UV Sterilizer Design Criteria

Proper UV Sterilizer Design The pivotal component of any UV sterilizer is its UV lamp. Critical performance characteristics include: output performance, arc length, and useful lamp life. The power source (ballast) operates the lamp and must match its specific operating parameters (operating current and input watts). The UV reactor is essentially the space that houses the UV lamp field; the dimensions of which are based upon the lamp’s operating specifications.

A valuable resource:
The book shown above is "The Ultraviolet Disinfection Handbook" by Dr. James R. Bolton, Ph.D.

Our design incorporates “Third-Party Validated” engineering criteria into a uniform, industrial grade housing for years of dependable and efficient operation. Optimal UV Sterilizer Design Criteria:

Optimal UV Lamp Performance		Ballast(s) that are specifically matched to the UV Lamp's operating requirements		UV Lamp Array that utilizes the lamp's UV-C output to its maximum potential

UV equipment design is the result of a calculated balance between equipment size, cost, and performance. Many of our competitors realize the consumer’s sensitivity to the size and cost of this equipment and try to capitalize on it by over-rating their UVs. Some use a “compact” approach while grossly exaggerating the equipment's true capacity. Compact UVs are sold on both the hobbyist and commercial levels to the detriment of the consumers since they are paying for UV protection they never receive. This problem is a by-product of unregulated product and marketing claims. Unfortunately, consumers bear the burden.

Emperor Aquatics, Inc. provides UV lamp performance data sheets which substantiate our recommendations.

These include:
1. Flow rate calculations based upon the Bolton Photosciences, Inc. UV Calc Modeling Program (same program that is recognized by the EPA)
2. Lamp Dimensions
3. UV-C Output
4. End-of-Useful-Lamp Life

NOTE: Beware of companies that “cannot divulge” this critical information. It is not proprietary. Please note the testimonial letter from The University of Maine to Emperor Aquatics, Inc. which commends our technical support and our deserved “reputation as a manufacturer of top quality UV Sterilization equipment.”

Other pertinent Ultraviolet Sterilizer Information:
• What is UV Sterilization: Ultraviolet Sterilization Information
• A UV Sterilizer's flow rate is based on the Target Microorganism and its required UV Dose.
• The most critical component to any UV Sterilizer is the Ultraviolet Lamp it's designed around. Follow this link to find out more information on the various Germicidal UV Lamps.
• Quartz Sleeve Wiper Systems, are they beneficial?

If you still have questions regarding proper UV Sterilizer design or any other Ultraviolet Sterilization topic, please feel free to send us an e-mail here: UV Sterilizer Questions.