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Hygienization of wastewater – germ-free, residue-free, reliable

oxytec systems for the microbiological treatment of process and wastewater using UV-C technology

Even wastewater that appears to be clear often contains residual microbiological contaminants that are not permitted or pose a risk for further transport, discharge, or reuse. Safe hygienization is essential, especially in food processing, laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies.

oxytec offers UV-C-based systems that deactivate bacteria, viruses, and spores in water without leaving any residue—physically, with low maintenance, and without chemical additives. This makes wastewater hygienically safe—even with complex compositions.

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Typical microbiological contamination in wastewater

source of wastewater Germ load Special features
Production wastewater Bacteria, yeast, mold, biofilm residues Organically preloaded, may contain proteins and fats
Rinsing and cleaning water Aerosol germs, pseudomonads, surface germs Fluctuating quantities, high spore load
CIP returns Thermoresistant germs, residual chemicals Low nutrients, but high resistance potential
Wastewater from hygiene locks Germs from skin, clothing, air, surfaces Germ mix from personnel and environmental sources

Why wastewater sanitation is necessary

Bacteria, viruses, and spores survive even in pre-treated wastewater

Germs can endanger the environment or equipment if discharged unchecked

Recovery, infiltration, or recirculation require hygienically stable water

Drinking Water Ordinance (TrinkwV) and Wastewater Ordinance set limit values

IFS, BRC, FSSC 22000 evaluate water returns and hygienic handling of process water

Legal requirements

  • Wastewater Ordinance / Appendix 22: Microbiological discharge values
  • IFS, BRC, FSSC 22000: hygienic handling of residual water and circulation systems
  • HACCP / oPRP / CCP concept for water in contact with products
  • DVGW W 294-1 as the technical basis for UV disinfection of water

oxytec supplies validated systems with auditable documentation and proof of effectiveness.

Get advice now – for hygienically clean wastewater in your production facility

Would you like to systematically eliminate microbiological risks in wastewater while relying on a chemical-free, validatable solution?

Contact us—we deliver your UV-C solution for germ-free wastewater treatment.

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Oxytec systems for wastewater sanitation

UV-C flow-through reactors for process and wastewater

UV-C radiation at 254 nm to destroy microorganism DNA

Suitable for temperatures up to 60 °C and various pH ranges

Effective against E. coli, enterococci, clostridia, noroviruses, spores

No use of chemicals – residue-free, immediately effective

UVW OZ

Trinkwasserleitungsentkeimung mit UV und Ozon

Immersion radiator for tank and buffer hygienization

Directly into sewage tanks, CIP containers, or collection tanks

Ideal for fluctuating flow rates or irregular use

Can be combined with mechanical pre-cleaning or filtration

TST OZ

UV-Ozon Tauchstrahler zur Tankentkeimung

System integration and verification

Can be combined with filtration, pH adjustment, or recirculation systems

Optional flow monitoring, lamp control, and data logger

Validatable with germ samples, log-level evidence, and audit logs

Typical areas of application

Food processing (meat, milk, convenience foods, baked goods)

Beverage industry (brewing water circuits, rinsing water, CIP)

Pharmaceutical and cosmetics production (washing water, sample returns)

Laboratories, biotech, hygiene locks (buffer tanks, drains)

Industrial companies with microbiologically conspicuous process water

Your advantages with Oxytec UV-C systems for wastewater sanitation

99.999% germ reduction without chemicals

Leaves no residue, is tasteless, and takes effect immediately

Suitable for tanks, pipes, CIP returns, and buffer tanks

Proven effective—validatable for audits and authorities

Compact, retrofittable, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient

Can be integrated into existing water concepts and hygiene standards

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Which germs are eliminated by the Oxytec systems?

Our UV-C technology reliably reduces:

  • Bacteria (e.g., E. coli, enterococci, pseudomonads)
  • Viruses (e.g., noroviruses, adenoviruses)
  • Yeasts and molds
  • Spore-forming organisms (e.g., clostridia, Bacillus subtilis)

Germ reduction reaches up to 99.999% (5 log levels) – even with cloudy or pre-cleaned water.

Can UV-C also be effective in organically contaminated wastewater?

Yes – provided that the optical transparency (transmittance) is sufficient:

  • Pre-treatment by filtration or sedimentation is recommended
  • For heavily turbid water: bypass with reduced flow rate
  • UV systems can be used as final sanitization after biological treatment

Where in the water system are the UV-C systems installed?

oxytec offers various installation options:

  • Inline reactors in pipelines before discharge or recirculation
  • Immersion heaters in collection tanks, CIP return lines, or tanks
  • Can be combined with existing separators, filters, or dosing systems

How is germ reduction verified?

We provide:

  • Validation protocols with log-level verification
  • Microbiological comparative measurements before and after UV treatment
  • Support with HACCP documentation (CCP/oPRP)
  • Audit-ready documentation for IFS, BRC, authorities, or QM systems

How does UV-C sanitization work technically?

UV-C radiation at 254 nm destroys the genetic material of microorganisms.

The effect is physical, residue-free, and tasteless.

No use of chemicals, no treatment residue, no post-chlorination necessary.

How energy-efficient are the systems compared to chemical processes?

Highly efficient:

  • Power consumption usually between 30–100 W, depending on throughput
  • No consumables, no dosing pumps, no storage materials
  • No hazardous substances → no training or storage regulations necessary

How maintenance-intensive is the technology?

The systems are very low-maintenance:

  • Lamp life approx. 8,000–10,000 hours
  • Cleaning of the quartz protective cover depending on water quality (approx. every 2–4 months)
  • Optional with runtime monitoring, alarm function, maintenance contract

Are the systems suitable for irregular loads or batch operation?

Yes – especially through:

  • automatic switch-on cycles or flow detection
  • Immersion heaters for intermittent loads in buffer tanks
  • No preheating time, no flushing cycles – immediate effect upon activation

Which legal requirements can be met with UV-C?

Our systems support compliance with:

  • Wastewater Ordinance (Appendix 22 / discharge values for germs)
  • DVGW W 294-1 (technical basis for UV water disinfection)
  • Requirements from IFS Food, BRC, FSSC 22000 for wastewater hygiene
  • HACCP risk assessment and traceability of hygiene weak points