UV water disinfection for process and ultrapure water

Many manufacturing processes require treated water for rinsing and cleaning. For example, the surface cleaning of parts before coating or another process step requires treated water. But also washing down floors and other surfaces in food processing and other environments that require a low bacterial count.

Commercial and industrial laboratories in healthcare, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, microelectronics and other industries require high quality water. This ensures precise and reliable sample analysis. Purified water also protects sensitive lab equipment and analytical instruments helping reduce downtime and costs.

UV water treatment is typically used as the last step after reverse osmosis and filtration for washing and rinsing (Type III Primary Grade). But it can also be used for general laboratory purposes (Type II Purified Water) and for highly sensitive analyzes such as HPLC (ASTM Type I Ultrapure Water).

Water systems such as cooling towers, air washers, nebulizers and humidifiers generate aerosols. They can spread legionella over a wide area. When people inhale these aerosolized Legionella bacteria, it can cause severe pneumonia and sometimes death.

Legionella are aquatic bacteria found in all fresh water. However, any man-made water system, if not properly maintained, can amplify the growth. Especially water that is between 77°F and 113°F, where there can be enormous proliferation posing considerable health risks.

UV light is an effective non-chemical water treatment method to eliminate legionella in process water prior to being aerosolized.

UV disinfection technology is commonly used in systems that meet regulations such as ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188 in the US, or DIN EN 13623 testing verification standards (in Germany this testing is required as part of the 42nd BImSchV in conjunction with the VDI 2047 Sheet 2 and 3 guideline).