Legionella UV disinfection
What is Legionella?
Legionella are water-borne bacteria that are found in natural and artificial water systems. The best-known species, Legionella pneumophila, is the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. These bacteria multiply particularly well in warm water and therefore pose a significant risk in drinking water and air conditioning systems.
Evolution
Legionella bacteria are found in natural freshwater environments such as lakes and rivers, but become a health hazard in artificial water systems such as cooling systems, hot water systems, whirlpools and drinking water systems. They multiply particularly well in warm, stagnant water at temperatures between 25 and 45 °C.
Detection
Legionella are microscopic bacteria and cannot be detected by visual inspection. Their presence is detected by microbiological tests and cultures. In buildings with water systems, regular sampling and analysis is necessary to ensure safety and detect contamination at an early stage.
Limit values
In Germany, the limit values for legionella in drinking water are regulated by the Drinking Water Ordinance (TrinkwV). The technical action value is 100 colony-forming units (CFU) per 100 ml of water. If this value is exceeded, comprehensive investigations and measures to reduce the legionella concentration are required.
Dangers
Health: Legionella causes Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, and Pontiac fever, a flu-like illness. Infection occurs through inhalation of aerosolised contaminated water droplets. Elderly people, smokers and people with a weakened immune system are particularly at risk. Environment: The control of Legionella often requires the use of chemicals that can have a negative impact on the environment. UV disinfection offers an environmentally friendly alternative as it does not require the use of chemical additives. Economic damage: Legionella contamination can cause considerable economic damage, including costs for disinfection measures, operational losses and health costs. Public confidence in the safety of water systems can also be affected.
The oxytec Purification Technology
For many organic pollutants, we offer energy-saving and clean technologies for neutralisation, which we combine in multi-stage plants. In order to achieve a reduction below the limit values, not only the dimensioning of the respective purification stage but also the sequence of the technologies is decisive, as they have different physical effects on the molecules. Below we present some of our purification modules.
CWA
Alternative technologies
In addition to our solutions, there are other technologies such as conventional activated carbon filters and simple ventilation systems. However, these often have disadvantages such as high energy consumption, limited cleaning performance, large space requirements, long lead times and high investment costs.
Advantages of the oxytec solution
- Compact design: Small footprint compared to traditional systems.
- Fast amortisation: Thanks to low operating costs and high efficiency.
- Environmentally friendly: Minimised environmental impact thanks to innovative technologies
- Efficient legionella reduction: High purification levels with minimal energy consumption
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