UK HQ Your time
Process Technology

UV Disinfection Systems

Inactivate bacteria, viruses, and protozoa using ultraviolet light without adding chemicals, generating disinfection byproducts, or affecting water chemistry.

What is UV?

UV disinfection uses germicidal ultraviolet light (primarily 254 nm wavelength) to damage the DNA and RNA of microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce. Unlike chlorine, UV does not add chemicals to water, does not create harmful disinfection byproducts (THMs, HAAs), and does not affect taste or odour. It is ideal for wastewater discharge, water reuse, and as a final barrier in multi-barrier treatment systems. UV dose is measured in mJ/cm2 – typical wastewater requires 20-40 mJ/cm2 for 4-log reduction.

Chemical-Free

No chlorine, no byproducts, no residual chemicals. Purely physical disinfection process.

Broad Spectrum

Effective against bacteria, viruses, Giardia, Cryptosporidium – chlorine-resistant cysts are easily inactivated.

Instant Action

Disinfection occurs within seconds of exposure. No contact tank required unlike chlorine.

Dose Verification

Online UV intensity sensors confirm dose delivery. Failed lamps trigger immediate alarm.

Process Steps

Step-by-step breakdown of the treatment process from influent to effluent.

01

Pre-Filtration

Suspended solids reduce UV effectiveness. 10-50 µm pre-filtration ensures target transmittance >65% UVT.

02

UV Reactor Design

Low-pressure (monochromatic 254 nm) or medium-pressure (polychromatic 200-300 nm) lamps selected based on target organisms.

03

Hydraulic optimisation

CFD-modelled reactor geometry ensures all flow receives required dose. Baffles eliminate short-circuiting.

04

UV Exposure

Water flows past quartz-sleeved UV lamps. Dose calculated as UV intensity (mW/cm2) – residence time (s) = mJ/cm2.

05

Monitoring & Cleaning

Online UV intensity monitors measure actual dose. Automatic sleeve wiping or chemical CIP prevents fouling.

Typical Performance

4-6 log
Coliform reduction
99.99%
Virus inactivation
20-150
mJ/cm2 dose range
0
Chemical residual

Equipment Used in This Process

Explore the equipment components that make this process effective.

Where This Process is Applied

Wastewater Discharge

Final disinfection before river or sea discharge meeting bacterial standards.

Water Reuse

Disinfect treated water before reuse for irrigation, cooling, or process washing.

Drinking Water

Primary or secondary disinfection for potable water without chlorine taste.

Swimming Pools

Reduce combined chlorine and provide supplemental disinfection.

Related Processes & Technologies

Process Fundamentals & Design

This treatment stage is engineered to achieve specific contaminant removal targets while providing stable, predictable performance across variable inlet conditions. Design parameters are calculated from wastewater characterisation data, regulatory requirements, and site-specific constraints including footprint, energy availability, and operator capability.

Process Optimisation

Design validated by CFD modelling and pilot testing to confirm performance guarantees.

Mechanical Reliability

Equipment selected for 20-year design life with minimal wearing parts and easy access.

Chemical Efficiency

Automated dosing and feedback control minimise reagent consumption and sludge production.

Compliance Assurance

Online monitoring and data logging demonstrate continuous consent compliance.

Design Parameters

Design Flow10 – 5,000 m³/h (application specific)
Inlet VariabilityDesigned for 1:3 peak-to-average flow ratio
Removal Efficiency85 – 99% depending on target contaminant
Hydraulic RetentionCalculated from kinetic constants and safety factors
Power Consumption0.5 – 5.0 kWh/100 m³ (process dependent)
Chemical DoseAuto-controlled based on online analysers
Sludge Production0.2 – 1.5 kg DS/kg contaminant removed
MaterialsSS304, SS316L, or carbon steel with coating

Integration with Treatment Train

No treatment stage operates in isolation. This process is designed to receive conditioned influent from upstream stages and deliver effluent quality suitable for downstream processes. Hydraulic and organic loading rates are balanced across the complete treatment train to prevent bottlenecking and ensure overall plant efficiency. Our engineers model the complete flowsheet to optimise Capital expenditure and Operating expenditure across the plant lifecycle.

Upstream Protection

Screening, equalisation, and pre-treatment protect this stage from damage and overload.

Downstream Conditioning

Effluent quality ensures downstream biology, filtration, or disinfection performs optimally.

Recycle Streams

Reject streams, filtrate, and centrate are routed back to appropriate upstream points.

Need This Process for Your Application?

Our engineers design and commission complete treatment systems including all equipment, automation, and commissioning support.

Industries We Serve

Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.