Ultraviolet light is the most effective, economical and ecological way in which to kill bacteria and viruses. The system uses a low pressure mercury vapor bulb and quartz sleeve within a polished stainless steel reactor chamber to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses at the rated flow. Ultraviolet bulbs operate at approximately 40 watts, which makes them very energy efficient. The system uses no chemicals or adds nothing to the water which passes through the chamber. This gives ultraviolet systems a strong advantage over the use of chlorine or peroxide when treating bacteria.
All systems come with an audible and visual alarm indicating lamp failure. Optional systems come with an ultraviolet sensor that sounds an alarm when the ultraviolet energy of the system has fallen out of its specified range of ultraviolet transmittance. The ultraviolet bulbs must be changed annually because they naturally loose their ability to transmit the proper wavelength of ultraviolet light. For the do-it yourselfer, bulb replacement is very easy, though it is a good idea to have the quartz sleeve professionally examined and cleaned if necessary once a year as well.
Ultraviolet systems should be installed with a properly sized pre-filter to remove any sediment that could potentially shadow the bacteria as the water passes the ultraviolet light. This filter would typically have a filtration rating of 5 microns. The cartridges should be changed 2-3 times per year depending on the amount of sediment and water usage.
On well water applications or when treating hard water, a softener is highly recommended. Also, if there is high levels of iron or sulphur, the water should be properly pre-treated to eliminate these elements. Water containing a high mineral content can coat the quartz sleeve and the inside of the reactor chamber resulting in a reduction of ultraviolet transmittance.
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ADVANTAGES OF ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT