ/cm² can be increased to ensure greater inactivation of microorganisms.

Can you use LED UV after a membrane system?

UV-LEDs are promising but still limited for industrial flows. Their low power makes them suitable for small systems or point-of-use. For installations with a high continuous flow rate, low- or medium-pressure UV lamps remain more efficient and proven.