Industrial water disinfection is a crucial process in different sectors to ensure the elimination or inactivation of microorganisms and pathogens present in water used in industrial processes. This type of disinfection is necessary to ensure water quality and prevent the spread of water-related diseases in industrial facilities.
Water disinfection



What is water disinfection?
What are the best methods for water disinfection?
Chlorination
Chlorination is one of the most common and effective methods for disinfection of industrial water. Chlorine is added to water in liquid or gaseous form. The chlorine reacts with the microorganisms present, damaging their cell structures and causing their inactivation or death. This process also helps control biofilm formation in industrial water systems.
Chlorine dioxide
Chlorine dioxide disinfection is one of the safest treatments for people and the environment to eliminate bacteria, viruses and other pathogenic organisms. Chlorine dioxide can be generated on-site by chemical reactions from sodium chlorite and an activating acid, or it can also be supplied through commercial solutions. Once added to water, chlorine dioxide acts as an oxidant, destroying microorganisms by deactivating their enzyme systems and disrupting cell membranes. Unlike chlorine, chlorine dioxide does not form disinfection by-products harmful to human health, and is able to maintain its effectiveness even at varying pH and temperature. After sufficient contact time to ensure the elimination of microorganisms, excess chlorine dioxide can be neutralized or removed before the water is distributed for human consumption or industrial use.
Ozonization
Ozonation is another effective method used in industrial water disinfection. Ozone is generated by controlled electrical discharge in atmospheric oxygen and dissolved in water. Ozone is a powerful oxidant that rapidly deactivates the microorganisms present, such as bacteria, viruses and algae, without leaving chemical residues.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation treatment
Ultraviolet radiation is a method of disinfection in which water is exposed to a source of high-energy UV light. UV light damages the genetic material of microorganisms, preventing their replication and ability to cause disease. UV radiation systems are very effective against bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.
The disinfection process
The key steps in the water disinfection process are:
- Water preparation: Before starting the disinfection process, the water must be treated to remove suspended solids, organic matter and other impurities. This is achieved through processes such as coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation, which help separate and remove unwanted particles and materials.
- Selection of the disinfection method: Once the water has been prepared, the most appropriate disinfection method should be selected. The most common methods are chlorination, ozonation and UV radiation.
- Disinfectant dosage: Once the disinfection method has been selected, the correct amount of disinfectant to be added to the water must be determined. This amount is determined by the concentration of microorganisms present in the water, the type of disinfectant used, and the specific conditions of the disinfection process and the needs of the industry.
- Disinfectant application: The disinfectant is applied to the water using specialized equipment, such as dosing pumps for chlorine or injection systems for ozone and UV radiation. It is important to follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for the correct dosing and application of the disinfectant.
- Residence time: After applying the disinfectant, the water should have sufficient residence time to allow the disinfectant to act on the microorganisms present. This residence time varies according to the disinfectant used and the microbial load in the water.
- Quality control: To ensure that the levels of disinfectant in the water are adequate and that the disinfection process has been effective, quality control tests are necessary. These tests may include laboratory analysis and field tests to detect microorganisms and check disinfectant levels.
By following these steps, effective water disinfection can be achieved in industrial processes, improving process health and efficiency and protecting workers from water-related diseases.
Water disinfection equipment
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Benefits of implementing a correct disinfection in your processes.
- Regulatory compliance: The use of reliable and effective industrial water disinfection methods helps to comply with health and safety standards and regulations applicable to industrial facilities. This ensures worker protection and compliance with environmental regulations.
- Controlling the spread of disease: Disinfection methods ensure the elimination or inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms present in industrial water, thus preventing the spread of waterborne diseases in facilities and protecting the health of workers.
- Improved water and process quality: Effective industrial water disinfection helps improve the quality of water used in industrial processes by reducing scale formation, corrosion and biofilm build-up in water systems. This in turn optimizes equipment performance and ensures the quality and consistency of the final product.
- Sustainability: By choosing disinfection methods such as ozonation or UV radiation, the use of hazardous chemicals or the storage of chemicals is avoided. This helps reduce environmental impact and ensures a safer working environment for employees.
Disinfection of industrial water is essential to ensure the quality and safety of water used in industrial processes. Chlorination, ozonation and UV radiation methods are effective options for carrying out this disinfection, and the corresponding equipment enables their proper implementation. Benefits include regulatory compliance, disease control, improved water and process quality, and greater sustainability in industrial water treatment.