FAQ section: AQUAFIDES

UV light, or ultraviolet light, is a form of electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths than visible light, but longer wavelengths than X-rays. It ranges between 10 and 400 nanometres (nm). UV light is divided into three main categories: UV-A (315-400 nm), UV-B (280-315 nm), and UV-C (100-280 nm). Depending on the wavelength, UV rays have different properties and effects. While UV-A and UV-B light are responsible for skin damage such as sunburn, the shorter UV-C light is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere. In our AQUAFIDES UV disinfection devices, we artificially generate this high-energy UV-C light using UV lamps and use it to illuminate bacteria and viruses in water. This UV-C light directly affects the DNA of these microorganisms, inactivating them and preventing reproduction (cell division).

UV disinfection is an effective method for killing pathogens in drinking water by using UV-C rays to damage the DNA of microorganisms and prevent their reproduction. Unlike chemical disinfection methods, UV disinfection leaves no residues in the water and does not change the taste, odour, or colour of the water. UV disinfection does not affect the natural components of drinking water such as minerals or trace elements, as it is merely a physical disinfection method that kills microorganisms without chemically altering the water.

With an investment of a few thousand euros, you can get a certified UV disinfection device from AQUAFIDES that meets all functional requirements and legal regulations for producing healthy drinking water.

Depending on increased requirements due to water quality or the necessary total flow rate (e.g., supplying thousands of people through municipal waterworks), the price of a UV disinfection device can of course be several tens of thousands of euros.

Note: There are also significantly cheaper UV devices available – however, these are never certified devices. That means the actual disinfection performance of the system is an estimate; it is not confirmed by external laboratory tests and is also not monitored during operation.

UV disinfection devices are considered a sustainable method for water disinfection. Compared to chemical disinfectants such as chlorine, UV disinfection methods leave no residues in the water and do not change its colour, odour or taste. They also do not require additional chemicals, further reducing environmental impact. Moreover, UV disinfection devices typically consume less energy than alternative disinfection methods such as heating water. They can provide an effective and environmentally friendly solution for water disinfection, provided they are properly maintained and operated. UV devices are powered by electricity and can produce healthy water in stock, making them ideal for use in renewable energies such as solar, wind and hydropower.

UV light is invisible light with a shorter wavelength compared to visible light. This high-energy light mainly appears on the Earth’s surface as UV-A and UV-B light. Prolonged exposure can lead to skin damage such as sunburn. Sunscreen protects against this.

However, when used correctly, UV light can work wonders. Concentrated UV-C light can inactivate microorganisms in drinking water in AQUAFIDES UV devices, protecting our most valuable asset. AQAUFIDES UV systems are designed so that this UV light never reaches the environment.

AQUAFIDES UV devices are characterised by high, certified disinfection performance and compact and reliable low-maintenance designs. High-quality materials, in-house development and production, and a European supply chain are further features of the UV specialist AQUAFIDES.

Certified AQUAFIDES UV devices are constantly monitored by a device radiometer (UV sensor). This control of the disinfection performance takes place around the clock, guaranteeing the quality of your drinking water. If proper disinfection cannot be guaranteed for any reason (e.g. dirty water), the UV sensor will detect this. The control of the UV device then interrupts the water flow, ensuring that water of inferior quality never enters the drinking water network.

Yes. Using a standardised UV radiometer (UV sensor), the irradiance intensity of the water can be measured. In this way, the disinfection performance of AQUAFIDES UV devices can be constantly monitored, guaranteeing healthy water.

The validation of UV devices refers to the process of confirming that the UV device meets its specified performance requirements and functions effectively. This process involves a series of tests and measurements to ensure that the UV device fulfils its intended function and achieves the necessary disinfection effect. In validation, in addition to individual components (such as UV lamps), the entire UV system including its control is tested at numerous operating points. A suitable microorganism is added to the test water in a known dose before using the UV device. After using the UV device, a water sample is taken and biodosimetrically evaluated in a laboratory. The disinfection performance of the UV device can then be validated.

Validation is only reliable when performed by external and independent laboratories and testing institutes. External validation provides certainty that the device can be operated effectively and safely.

The certification of UV devices is a process in which an independent body or organisation confirms the conformity of a UV device with certain standards or norms. These standards may relate to performance, safety, reliability, efficiency and other relevant aspects. Certification is important to ensure that the UV device meets the specified requirements and fulfils the expectations of users.

A prerequisite for certification is usually a prior validation, covering standards and test series prescribed by certification guidelines.

A valid certification provides users with confidence in the quality, safety and performance of the UV device and facilitates the comparison of different products on the market.

Validation and certification are two different processes, but both fundamentally serve to confirm the quality, performance and conformity of products.

Validation determines the performance and functionality of a product, while certification is the confirmation by an independent body that the product meets specified standards.

While validation is a one-time check of the UV device with a primary focus on disinfection performance, certification requires a much more comprehensive control and review of the product and the manufacturer. Ongoing controls and audits of the manufacturer and the materials used guarantee the highest possible quality and safety of the UV device.

During a power outage, the optional shut-off valves operated by battery packs can automatically move to the closed position, preventing unwanted water flow.