UV Chambers

UV water purifier is cost effective and it doesn't use any chemicals, but the UV water purifier requires electricity, it doesn't have a storage tank and not effective if water contains mud. Essentially, ultraviolet light is produced by means of a germicidal or mercury vapor lamp made with glass that allows the optimal shortwave ultraviolet light a fully transparent surface through which to pass. The shortwave radiation then comes into contact with the parasite, bacteria, fungi or other microorganism and eliminates it.

By inactivating bacteria and other harmful particles found in untreated water, UV radiation leaves no chemical side effect. To be effective, however, it must enter relatively clear water so as not to be absorbed. Ultraviolet water purification possesses advantages over a more widespread treatment like chlorination. These mostly have to do with the toxicity levels of chlorine. Chlorine requires attention during the purification process while UV purification does not. UV does not contribute to poor-tasting water like chlorine, nor is it chemically active. Ultraviolet radiation does not use heat or chemical additives of any kind during the purification process. The simple fact that it comes into contact with the microorganism is enough to inactivate it and render it harmless.

There are two main disadvantages to ultraviolet water purification. The first is that the water being treated must be in no way turbid or cloudy. Any level of colour present in the water will hinder the ability of the UV radiation to penetrate it and destroy the microorganisms within. This requires water filtration prior to the purification which adds expense to the procedure. Otherwise, much of the UV light is absorbed and becomes largely ineffective.

The second main disadvantage is that ultraviolet purification offers no residual treatment. Unlike chlorine which maintains a presence in the water after the treatment, continuing to disinfect the water, ultraviolet radiation does not stay in the water. Any microorganisms that the radiation missed would remain in the water whereas chlorination would destroy them. For this reason, a chlorine compound such as chloramine is sometimes added to water purified by ultraviolet radiation after the fact

The UV tube must be replaced once a year as the affectivity of the UV rays radiation reduce over time and becomes to low to be effective.

For home use, UV chambers are available from 14W which is effective for 8 l/min up to 39W dual (two tubes) which is effective for 96 l/min. The most common one used in a standard household is the 24W UV reactor and is effective for 20 l/min. UV ballasts have fail indicators, with a red LED and also an audible alarm.

UV Chamber