UV - C disinfection

[nickdutch]

I am not sure if you will count this either, but I have just paid for a UV – C sterilizing wand. It is a battery powered device that emits UV – C radiation that kills germs. UV – C is blocked by our ozone layer and so sunlight that comes down to our level doesn't contain UV – C.

It seemed like another cool way to protect against infection and to disinfect surfaces in a non chemical way and therefore good for surfaces and the like. As its battery powered, you might need a power source or maybe you could just make up a small PV panel just to run it.

Anyway, just thought I would let you know about these things.

You can get cheap ones from dealextreme uk

[tigs]

when we had our bore hole drilled we where offered the choice of a UV fillter , but the check on the water showed it would not be needed , im guessing what you have is its little brother

[nickdutch]

I think you may be thinking of "steripen" which kills stuff in drinking water for emergencies using UV-C technology. The wands are for objects, surfaces and the like.

[tigs]

nope i mean a uv filter system for water bore holes , they are conected to the pump , the water is pumped into a chamber and treated with uv light killing any bactria in it .

[Technik]

I'm just about to buy a reverse osmosis water filtration system and they usually have the UV light filters fitted to kill any remaining bacteria and viruses that the osmosis membrane doesn't pick up. The only downside is that they last for about a year so you need to have a couple spare ones. I suppose you could use to sterilize anything with it, not just water. It's a good idea.

[Moony]

UV disinfection is very effective except where theres heavy particulate matter (lumps of dirt / crud) which blocks the light so that anything hidden behind it (i.e. bacteria) isn't disinfected. It shouldn't be used where theres obvious dirt or any area where the light can't penetrate (i.e. solid objects). This is why you should pre-filter water before sticking a steri-pen into your water bottle. It is apparently very good when combined with reverse osmosis