Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection Systems

Ultraviolet disinfection systems typically are used in conjunction with water treatment systems where the microbiological quality of the raw water source may be questionable. Most regulated municipal and community water supplies generally are of acceptable microbiological quality; but for those who rely on well or surface water sources, some form of disinfection may be necessary. 

UV disinfection systems utilize a purely physical process that adds no by-products to the water, unlike chlorine or other disinfectants that can react with organic matter to produce potentially harmful disinfection by-products, such as trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, bromate and chlorite. The almost instantaneous inactivation of microorganisms with UV disinfection eliminates the need for use of potentially dangerous chemicals and imparts no change in taste, odor, pH or conductivity. UV systems also are much less complicated and more economical than chlorine or ozone disinfection systems.

Polaris Scientific ultraviolet disinfection systems, available in several models with flow rates ranging from 1 gallon per minute up to 100 gpm, are the clear choice when price is paramount. Built with 304 polished stainless steel, Polaris UV systems are made to last. These compact units require minimum space, and there are no moving parts to wear out or break. 

Polaris UV systems utilize a natural quartz sleeve to protect the lamp and allow the maximum amount of UV rays to penetrate and disinfect the water. Installation and maintenance are simple and straightforward. Maintenance involves annual lamp replacement with no need to turn off water flow when changing the UV lamp. Operation is automatic, unattended and user friendly with very low power consumption. The UV lamps are designed to be effective for 9,000 hours (one year), and the units incorporate both visual and audible warnings if the UV lamp needs replacement.

The quality of water entering your UV system is very important for the optimum performance of your system. The following levels are recommended for effective operation:

     • Iron: <0.3 ppm (0.3 mg/L)
     • Hardness: < 7 gpg (120 mg/L)
     • Turbidity: < 1 NTU
     • Manganese: < 0.05 ppm (0.05 mg/L)
     • Tannins: < 0.1 ppm (0.1 mg/L)
     • UV Transmittance: > 75%

If your water chemistry contains levels in excess of these levels, proper pre-treatment is recommended to insure effective operation of your UV system. UV transmission (transmittance) deals with the effectiveness in which UV light is transmitted through the water. The higher the optical clarity (or transparency) of the water, the more effective your UV system will be. Most raw water sources, except some surface water, have UV transmittance levels in excess of 75%.