How often do you check if your water is clean? Most people rely on their water’s clearness, odor, and taste. Yet, there are still many harmful bacteria and viruses in drinking water that cannot be detected by your senses. There are many different methods of water purification and water treatment. This is where ultraviolet water filtration comes in.
Here, we will be discussing the ins and outs of UV filtration, such as what it is, how it works, and the different ways in which ultraviolet water filtration works.
Importance of Ultraviolet Water Filtration
First, we need to understand the importance of clean drinking water.
Let’s look at the common harmful pathogens found in water:
- Enteric
- Hepatitis A
- Norovirus
- Rotavirus
- Campylobacter
- Salmonella
- Shigella
- E-Coli
Mostly these are found in private sources such as wells, cisterns, etc. It can also be found in water from a municipal or city source due to instances such as broken water pipes.
Without the proper water filtration and water purification systems, your health is largely at risk.
While living organisms and contaminants are easy to spot, bacteria and viruses such as E-Coli are harder to identify and filter out without the right water treatment system.
What Is UV Light?
According to NASA, ultraviolet (UV) light is a light that has shorter wavelengths than visible light and can come from different light sources and in different forms, such as the sun or a UV lamp.
There are three categories of ultraviolet according to wavelength for germicidal action:
Short-Wave Ultraviolet
Short-wave ultraviolet lights have a wavelength range of 2000 to 2950. These waves have the highest germicidal value and are strong enough to kill harmful pathogens.
Middle-Wave Ultraviolet
Middle-wave ultraviolet lights have a wavelength range of 2950 to 3250. These waves provide sufficient exposure to help with the germicidal procedure.
Long-Wave Ultraviolet
Long-wave ultraviolet lights have a wavelength range of 3250 to 3900. These waves have the lowest germicidal value among the three.
The production of short-wave radiant ultraviolet happens in a UV lamp, commonly known as a mercury-vapor lamp.
Essential Parts of The Mercury-Vapor Lamp
A Mercury-vapor lamp is a type of UV lamp that uses electrical energy to produce high potential wavelengths efficiently. Here is the composition of a mercury-vapor lamp:
Quartz Glass- This is where 70%-90% of ultraviolet rays pass.
Electric Arc- When this is heated, vaporization occurs on the mercury.
The vaporized mercury becomes ionized, so the emission of UV radiation follows.
Inert Gas Carrier-It consists of the electric arc.
Glass Tube- It seals the electric arc.
Why Do We Use UV Light for Water Filtration?
There are many different ways to filter water. So, What is the best water filter? Why UV light filtration?
A UV light can enter an infectious agent’s genetic material (DNA) and destroy it, preventing it from spreading on the water. This water purification method can disinfect 99.99% of harmful pathogens.
This eco-friendly method is also chemical-free, so it does not alter the water’s odor and taste.
How Does Ultraviolet Water Filtration Work?
As we have discussed above, ultraviolet water filtration destroys harmful pathogens. Enclosed in the UV filter is a UV light source consisting of a wavelength of 254 nanometers, which exposes the harmful pathogens to a germicidal ultraviolet wavelength. There is a much higher effectivity of killing the harmful pathogens if the filter has more energy input.
A high energy input means more UV dosage on the UV filter. UV dosage presents the energy measured in ultraviolet water filtration. A short time exposure at high intensity and a long time exposure at low intensity will produce the same result of microbial destruction.
How Does It Filter the Water?
So, what is ultraviolet (uv) filtration? And how does it work in water purification?
For starters, the water enters a clarification process through a sediment pre-filter such as a 5-micron filter to ensure its clearness for more effective UV disinfection. Then, it goes through an activated carbon filter for taste improvement on the water. The UV light can then purify the water. A stainless steel chamber houses the UV light as you find in Express Water Filter, which is inside a transparent quartz sleeve.
The 5-micron filter reduces any turbidity in the water. Turbidity lessens the range of transmission of UV radiation. In other words, turbidity lessens the effectiveness of the UV filter.
Basic Design of the UV Filter for Dosage Determination
There are features combined to measure the dosage used.
First is the wavelength output of the lamp. Second, the length of the lamp, where the exposure time should be proportional to it. Next is the design water flow rate, in which there is an inverse relationship to the exposure time and the linear flow rate. Lastly is the diameter of the water purification chamber in which the farther the distance from the lamp, the lesser the dosage input.
Checklist for UV Filter
- Make sure that the system is expandable for easy expansion when needed.
- The sight port should also be available for easy monitoring of the filter.
- A single lamp per chamber ensures efficiency and greater safety.
- Use a quartz protection sleeve to maintain the temperature needed for the output of 2537 radiation for the filter to work.
- For cleaning purposes, use a mechanical wiper. It doesn’t need a system shutdown or disassembly of the filter.
- Other external accessories are also needed for successful and safer operations such as flow and shut-off valve controls, UV light bulb monitors, and alarms.
Advantages of Ultraviolet Water Filtration
UV filter doesn’t leave any bi-product results. The color and taste of the water also stay the same. Also, this makes the product eco-friendly because of the lack of bioproduct. Ultraviolet water is water that has been purified.
The filter requires a simple mechanism. One of these is just turning on the electricity.
It directly inactivates the harmful pathogens on the water, so there is no water waste. Let’s look at the advantages of Ultraviolet Water Filtration like Dupont WFPF13003b:
- Not use any chemicals
- Removes the chlorine in the water
- Easy to install
- Easy to maintain
- It is manageable
- Conserves the water
- Cost-effective
- It does not damage
The filter doesn’t need much energy to operate. It just needs a 60-watt bulb.
The UV filter doesn’t leave any damage to the pipe and the septic tank due to its chemical-free attribute.
Conclusion
Improper disinfection and filtration of water can cause many complications. An ultraviolet water filtration system is a quick fix that can prevent these pathogens from spreading on the water while ensuring clean and safe water.
In conclusion, a UV water filter is a must-have water treatment system for the prevention of water-borne diseases. In addition, it is a great way to improve the overall water quality of your water supply.