Sterilization of Industrial Process Waters

For industrial water treatment applications, ultraviolet (UV) sterilization is used to inhibit growth of microorganisms, remove ozone, chlorine and trace organics and reduce total organic carbon (TOC).  The water to be “sterilized” is exposed to UV radiation in specially designed chambers that provide intimate contact of the water with the UV light source.

 

Bacteria and other living organisms absorb the energy, which destroys or inactivates their DNA, thus preventing the bacteria from reproducing. Similarly, chemicals and organic compounds also absorb the energy but they are broken down into smaller and more harmless molecules.

 

Sterilization, sanitization and disinfection are three terms that are commonly used and often misused.  Depending on what industry or profession, these terms may have the same or different meanings.  For the purposes of this page, “sterilization” will refer to the inactivation of microorganisms, ozone, chlorine and TOC removal.