While UV does use on site electricity where chemical disinfectants do not, with chlorine-based disinfection other operating costs come into play such as the transport/delivery of chemicals, implementation of risk-management plans and replacement of parts which are in a highly corrosive/oxidising environment. Ongoing reductions in power consumption and costs are enabling UV to become an even more competitive disinfection technology choice. Improvement in the overall efficiency of UV disinfection systems is a significant trend in the industry.
Manufacturers are also adopting approaches to increase efficiency, including the development of more efficient lamps. As UV lamps increase in electrical efficiency, they continue to accomplish the same level of disinfection with lower electrical energy demand and fewer lamps. By producing the highest output, highest efficiency low-pressure UV lamps, this means lower lamp count and reduced maintenance.
In addition to enhanced lamp performance, UV systems need to be engineered to ensure optimum hydraulics and maximum use of the UV energy generated by UV lamps.
Specifically, new flow modification techniques tailor the flow through a UV chamber so that areas of high flow velocity receive high levels of UV intensity and conversely, areas of low flow velocity receive low levels of UV intensity. The final result is a uniform dose distribution throughout the UV chamber (see figure). A more uniform dose distribution results in reduced equipment requirements, less energy, and an improved value proposition for UV in general.
Reducing overall maintenance and operating costs associated with UV systems ensure that the technology will continue to grow in both competitiveness and popularity.
Even Flow Distribution