Applications of Ultraviolet (UV) Technology in Water Treatment—surface and Air Disinfection

The advantages of using ultraviolet (UV) light to kill aquatic pathogens causing infectious diseases are 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.

Surface and Air Disinfection

Using UV light for air disinfection has a long history, just like its use for water disinfection. Air disinfection equipment has been used in hospitals, clinics, and clean rooms for many years. Now, factories, offices, and homes are also beginning to use air disinfection equipment.

The principle of air disinfection is the same as that of water disinfection. Typically, UV lamps can be installed in air ducts, located at the front end of the coil, or mounted on a wall-mounted rack. When air passes through, the microorganisms in the air are killed and become nonexistent.