UV DISINFECTION

1 PURPOSE

UV disinfection is performed on adequately treated wastewater to inactivate pathogenic organism that

spread waterborne diseases downstream of the plant.
UV radiation, generated by an electrical discharge through mercury vapor, penetrates the genetic material
of microorganisms and retards their ability to reproduce. The efficacy of UV System depends on varitety of
factors like characteristics of the wastewater (concentration of colloidal and particulate constituents), the
intensity of UV radiation, the amount of time the microorganisms are exposed to the radiation, and the
reactor configuration.

2 DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

UV disinfection system consists of mercury arc lamps, a reactor, and ballasts. UV radiation is generted by
low-pressure or medium-pressure mercury arc lamp with low or high intensity. The optimum wavelength to
effectively inactivate microorganisms, distance of the lamp from the flow, ideal lamp wall temperature are
some parameters for efficent operation of UV system. For large facilites, Medium pressurre lamps are ued
which have 15-20 times germicidal LW intensity of low pressure lamps. Moreover, they disinfect faster and
has greater penetration capability but they operate at higher temperature with a higher energy consumption.
In both contact and non-contact configuration of UV disinfection reactor, wastewater can flow either
perpendicular or parallel to the lamps. In contact reactor, to minimize cooling effects of wastewater, mercury
lamps are enclosed in quartz sleeves. In some models, led light is provided over quartz sleeve to indicate
the working of UV and lock is provided, so that, UV lamps don't get accidentally removed.Usually, contact
reactors with submerged lamps are placed in parallel or perpendiculat to the direction of wasewater flow.
Flap gates or weirs are used to control the level and flow of wastewater.
In non contact reactor, the UV lamps are suspended outside a transparent conduit. In both cases, a control
box is provided for the lamps to maintain a continous current.

3 KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• UV disinfection is effective at inactivating most viruses, spores, and cysts.

• UV disinfection is a physical process rather than a chemical disinfectant, which eliminates the need
to generate, handle, transport, or store toxic/hazardous or corrosive chemicals.
• There is no residual effect that can be harmful to humans or aquatic life.
• UV disinfection is user-friendly for operators.
• UV disinfection has a shorter contact time when compared with other disinfectants (approximately
20 to 30 seconds with low-pressure lamps).
• UV disinfection equipment requires less space than other methods.
• Lowest lamp count amd lowest total isntalled lifeccle cost, redcued and simpel maintenance are
soem of the desired characteristic of a UV system.

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