In a water treatment system, ultraviolet light (UV) is used to disinfect the water by destroying bacteria. The UV light penetrates the water stream and destroys the micro-organisms. This process is based on intensity of the UV light and the ability for the UV light to pass through the water stream.

The intensity of the bulb is an important part of the process and after time the intensity degrades and the disinfection capabilities are hampered. The common practice is to change the bulb every year or every 9000 hours. This is the designed bulb life for most UV systems. There is always a possibility of failure when dealing with equipment, and in this type of system a failure isn't always evident. There are obvious failures, such as the bulb is out or there is an audible alarm. The hidden failure would be a bulb that is on but is not producing the intensity necessary to destroy bacteria. There is always the possibility that the bulb has degraded before its' expected life span.

The good news is there is a way to monitor the bulb intensity. Some of the more professional UV systems offer intensity meters that monitor the nanometers required to destroy bacteria effectively. The threshold for these meters is 254nm. If the threshold is reached the intensity meter will sound and audible alarm. These systems can also be set up to control a solenoid valve that will shut off the water if this alarm occurs. This ensures that untreated water does not reach the end user. These systems were generally expensive in the past and most people did not buy them because of the cost. US Water Systems is now offering an affordable way to do this with the Luminor Blackcomb Series UV Light. This system is equipped with filtration for added protection.

These are top-notch systems at half the price of a comparable competitor. These systems are available with or without the intensity meter. They also offer the solenoid shutoff valve. Click on the picture to go to the information page. You will find a brochure and manual there as well.

The other thing that makes an intensity meter so important is that it not only monitors the bulb but the entire chamber.

UV systems usually have a quartz sleeve the isolates the bulb from the water stream. Some of these are straight glass tubes and some are closed on the end similar to a lab test tube. If there are contaminants in the water that stain this quartz sleeve can become coated and serve as a tint to the glass. When that happens, the UV light cannot penetrate the quartz sleeve and pass through the water stream. Again the good news is that because the intensity meter detects the light intensity and is strategically located on the outside of the quartz sleeve, it can also detect a deficiency in light intensity due to a staining on the sleeve. If you want an added sense of security I highly recommend an intensity monitoring system. Some states require intensity monitors on UV Light systems and now US Water Systems is able to provide a cost effective solution. If you use a private well as a water source, you are rolling the dice without bacteria protection. The Luminor Blackcomb is a system that will provide assurance that you are using bacteria free water. I you have any questions about the UV Light treatment process or system please give us a call at 1.800.608.8792.