Ultraviolet method for organic destruction
15 Jan 2000
A new ultraviolet (UV) light water treatment process from Hanovia pushes forward the boundaries of ultra-pure water (UPW) production. Called SuperTOC, it is designed to reduce the total organic carbon (TOC) content of water by emitting enhanced levels of short-wavelength UV. At these wavelengths UV breaks down and oxidises organic molecules present in water, essential for UPW production.
The optimised spectral output of the new arc tube below 200 nm has been tailor-made for TOC reduction, and is the result of extensive development. Experiments using a UPW loop found UV wavelengths below 200nm to be highly effective, especially with low molecular weight contaminants. The process involves not only oxidation of the organics by OH-radicals, but also direct photolysis, a process where the UV breaks the chemical bonds within a molecule.
A significant feature of the SuperTOC unit is the new user-friendly, microprocessor-driven control panel, called Photon. By accepting input from a flow meter, it calculates and displays a range of useful functions. In addition, up to one year's performance data can be logged, ensuring the thorough traceability of all process variables.
Benefits of SuperTOC to the user, in addition to greatly enhanced TOC reduction, include lower capital costs, reduced power consumption and longer arc tube life. The equipment is also more compact than any previous model, making installation easier.
