UV system against legionella: Safety and efficiency

UV system against legionella Legionella pose a serious threat to health, especially in hot water systems. These microorganisms can multiply in water pipes and lead to dangerous respiratory diseases such as Legionnaires' disease. To ensure safety in hot water systems, an effective disinfection method is essential. The UV system is one of the most reliable and environmentally friendly solutions here.

Legionella: An invisible danger in hot water systems

Legionella are water-borne bacteria that prefer to multiply in warm, humid environments. Hot water systems in buildings where the water reaches temperatures between 25 and 50 degrees Celsius are particularly susceptible to legionella. Under these conditions, the bacteria find optimal growth conditions, which increases the risk of infection. Legionella can spread into the air and be inhaled via tiny water droplets, so-called aerosols, which are produced during showers or by air conditioning systems. An infection with Legionella can lead to Legionnaires' disease, a severe pneumonia that is particularly dangerous for immunocompromised people.

Traditional methods of legionella control

Traditionally, the thermal disinfection has been the primary method used to combat legionella. This involves heating the water to temperatures of over 60 degrees Celsius in order to kill the bacteria. However, this method has considerable disadvantages:

1. High energy consumption Heating large quantities of water to high temperatures requires a lot of energy, which significantly increases operating costs and pollutes the environment.
2. Material wear The high temperatures can lead to accelerated wear of the pipes and other components of the hot water system, resulting in higher maintenance costs in the long term.
3. Incomplete disinfection In some cases, legionella can survive in insulated areas of the water pipes, especially if the water is not heated evenly to the required temperature.

The UV system: a modern and environmentally friendly alternative

Given the disadvantages of thermal disinfection, the UV disinfection has established itself as an effective and gentler alternative to Legionella control. A UV system uses ultraviolet light in the UV-C spectrum to destroy the DNA of microorganisms such as legionella and thus render them harmless. This method offers numerous advantages:

1. Energy efficiency In contrast to thermal disinfection, UV disinfection requires only a fraction of the energy. The UV system works without heating the water, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.
2. Gentle treatment Since no high temperatures are required, the material of the water pipes remains intact, which extends the service life of the entire system.
3. High effectiveness The UV system is highly effective against legionella and other microorganisms. Its efficiency is confirmed by worksheet W551 of the DVGW, the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water.

Functionality and installation of the UV system

The UV system is integrated directly into the hot water circuit. This means that the water is passed through the UV system and disinfected every time it passes through. Installation is simple and can be integrated into existing hot water systems. Once installed, the UV system works continuously and ensures that the water is free from legionella and other harmful microorganisms at all times.

Advantages of integration into the hot water circuit

1. Continuous disinfection As the water is passed through the UV system with every cycle, constant disinfection is guaranteed. This provides continuous safety against legionella.
2. No chemical use UV disinfection does not require the use of chemicals, which means that no harmful residues remain in the water. This is particularly beneficial for human consumption and the environment.
3. Immediate effect Disinfection takes place in real time as soon as the water flows through the UV system. There is no waiting time before the water can be used safely.

Additional measures to prevent legionella

While the UV system plays a central role in Legionella control, additional measures should be taken to further minimize the risk of contamination. A regular Flushing the hot water system is an effective method of removing stagnant water that could be a potential reservoir for Legionella. Regular flushing prevents biofilms and other deposits from forming in the pipes, which can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria.

Long-term efficiency and sustainability

The use of a UV system for legionella control not only offers short-term benefits, but also long-term sustainability. The lower energy consumption and reduction in material wear and tear reduce operating costs while protecting the environment. In addition, UV disinfection is a future-proof solution that meets the high standards of water hygiene while protecting the health of users.

Conclusion: Safety and efficiency with the UV system against legionella

The UV system against legionella is a modern, efficient and environmentally friendly solution for combating legionella in hot water systems. Compared to traditional thermal disinfection, UV disinfection offers numerous advantages, including lower energy consumption, gentle treatment of materials and high effectiveness against harmful microorganisms. Integration into the hot water circuit ensures continuous disinfection, which significantly reduces the risk of legionella infection. Additional measures such as regular flushing of the system also contribute to safety. Overall, the UV system is a reliable and sustainable solution that meets the highest standards of water hygiene.