Anyone have an ultra violet purification system? Are they easy to install or a pain in the butt? Which brand should I look for?
Any other info I should look into or any other systems to consider?
Thanks, Dave
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I believe that you are asking about ultraviolet water purifiers for drinking water to be taken from a well. I do not have that exact application but I do have some experience with ultraviolet ozone generators for a swimming pool. Recognize that there are two ultraviolet purifier systems to be discussed. The type that is used for swimming pools and water based cooling towers passes external air past a high intensity ultraviolet lamp. This generates ozone (extra oxygen molocule) which is then drawn into the circulation system just prior to return to the pool. I have been very impressed with this system which allows the use of much reduced chemicals.
Recently, my nine year old ultraviolet ozone generator failed. The pool was very hard to keep clean with mustard mold growing anytime it rained. I purchased a new bulb and installed it without too much difficulty (similar to a flourescent lamp except with four wires instead of pins). Immediately, the pool cleared up and the sand filter began to operate at a more normal pressure.
These systems can be surprisingly expensive given the simplicity: a box to contain the ultraviolet light including the light blocking air ingress hole, an ultraviolet lamp and an appropriate ballast. The lamp and the ballast are available at Phillips web page. Be carefull that you never look directly at the lamp or expose your skin when it is on as permanent damage can be done quickly.
The second type of system runs the water through the box containing the lamp. The pipe needs to be transparent to the ultraviolet and robust so that the high intensity illumination does not degrade the pipe over time causing leakage. There may also be an issue with ozone (a poisen) generated within the water. Ozone typically deteriorates within a short time period but I would want to know for sure that the ozone was gone before it got to any other appliance including the water heater. I would expect these systems to be more expensive, not because of the engineering but, rather because of the legal liability issues.
Terry