Purification techniques

Ultraviolet disinfection
Bulletin 005
2019

1 UV (Ultraviolet) disinfection
1.1 UV, what is it?
UV means Ultraviolet (sometimes this is also called black light or UV light) and this is electromagnetic
radiation that is just outside the part of the spectrum that the human eye still can see. The wavelength
of ultraviolet radiation is between 100 and 400 nm (nanometer). Ultraviolet light has a shorter
wavelength than visible light, the shorter wavelength makes it more energy-rich. Because UV is more
energy-rich, the ionization potential of organic molecules can be reached, and chemical reactions can be
triggered. In connection with the effects of ultraviolet light on people and the environment a distinction
is made between UV A, UV B and UV C. See the difference per UV type below:

• UV A is ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength between approx. 315 and 400 nm ("long waves
").
• UV B has a wavelength between 280 and 315 nm.
• UV C has a wavelength between 100 and 280 nm ("short-wave radiation") UV C is the short-
wave radiation used in disinfection and sterilization applications

1.2 How does UV C work?

UV C disinfection is based on the absorption of UV C radiation by, for example, micro-organisms. With
the absorption of the UV-C, the DNA and RNA become damaged in the micro-organisms, so that the
microorganisms can no longer reproduce. Just like with a normal lamp, the power is expressed in UV
lamps in Watts (W). The more Watts the UV lamp has, the more power and effect for disinfection or
sterilization this lamp will have.

1.3 Advantages of UV light

• UV has no addition of chemicals that may affect taste, odor and color or that are there have to
be purified again later on
• UV is environmentally friendly. In principle, no harmful intermediates arise and only cost energy
• UV light has many application areas and is an effective disinfection method.
• UV light works quick, safe and is easy to use and maintain
• UV light has low energy costs

1.4 Disadvantages of UV light

• UV light needs the right amount of energy to be effective
• UV light is effective for microorganisms not for chemicals
• UV light does not delete, but only "breaks"

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1.5 What can be removed (break off) with UV?
With UV disinfection and sterilization microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and traces on or in
all kinds of materials or substances are killed or greatly reduced in number. The sterilization and
disinfection of air and water is mainly done with use of UV light. Ultraviolet light is often combined with
peroxide for organic waste and makes organic micro-pollutants harmless. It is more about breaking
down than removing with UV light.

Follow below links to learn more about other purification techniques:

Activated carbon, Aeration, Coagulants, Recrystallization, Ion exchangers, Molecular sieves, Ozone oxidation, UV Disinfection,
Rapid and slow sand filtration.

We, from Zuiveringstechnieken.nl, write blogs and provide information about various treatment techniques for our visitors. Our
blogs and information are focused on purification techniques such as UV, ion exchangers and sand filters. We believe it is
important to provide people with knowledge. As we say it ourselves;

"Sharing knowledge is worth the effort"

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