Use Pre-Filters to Improve the Efficiency of UV Light for Disinfection

UV light for disinfection has been the most effective method to get rid of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other contaminants.

However, one of the limitations of UV light for disinfection is “shadowing”. This means if the bacteria are hidden inside solid particles such as dust or dirt particles, UV light for disinfection can’t pass through these solid particles. And thus, it can’t kill the bacteria or any other such microorganisms.

The solution?

It is using pre-filters with your UV unit.

Let’s talk a little more about pre-filters. This can help you make an informed decision when you are buying a UV unit.

Reasons to Use Pre-Filters

There are two main reasons to use pre-filters when using UV light for disinfection:

1. Remove any sediments and solid particles which might affect the effectiveness of UV light for disinfection.
2. To increase the life of the UV unit and reduce the need for frequent maintenance.

When will we need UV Pre-Filters?

Before you install a pre-filter, it is best to test your water. UV light for disinfection requires specific water conditions to effectively eradicate bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other contaminants. Here are the water conditions favorable for using UV light for disinfection:

1. Iron concentration: 0.3ppm or lower
2. The hardness of water: Lower than 0.7 gpg
3. The concentration of tannins: 0.1 ppm or lower
4. Manganese concentrations: 0.05 ppm or lower
5. Levels of turbidity: lower than 1 NTU

If after testing your water the results don’t meet the above water requirements, you must install a UV pre-filter to increase the efficiency of UV light for disinfection.

Types of Pre-Filters

When you go on the market, you will mostly find sediment pre-filters. These filters will remove all types of sediment particles such as dust, dirt, salts, organic compounds, debris, and more.

There are different types of sediment filters, each one with different applications. You can find depth filters, surface filters, and absorptive filters. Although we won’t go into much detail about these filters, know that pre-filters will help you remove all types of sediments before the water enters the UV unit.

Before choosing a pre-filter for your UV unit, make sure to check its micron rating, filtering ability, and efficiency rate.

Bottom Line

Shadowing of UV light for disinfection can reduce the efficiency of UV light to remove bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other particles. Using a pre-filter will be beneficial as it will remove all types of solid particles and sediments to improve the efficiency of UV light for disinfection.

If you want to learn more about using your UV unit efficiently, make sure to get in touch with us at Light Spectrum Enterprises, Inc. We offer a wide range of UV lamps, quartz sleeves, and acute advice on the effective usage of UV units for maximum disinfection efficiency.

Call us now to know more.