What is UV-C technology?

UV light can be divided in four main categories, UV-A, UV-B, UV-C and Vacuum UV. The UV-C spectrum (200 to 280 nanometers) is the most lethal range of wavelengths for microorganisms. UV-C light has the ability to cause permanent damage to microorganisms.

Each type of microorganism requires a specific UV-C radiation exposure rate to successfully complete the disinfection process. The targeted microorganism must be directly exposed to the UV-C radiation long enough for the radiation to penetrate the microorganism’s cell wall. However, it takes only a fraction of a second for UV-C light rays to inactivate waterborne microorganisms by breaking through the microorganism’s cell wall and damaging their DNA. This often totally destroys the organism, or at the very least will impair its ability to reproduce.

 

UV-C treatment works in two ways

1. UV-C lamps emit short-wave ultraviolet radiation (253.7 nm), neutralising bacteria, viruses and other primitive organisms and preventing them from reproducing. This works even if these organisms have become immune to other disinfection methods.
2. UV-C causes a photo-oxidation process that destroys chloramines, among other things, without the addition of other chemicals. Chloramines are responsible for the unpleasant smell of the pool water and irritation of nose and throat.

Benefits of UV-C disinfection

What are the general benefits of UV-C?

• UV-C is environmentally friendly and sustainable
• Inactivates microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses
• No use of chemicals 
• No overdose of chemicals possible
• Low initial investment costs 
• Treats water, air and surfaces immediately with direct results and offers reduced operating costs
• Easy to use and maintain
• Better overall microbiological quality of water, air or surfaces