Professional chemical-free disinfection
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All referencesWhat is the difference between Low pressure UV and Medium Pressure UV lamps?
Medium and low-pressure UV systems operate on the same principle. This involves the disposal of unwanted microorganisms using UV radiation, which breaks down their DNA and therefore prevents them from reproducing. Why is the difference between them important? The differences between UV systems offer a completely different performance and function.
The medium-pressure and low-pressure UV systems differ mainly in their performance. It is determined by wavelengths (nm), for which a simple rule applies: the more wavelengths the technology has, the more microorganisms it can destroy. The medium-pressure UV system, unlike the low-pressure one, is able to create a wide spectrum of wavelengths at the same time, thanks to which it achieves much better results.
Low-pressure UV devices operate at a single wavelength of 254 nm. By contrast, medium-pressure UV lamps are based on the broad-spectrum radiation principle – from 200 to 600 nm. And that is an advantage. The wider the range of waves shines through the space, the more pathogens it hits. In addition, this broad-spectrum UV radiation eliminates the DNA of microorganisms permanently, without the possibility of their reactivation (the ability to repair damaged DNA).
Unlike low-pressure systems, medium-pressure UV systems can operate in both cold and hot water. After treatment, the water is treated thoroughly and permanently, using a lower number of UV lamps (in some cases it is possible to replace 60 low-pressure UV lamps with 3 medium-pressure ones) and with significant energy savings.
| 200–600 nm | Polychromatic emission spectrum of medium-pressure lamps |
| 254 nm | Monochromatic emission spectrum of low-pressure lamps |
| 245 nm | Reduction of monochloramine (A) |
| 297 nm | Reduction of dichloramine (B) |
| 260, 340 nm | Reduction of trichloramine (C) |
A common argument against medium-pressure lamps is their lifespan, which is by default half the lifespan of low-pressure lamps. However, LIFETECH developed the unique LifeAGE® technology that affects the power supply of medium-pressure lamps to achieve the same lifespan as amalgam UV lamps, i.e., 18,000 hours. We have installations where the lifespan of medium-pressure lamps reached 20,000 to 30,000.hours.
Chloramines in water are formed as a secondary manifestation of chlorination, reactions of chlorine and organic compounds (typically, swimmers sweat and urine). Unwanted mono- and dichloramines can be removed by low-pressure UV systems.
The removal of trichloramine, which not only has adverse effects on human health, is more difficult. It enters the body through the skin and by evaporation from the water and subsequently enters the respiratory tract. It causes eye redness, cough, chronic bronchitis, rash, allergies and may lead to worsening or development of asthma. Bathers, swimmers and staff in swimming halls are affected. Its increased concentration in the air also damages the construction material of swimming halls. In the case of chlorination, it is an inevitable part of pools in which people move. Concentration and formation of trichloramine cannot be controlled by standard pool filters. It is most advantageous to use medium-pressure UV systems for the decomposition and destruction of trichloramine (and for quality water disinfection).
Since some bacteria are able to restore their DNA after UV radiation, it is necessary to choose technologies that will prevent them from doing so. These include the medium-pressure UV system, which permanently damages the structure of all microorganisms. As a result, they cannot continue with reproduction and therefore threaten the health of you or your customers.
The medium-pressure UV system has several advantages over the low-pressure UV system, which are crucial for high-quality disinfection.
Obviously, medium-pressure UV systems offer much more than their low-pressure alternatives. DIN 19643 also recommends pool water treatment with medium-pressure UV systems. Clean water without chemicals represents a responsible approach to human health and the environment.
1) Zimmer, J. L. & Slawson, R. M. (2002). Potential repair of Escherichia coli DNA following exposure to UV radiation from both medium- and low-pressure UV sources used in drinking water treatment. Applied & Environmental Microbiology, Vol. 68, No. 7, 3293-3299.
2) The latest version of the German NORM for pools DIN 19643, November 2012
