AWWA WQTC58923

All waters foul the quartz sleeves that enclose the lamps used in UV reactors. The corresponding reduction in delivered UV dose due to sleeve fouling necessitates the need for cleaning. Several cleaning strategies are currently being used in the UV treatment industry. To evaluate these strategies and to validate the performance of any cleaning mechanism, a testing protocol based on the current NWRI Guidelines was proposed. The protocol was used to study fouling rates of low-pressure and medium-pressure drinking water UV systems and showed both systems fouled at some rate regardless of lamp technology and that water quality had a significant impact on site fouling potential. The protocol was followed to evaluate long-term cleaning performance automated chemical/mechanical cleaning and showed these systems were capable of maintaining high sleeve UV transmittance without maintenance for periods of at least six months. Includes 2 references, tables, figures, appendix.