Water Sterilizers

Water sterilization is recommended or required whenever drinking water is to be consumed by the public, when drawing water from a contaminated well or other questionable source, or any time surface water is treated prior to consumption. Water produced by Reverse Osmosis systems is generally considered safe to drink at the system outlet, but due to minor leakage of O-ring seals, cannot be considered free of pathogens. For this reason, a method of sterilization should be employed based on the intended use of the water. Additionally, often the water supply may be safe most of the time, but be subject to occasional contamination. For this reason, a sterilizing system is frequently employed as a form of water safety "insurance". Because of the human body's dependence on water and the potentially serious consequences of consuming tainted water, the value of this type of "insurance" cannot be overstated.

Well water supplies may also have contamination by pathogens. River or surface water supplies invariably have problems with contamination with various pathogens, and hence sterilization is essential to ensure a safe drinking water supply. Usually, sterilization is best employed after filtration or other treatment to ensure best results.

Other fluids, including waste water and recycled process fluids, often require sterilization for other reasons. These reasons include unpleasant and even hazardous odors that may result from buildup of bacteria, and adverse affects to the equipment or the process involved. The particular characteristics of the fluid to be treated, the environment in which it is handled, and the nature of the process or equipment involved, all play a significant role in determining which method of sterilization to use.

Ultra-Violet Water Sterilizers

Ultra Violet (or U-V) water sterilizers operate by generating ultra-violet light, which kills bacteria and viruses on exposure. The light is generated by a gas-filled tube, through which a current is passed, exciting the gas. This produces the U-V light, which is transmitted and reflected through the water, as it passes through the sterilizer. The water is thus sterilized of harmful pathogens and rendered safe to drink. The treated water is completely unchanged as to taste, odor, mineral content or other properties.

U-V sterilizers are very effective for treatment of water to be consumed at a single point of use, but have no residual effect for multiple outlets or piping systems. To treat water for distribution or for bottling, Ozone systems are recommended. Chlorine is also used in public places, but adds an undesirable taste, as well as a chemical that may have negative effects on the body.

Additionally, water or fluid that is not completely clear is not as effectively sterilized by U-V. Any particles that may be present can protect pathogens "hiding" behind them from the U-V light. Hence water or fluids to be treated by U-V should be well filtered and very clear. Some problems with clarity can be compensated for by increasing the U-V dosage to ensure sufficient penetration and exposure. But murky fluids are best sterilized by other methods, such as Ozone, Chlorine or Hydrogen Peroxide.

Ozone Water Sterilizers

Ozone is the most effective water sterilizing method available today. The technology employed generates a supply of ozone (O3) electrically. Some small systems utilize Ozone- generating U-V lamps. Larger systems usually utilize Corona Discharge technology. The ozone is highly effective in destroying pathogens, and when its work is completed, breaks down into oxygen (O2). This form of oxygen does not adversely affect the taste of the water. On the contrary, the added dissolved oxygen enhances the water's taste. Advantages include highly effective sterilization, no unpleasant tastes or odors, and a significant residual effect. This makes ozone practical for almost any application, where price is not the key issue. Ozone systems cost more than comparably sized U-V systems, but have several important advantages. For example, U-V is not acceptable for water bottling, since it cannot sterilize the bottle. Ozone does sterilize the bottle, and its residual effect continues sterilizing for a time. The residual effect also makes ozone practical for applications where the treated water will be piped for relatively short distances (as opposed to a city distribution system, where the distances are too long for ozone to continue to be effective). Ozone is very useful for treating water stored in tanks prior to being dispensed, as with water stores or other water vending applications. A recirculation pump continuously draws water from the tank, ozonates the water, and pumps it back into the tank. GET offers ozone systems for all capacities and applications.

Chlorine Injection Systems

GET often includes a chlorine injection system with larger potable water production facilities. For those who prefer to avoid the taste, odor and chemicals, GET offers optional U-V or Ozone water sterilization systems. The chlorination system typically consists of a tank filled with liquid chlorine and a metering pump connected through an injection fitting to the product water line. Where the flow rate is relatively stable, a proportional system may not be indicated. Where the flow rate is subject to variation or where extremely precise measurement is desired, GET will supply a water metering device, a controller, and a metering pump that responds to frequent adjustments supplied by the controller, based on the flow as monitored by the flow meter and the injection rate as pre-programmed into the controller. These systems are well engineered and designed to work together seamlessly. Other types of chlorinators are also available, including tablet dispensing systems and gas chlorinators. The gas type are considered very hazardous to operate due to the volitility of the chlorine gas. For this reason, GET prefers not to use gas type chlorinators.

Contact GET, Inc. for more information.

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Global Energy Technologies, Inc.

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Tel: +1-787-303-0090; Fax: +1-787-303-0091

Global Water & Energy Ltd.

Mail: PO Box 90756, Long Beach, CA 90809-0756, USA

Tel: 1-562-983-7777; Fax: 1-562-608-8875

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