Legionella control: Efficient solutions with heat pumps and PURION UVC disinfection systems

Legionella control is a central issue for homeowners and building operators, as these waterborne bacteria pose a serious health risk. Legionella thrive in warm, moist environments and can cause severe respiratory illnesses such as Legionnaires' disease in humans. Particularly in hot water installations, as found in many buildings, these bacteria can quickly multiply if the water is not sufficiently disinfected. Compliance with legal regulations for water hygiene is therefore essential to protect the health of users.

Heat Pumps: Efficient Heat, but Not Always Sufficient for Legionella Control

Heat pumps are known for their energy-efficient and environmentally friendly method of providing hot water. They use the existing heat from the environment to warm water to a comfortable temperature. However, heat pumps have a limitation: they often cannot reach the necessary temperature required for thermal disinfection of water. Such disinfection, which requires at least 60 degrees Celsius, is necessary to kill Legionella. Heat pumps can only achieve these temperatures with significantly increased energy expenditure, which raises operating costs and reduces energy efficiency.

UV-C Disinfection: An Effective Addition to Legionella Control

This is where the PURION UVC disinfection system comes into play. These systems offer a reliable and chemical-free method for disinfecting water, regardless of the water temperature. UV-C light destroys the DNA of microorganisms, including Legionella, thus preventing their reproduction. A major advantage of UV-C disinfection is that it leaves no chemical residues and therefore does not affect water quality.

Integration into Existing Systems

The PURION systems are designed to be easily integrated into the circulation loop after the hot water tank. This allows for continuous disinfection of the water without requiring additional heating. As a result, heat pumps can continue to operate energy-efficiently while ensuring high water hygiene. The combination of heat pumps and UV-C disinfection thus offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for Legionella control.

Advantages of UV-C Disinfection with PURION

1. Energy Efficiency: UV-C disinfection systems require only a small amount of energy, making them an economical solution.
2. No Chemical Additives: Disinfection is carried out without the use of chemicals, keeping the water clean and safe.
3. Easy Installation: The systems are compact and can be easily integrated into existing hot water systems.
4. Long-term Safety: Regular disinfection prevents the formation of biofilms, which can serve as a breeding ground for Legionella.

Long-term Strategies for Legionella Control

In addition to the technical equipment for disinfecting water, preventive measures also play an important role in Legionella control. These include:

1. Regular Maintenance: Hot water systems should be regularly maintained and cleaned to prevent the formation of deposits that can serve as breeding grounds for legionella.
2. Systematic Monitoring: Monitoring the water temperature and water quality is essential to ensure that disinfection measures are effective.
3. Staff Training: Building operators should ensure that the responsible staff is informed about the risks of legionella and knows how to operate the disinfection systems correctly.

Economic and Ecological Benefits

The combination of heat pumps and UV-C disinfection offers not only health benefits but also economic and ecological ones. Through the efficient operation of heat pumps and the low energy requirements of UV-C systems, operating costs can be reduced. At the same time, avoiding chemical disinfectants helps protect the environment.

Conclusion: Modern Solutions for a Well-Known Problem

Combating legionella is an essential part of water hygiene in buildings. With the combination of energy-efficient heat pumps and modern UV-C disinfection systems like those from PURION, operators can implement a safe, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly solution. These technologies not only provide protection against legionella but also contribute to the sustainable use of resources.