How is UV-C Used for Liquids & Liquid Storage Tanks?

Man wondering how UV-C is used for liquids


UV-C Light Holds the Power

As taught in our FAQ post on germicidal ultraviolet light, UV-C rays at the wavelength of 254 nanometers (nm) destroy the DNA structure of harmful microorganisms without the use of heat, chemicals, or byproducts. Bacteria and mold can develop in sweeteners, edible oils, and other liquids. UV-C liquid disinfection models use one or more germicidal UV lamps to reduce the risk of contaminated ingredients or final products. Read on for more details.

UV lamp with liquid sugar around it

UV-C Liquid Disinfection

Much like UV-C water purifiers, UV liquid disinfection models use a UV-C lamp contained within a protective quartz sleeve. Liquids that can be successfully disinfected with UV include liquid sugars and sweeteners, re-circulated process water, water-based lubricants, fruit drinks, and juices. Since these fluids easily absorb UV-C rays, disinfection chambers must be slim enough to allow high UV penetration. The process is described below.

Operation of a UV liquid disinfection model
  1. When working at its intended capacity, a UV-C lamp for liquid disinfection produces rays lethal to harmful microorganisms. Note: A dirty quartz sleeve or old UV lamp may hinder proper performance.
  2. Liquid enters the specially designed UV disinfection chamber and flows into the space between the quartz sleeve and the chamber wall.
  3. Suspended microorganisms are exposed to germicidal ultraviolet rays produced by the lamp (see section below about exposure time).
  4. Disinfected liquid exits the chamber and is ready for use.

Custom models available (single-chamber or multi-chamber) and made to order. Shop UV Liquid Disinfectionopen_in_new on AtlanticUltraviolet.com.

UV-C Holding Tank Disinfection

UV-C can disinfect the air space, surfaces, and liquid contents of a storage tank, protecting against moist air growth problems. Applications include a wide range of water, process water, and liquid holding tanks — including those used for fresh water, rainwater, spring water, or car wash runoff water.

Operation of a UV storage tank sanitizer

A UV-C lamp, contained in a protective quartz sleeve, is either mounted horizontally (submerged in the liquid) or suspended vertically from the top of the tank (partially immersed in the liquid).

Many lengths are available for different tank sizes. Shop UV Holding Tank Disinfectionopen_in_new on AtlanticUltraviolet.com.

UV-C Sanitary Conditioners

There is another way UV disinfection can be used for liquid storage tanks. Sanitary conditioner models circulate UV disinfected air through the tank, providing a sterile condition in the “head space” above the liquid. The process is as follows:

Operation of a UV sanitary conditioner installed on a liquid storage tank
  1. Air is drawn into the UV sanitary conditioner through a blower.
  2. The air is forced into the UV-C exposure chamber where it is exposed to germicidal UV light. Harmful microorganisms are neutralized.
  3. UV disinfected and filtered air is circulated within the tank’s head space, reducing condensation that can dilute the liquid. (Diluted sweeteners and edible oils have a strong tendency to promote the growth of bacteria and mold on the liquid’s surface.)
  4. Air is exhausted out of the tank through a filtered tank vent.

Various models are available for a range of tank sizes. Shop UV Sanitary Conditionersopen_in_new on AtlanticUltraviolet.com.

Intensity + Time = Proper UV Liquid Disinfection

Exposure time is how long the liquid is inside the UV purifier chamber, being exposed to the germicidal lamp. To achieve proper disinfection, liquids must be exposed to 254 nanometers of UV-C intensity for an appropriate amount of time. Slim exposure chambers are needed for fluids with high UV absorbance. View our microorganisms page for UV-C dosage data for many liquid-borne bacteria and molds.

Read our other FAQs about how UV water purifiers and UV air and surface models operate.

correct lamp intensity + correct time = proper UV dose

Learn More & Shop UV Disinfection

Ultraviolet.com is your source for learning about germicidal ultraviolet technology and its many uses for water, liquid, air, and surfaces. Browse the following pages for more information.

Shop at AtlanticUltraviolet.com

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