Application of Ultraviolet Technology in Water Treatment—Cooling Tower Disinfection

The advantages of using ultraviolet (UV) light to kill aquatic pathogens causing infectious diseases have been widely recognized. In fact, industry was one of the earliest pioneers in using this technology. Today, almost all industries apply UV technology to water treatment systems, including the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, health product, manufacturing, and high-tech industries. Sterilization and disinfection are the primary applications of UV technology in water and wastewater treatment. At the same time, industry also applies this technology to many other areas, including ozone removal, reduction of total organic carbon (TOC), liquid sugar disinfection, chlorine degradation, surface and air disinfection, and cooling tower disinfection. This article will provide a brief overview of some of the industrial applications of UV light. Cooling Tower Disinfection

To reduce the cost of biocides (purchase, storage, insurance) and the health hazards of chemical treatments, UV systems can be installed in the water circulation system of cooling towers for sterilization. When used in conjunction with filters, UV light can effectively control the growth of microorganisms in the cooling tower. Although a certain concentration of biocides still needs to be maintained in the cooling tower, the application of UV light can significantly reduce its usage.