UV Advanced Oxidation Process (UV AOP)
Introduction to UV AOP
UV Advanced Oxidation Process (UV AOP) is an innovative water treatment technology that combines ultraviolet (UV) light and an oxidant, such as hydrogen peroxide, to remove contaminants from water effectively. This process is highly effective in breaking down complex pollutants that are difficult to eliminate with conventional treatment methods.
Importance of Hydroxyl Radicals in AOP
Hydroxyl radicals (•OH) are central to the effectiveness of the AOP due to their exceptional oxidation potential, which is one of the highest among oxidants used in water treatment:
​
Fluorine (F2): 3.6 V
Hydroxyl Radicals (•OH): 2.8 V
Ozone (O3): 2.1 V
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2): 1.8 V
Permanganate (MnO4-): 1.7 V
Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2): 1.5 V
Chlorine (Cl2): 1.4 V
Bromine (Br2): 1.1 V
The high oxidation potential of hydroxyl radicals enables them to react rapidly and non-selectively with a wide range of organic contaminants, breaking them down into harmless byproducts efficiently.
How UV AOP Works
UV AOP involves the following key steps:
Introduction of Oxidant:
An oxidant like hydrogen peroxide is added to the water.
UV Irradiation:
Water is then exposed to UV light, which activates the oxidant.
Formation of Hydroxyl Radicals:
The interaction between UV light and the oxidant produces hydroxyl radicals, powerful oxidants that break down pollutants.
Degradation of Contaminants:
These radicals react with contaminants, breaking them down into harmless by-products.
Types of Contaminants Treated
UV AOP is highly effective against a wide range of contaminants, including:
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD): Reduces the overall organic load in the water.
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)/Sulfides: Eliminates odorous and corrosive sulfur compounds.
Phenols: Breaks down toxic phenolic compounds commonly found in industrial effluents.
Pesticides and Pharmaceuticals: Degrades complex organic molecules from agricultural and pharmaceutical sources.
Emerging Contaminants: Effective against newly recognized pollutants that traditional methods struggle to remove.
PFAS Removal Using UV AOP
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that are persistent in the environment and human body, posing significant health risks. UV AOP has shown promising results in the degradation of these "forever chemicals."
Degradation Mechanism:
UV AOP processes, especially those incorporating advanced techniques like electro-oxidation and UV/ozone combinations, effectively break down PFAS molecules into less harmful substances.
Efficiency:
Studies have demonstrated significant removal rates of various PFAS compounds. For instance, UV/ozone treatments have achieved over 95% removal efficiency for certain PFAS
Applications of UV AOP
UV AOP is versatile and can be applied in various industries, including:
​
Municipal Water Treatment: Ensures safe drinking water by removing contaminants like pesticides and pharmaceuticals.
Industrial Wastewater Treatment: Treats wastewater from industries, reducing the presence of harmful chemicals.
Groundwater Remediation: Cleans up contaminated groundwater by breaking down pollutants.
Advanced Wastewater Treatment: Enhances the treatment process to meet stringent discharge regulations.
Benefits of UV AOP
Highly Effective:
Capable of degrading a wide range of contaminants.
Environmentally Friendly:
Produces no harmful by-products.
Scalable:
Can be applied to both small and large-scale operations.
Complementary Technology:
Enhances existing water treatment processes.
Advantages of LED UV-C Systems in UV AOP
The incorporation of LED UV technology in a UV AOP system offers several unique benefits:
Dynamic control
LED UV-C systems can adjust their power output in response to fluctuating flow velocities, while mercury lamps produce 100% power output all the time.
Instant on/off
LED UV-C lamps can be turned on and off instantly, and an unlimited number of times, cutting power in no-flow conditions, while mercury lamps remain always on, consuming power.
Longer lifespan
LED UV-C lamps have a longer service life, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
Mercury-free
LED UV-C systems are environmentally friendly, as they do not contain toxic mercury found in traditional UV lamps.
Compact design
The compact size and side mounting of LED UV-C lamp modules allow for more flexible installation and easier integration into existing treatment systems.
Greater Device Flexibility
Single LED UV-C system capable of offering doses upto 2000 mj/cm² and able to be turned down to 30mj/cm2 for dual purpose water treatment.
Technical Specifications
To ensure optimal performance, UV AOP systems must be correctly sized and designed. Key considerations include:
UV Intensity: Adequate UV light intensity to activate the oxidant effectively.
Oxidant Concentration: Proper dosing of the oxidant to ensure efficient pollutant degradation.
Water Quality: Factors like turbidity and presence of other substances can affect the efficiency of the UV AOP process.
Why Choose LED UV-C Systems Ltd
Innovative Technology:
Utilising the latest advancements in UV-C LED technology.
Custom Solutions:
Tailored UV AOP systems to meet specific needs.
Expert Support:
Comprehensive support from system design to installation and maintenance.
Contact Us Today for Advanced Water Treatment Solutions
Discover how LED UV-C Systems Ltd's PearlAqua Kilo and PearlAqua Tera can increase efficiency in your water treatment process by providing intelligent UV-C Â AOP in variable flow and intermittent flow conditions. Contact us today to learn more about our LED UV-C systems and our commitment to providing innovative, eco-friendly, and efficient solutions to meet your water treatment needs.