Posted: Tuesday, 17 June 2025
Understanding UV Technology Based Disinfection
Ultraviolet (UV) lamps used for disinfection purposes have become more and more the norm in water, air, and surface purification across industries from municipal water treatment to food processing and marine ballast systems. But what exactly makes UV technology effective for disinfection systems?
At its core, UV disinfection harnesses UV-C light, specifically wavelengths between 200–280 nanometres, to inactivate microorganisms by damaging their DNA or RNA. Once exposed, bacteria, viruses, and protozoa lose their ability to replicate which effectively renders them harmless.
UV-C energy penetrates the cell walls of microbes. The most effective germicidal wavelength is around 254nm, used in both low and medium-pressure UV systems.
Types of UV Lamps for Use in Disinfection Systems
There are several lamp technologies available:
- Low-pressure UV lamps: Energy efficient and suited for lower flow systems. Emit light at a single UV-C wavelength (254nm).
- Amalgam UV lamps: Similar to low-pressure but with a longer lifespan and higher intensity.
- Medium-pressure UV lamps: Produce a broad spectrum of UV and work at high intensities which is ideal for fast, high-volume disinfection.
Why UV Based Disinfection Can Be Trusted
Unlike chemical disinfection, UV leaves no residual taste or by-products in water. It’s environmentally friendly, cost-effective over time, and highly reliable when integrated with proper sensors and controls.
Who Uses UV Lamps for Disinfection?
Interested in UV Based Disinfection?
Alpha-Purify manufactures and supplies a complete range of medium-pressure, low-pressure and amalgam UV lamps, plus quartz sleeves, O-rings, sensors and other key components.
Contact Alpha-Purify’s technical team today to find the right UV technology for your system.