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UV-C water disinfection

Eliminate germs without chemicals

Water in production is often exposed to the risk of contamination. Whether drinking water, washing water, process water – at many points germs can endanger the product quality and thus also the reputation of the manufacturer.

oxytec is a specialist in disinfection via UV-C and UV-ozone. The processes are tried and tested, avoid the use of chemicals and, compared to thermal processes, are less costly and significantly more economical in terms of energy consumption.

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Areas of application for UV-C water disinfection

Drinking water

In many areas of industry, especially in the beverage industry or in the pharmaceutical industry, water is used as an additive in process lines. This water must meet the respective hygiene regulations and must be germ-free.

It can happen that, despite all precautions, pollutants find their way into drinking water. To ensure drinking water quality, oxytec has UV-based solutions for chemical-free and reliable disinfection and achieves a reduction of pathogenic germs by 99.9999 %. No residues remain. UV-C water purification with ozone can even be used to improve the taste and appearance of drinking water.

Process water

Water is used in production almost everywhere in industry. Especially in recirculating spray humidifiers and cooling towers in the food industry, microorganisms find ideal growth conditions due to the so-called “washing out” of airborne substances. The use of chemical agents is limited here. In addition, they damage the production facilities.
By using UV-C radiation or ozone, the problems described above can be efficiently avoided. There are also no chemical residues. The oxytec UV lamp systems are specially designed for such production environments. Depending on customer requirements, the UV lamp systems can be supplemented with ozone systems.

Washing water

Hygiene is extremely important, especially when processing animal food. Washing water can introduce germs, and washing in turn introduces germs into the water.
We disinfect this water via UV light, thus avoiding hazards for employees and preparing it for discharge into the sewage system.

Waste water

Particularly in wastewater, many germs can be found that can lead to illnesses and unpleasant odours. UV technology plays an essential role in the treatment chain because it can prevent germs and odours cheaply and effectively. UV water disinfection thus complements other processes such as ozone injection and is usually at the end of the purification chain. Sterilisation is often a basic requirement for the discharge of industrial wastewater into the public sewage system.

Mode of action: Disinfection with UV light

In 1878, the English researchers Downes and Blunt found out that microorganisms are strongly reduced when they are exposed to sunlight. In subsequent research, it was proven that the invisible part of solar radiation below a wavelength of 320 nm has a germicidal effect.

The UV-C light is also effective in water. Depending on the energy dose, even stubborn germs are neutralised. UV-C sterilisation captures all microorganisms in all stages of development and can reduce germs by up to 99%. However, disinfection does not reach the level of 100% sterilisation.

oxytec has a range of solutions available for a wide variety of applications.

Scientific background

Ultraviolet radiation has a shorter wavelength than the light visible to humans. Below the wavelength of 254 nm, depending on the irradiation dose, bacteria, fungi, mould spores and viruses decompose and their DNA is also destroyed, thus preventing further cell division. This also prevents the formation of resistances.

Empirical studies have shown that the reduction of germs results from the radiation time and its power. This factor is given as the product of mW x s/cm² (irradiation intensity x irradiation time per cm²).

Germs react differently to UV irradiation. Those with a high sensitivity to UVC radiation can already be killed with a low energy dose, e.g. the coli bacterium, while influenza viruses, for example, can only be deactivated with very high-energy radiation. The germs found in food processing, especially yeasts, moulds and spores, require a much higher dose. The same applies to the inactivation of microorganisms in the medical field.

Advantages of UV-C water disinfection

  • No use of chemicals
  • No formation of toxic compounds
  • No formation of resistance
  • Unwanted microorganisms become inactive within seconds, product properties remain unchanged.
  • High requirements of consumer protection and VDI 6022 as well as HACCP concepts are fulfilled.
  • Low energy consumption

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