SovSafe UV sterilisation is a microbiological water treatment technology that destroys bacteria, viruses and other pathogens using ultraviolet light. SovSafe units are designed for commercial drinking water systems where microbiological safety at the point of dispense is essential, particularly in healthcare, education, food production and hospitality environments.
The SovSafe range includes the SovSafe SW24 and the SovSafe SW60 UV steriliser. Both units are designed for continuous operation in commercial drinking water systems, using a certified UV lamp housed in a stainless steel reaction chamber to deliver a lethal dose of UV-C light to the water as it passes through.
TL;DR
- SovSafe UV sterilisation destroys bacteria and viruses in commercial drinking water systems
- SovSafe SW24 and SW60 cover a range of flow rates from small offices to large hospitals
- UV sterilisation does not alter the taste or chemistry of the water
- UV is complementary to filtration and softening, not a replacement
- Regular lamp replacement is required for ongoing effectiveness
In This Article
- What UV Sterilisation Does
- How SovSafe UV Units Work
- SovSafe SW24 and SW60 Models
- Where UV Fits in a Commercial System
- UV vs Filtration vs Softening
- Lamp and Maintenance Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Need Help with UV Sterilisation?
What UV Sterilisation Does
Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light at 254nm damages the DNA of microorganisms as water passes through the treatment chamber. This prevents bacteria, viruses and protozoa from reproducing, effectively rendering them harmless. The process is instantaneous and does not add any chemicals to the water.
UV sterilisation is a physical disinfection process, not a chemical one. It does not alter the taste, smell or chemical composition of the water, and it does not produce any by-products. This makes it particularly suitable for commercial drinking water systems where the water needs to remain safe without changing its character.
How SovSafe UV Units Work
A SovSafe UV unit consists of a stainless steel reaction chamber, a UV-C lamp, a quartz sleeve to protect the lamp from mineral build-up, a flow sensor and a lamp-life indicator. Water flows through the chamber, passes the UV lamp and receives a calibrated dose of UV-C radiation.
The lamp emits UV-C light at 254nm, the wavelength that is most effective at inactivating microorganisms. The quartz sleeve ensures that the lamp stays clean and that the UV-C light passes unimpeded into the water. The flow sensor ensures that the water moves through the chamber at the correct speed to receive the required dose.
SovSafe SW24 and SW60 Models
The SovSafe range covers two models:
- SovSafe SW24 - Compact UV steriliser for small offices, cafés and sites with low-throughput drinking water systems
- SovSafe SW60 - Higher-capacity UV steriliser for hospitals, large hotels, schools and high-throughput food production sites
Both models use the same lamp technology and UV dose calibration. The difference is the size of the reaction chamber and the maximum flow rate each unit can handle.
Where UV Fits in a Commercial System
UV sterilisation is typically installed as the final treatment stage in a drinking water system. It follows softening and filtration, which protect the UV unit from fouling and ensure that the water is clear enough for the UV light to reach all microorganisms. Turbid or cloudy water reduces UV effectiveness, which is why pre-filtration is important.
A typical commercial drinking water treatment train might include: softener for hardness removal, sediment pre-filter for particulates, carbon filter for chlorine and taste, and finally UV sterilisation for microbiological safety. Each stage addresses a different parameter.
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UV vs Filtration vs Softening
UV sterilisation does not replace filtration or softening. It addresses microbiological risk specifically, while sediment and carbon filters address physical and chemical contamination, and a softener addresses hardness.
A water softener removes minerals that cause scale. A sediment filter removes particles. A carbon filter removes chlorine and taste issues. UV sterilisation kills microorganisms. Each addresses a different water quality parameter, and a complete drinking water system typically includes all four stages.
Lamp and Maintenance Requirements
The UV lamp in a SovSafe unit needs annual replacement. The lamp output degrades over time, and the UV dose drops below the required level if the lamp is not replaced. SovSafe units include a lamp-life indicator that tracks the operating hours and alerts when the lamp needs changing.
The quartz sleeve should be cleaned quarterly to prevent mineral build-up that would block UV light from reaching the water. In areas with very hard water, the sleeve may need more frequent cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UV sterilisation alter the taste of water?
No. UV sterilisation is a physical process that destroys microorganisms without adding chemicals or altering the water's chemical composition. The taste remains the same.
How often do I need to replace the UV lamp?
The lamp should be replaced annually. The SovSafe lamp-life indicator tracks operating hours and alerts when replacement is due.
Can UV sterilisation remove chlorine or hardness from water?
No. UV sterilisation only targets microorganisms. Chlorine removal and hardness removal require carbon filtration and water softening respectively.
Need Help with UV Sterilisation?
UV sterilisation is the final stage in a complete drinking water treatment system. We can design the full treatment train for your site and install it to meet your water quality requirements.