MODULE 9

Appendix 2.2
PRACTICAL GUIDANCE ON THE
DESIGN AND VERIFICATION OF
UV DISINFECTION SYSTEMS
 TARGETED GOALS OF UV SYSTEM

Promote an understanding of system goals, determined by the system

designer, following a DWSP approach to the hazard control involving;
 The assessment of catchment and source risks with respect to the clarity,
organic content, and the likely risk of pathogenic micro-organisms in the
source water
 The evaluation of particular source risk following analysis of raw water
sampling to determine the extent of pathogen inactivation required of the
UV disinfection system
 The determination of the pre-treatment process(es), necessary to ensure
the required clarity of the water (with respect to colour, turbidity and TOC)
and/or inorganic chemical removal, upstream of the chosen reactor
 The goals of the chosen UV system, whether as the primary disinfectant or
as part of a multi-barrier approach, to achieve the target pathogen
inactivation levels established with respect to bacteria, viruses and
protozoa.
DECISION FLOWCHART
TREATED WATER CLARITY AND
INSTALLATION CONSTRAINTS
REACTOR GOALS, DOSE CONTROL
STRATEGY AND MONITORING
 SYSTEM VALIDATION

 Validation certification sets out the UV reactor capability to

apply a UV dose and deliver the targeted inactivation of
pathogens under defined operating conditions:
– the range of flow rates through the reactor(s)
– the clarity of the water, as per the minimum UVT established by a
sampling regime for the water
– the measured UV intensity transmitted through the water as it
passes through the reactor
– pipe installation criteria associated with the validation test
– the maximum number of hours since the lamps were last replaced
 SYSTEM VALIDATION
 Dose Monitoring Strategies
– UV Setpoint Intensity Approach - ONORM and DVGW (Small systems)
– UV intensity which alters dose in response to changes in flow rate and
lamp aging
– UVT monitoring is not needed to confirm dose delivery
– Calculated Dose Approach – USEPA (Large systems)
– UV dose is calculated using an equation dependent on flow rate, UV
intensity, UVT and lamp status. The measured UV intensity sets the lamp
power to sustain the required dose in reply to varying flow and UVT
– The dosing of UV to achieve different log inactivation values and the
specific targeting of pathogens as part of a multi-barrier approach to
drinking water disinfection can be better accommodated
– Approach enables UV dose pacing, which reduces operating costs and
allows more energy efficient operation of larger UV reactor systems when
water quality and flow rate varies
 REQUIREMENTS FOR SYSTEM
OPERATION AND VERIFICATION
Guidance for plant operators in the operation of a UV
disinfection system;
 Understanding of the target goals of the UV system to be operated
 Knowledge of the capability of the UV reactor(s) in operation, as
determined by the validation certification of the particular
reactor(s), including the dose monitoring strategy on which the
certification is based
 knowledge of the functionality of the various elements of the
reactor(s) and the associated instrumentation for the monitoring of
key parameters to ensure correct UV system operation in
accordance with its validation
 ensure that the pipe manifold on which UV reactors are installed
remain full of water when flow through the system decreases to
zero.
 REQUIREMENTS FOR SYSTEM
OPERATION AND VERIFICATION
Guidance for plant operators in the verification of a UV
disinfection system operation;
 Need for records to show that
– UV system is operated and maintained as per the validation
certification i.e. flow, UVI, UV Dose and UVT (as required)
– History of alarm generation
– lamps and other components are replaced after stipulated
maximum usage periods
– associated monitoring instrumentation are calibrated and
where necessary replaced at the frequency stipulated in the
validation standards and in the manufacturers instructions
 TYPICAL ALARM GENERATION

ALARM SETPOINT ALARM TYPE PURPOSE

Lamp Age Minor alarm Run-time indicating end of defined operational lamp life
Calibration of UV sensor Minor alarm UV sensor requiring calibration check based on operating time.
Low UV Validated Dose Major alarm Indicated validated UV dose (based on reactor parameters, i.e.,
flow, UVI, and UVT) falls below required UV dose (USEPA)
Low UV Intensity Major alarm Intensity falls below validated conditions (DVGW /ONORM)
Low UVT Major alarm UVT falls below validated conditions (USEPA)
High Flow Major alarm Flow rate falls outside of validated range
Mechanical Wiper Failure Major alarm Lamp wipe function fails
Lamp Ballast failure Major alarm Single lamp/ballast failure identified
Critical alarm Multiple lamp/ballast failures identified.
Low Liquid Level Critical alarm Liquid level within the UV reactor drops and potential for
overheating increases.
High Temperature Critical alarm Temperature within the UV reactor or ballast >setpoint
 MONITORING OF
UV SYSTEM OPERATION
The following are required to facilitate verification of UV disinfection as
per Clause 12.1 of the Drinking Water Regulations (SI 278 of 2007)
 Validation certification by bioassay testing of all UV reactors used
 The monitoring and reporting of system performance
 Recording of flow, lamp status and UVI at 4 hour intervals
 Monthly calibration of duty UV sensor using reference sensor
i.e. |UVI duty (%) − UVI reference( %)| < 20%
 Weekly calibration of UVT analyser (only if part of dose monitoring strategy) (USEPA)
i.e. |UVTon - line (%) − UVTbench( %)| < 2%
 Recording of the following off-specification events & the monthly off-specification
volume which should be < 5% of the total volume
e.g. Flow > validated flow or UVT < validated UVT or
Validated dose < Required dose for target pathogen inactivation
 SAMPLE DAILY LOG FOR
UV SYSTEM VERIFICATION From Appendix 2.4
 SAMPLE DAILY LOG FOR
UV SYSTEM VERIFICATION From Appendix 2.4