Standards for UV disinfection systems
The key test used in certification and validation of UV-C water disinfection systems is biodosimetry. Biodosimetry is a performance-based test that determines whether a UV system delivers a sufficient UV dose (fluence) to inactivate microorganisms and viruses. Instead of relying only on lamp power or theoretical calculations, it measures real disinfection effectiveness.
Their shared goal is to determine the validated UV dose (RED = Reduction Equivalent Dose) and define the safe operating limits of the UV-C system. Especially for drinking water applications testing standards have been specified which are in general globally accepted. For some other types of applications these drinking water based standards are being used for the dimensioning of the UV systems.
UV disinfection standards
Known standards which are internationally accepted for UV systems in public drinking water applications are:
- ÖVGW → M 5873, Austrian standard (Certification)
- DVGW → DIN 19294, German Standard (Certification)
- US EPA, LT2ESWTR → UVGDM, USA guideline (Validation)
Many other countries accept the certificates or validation reports of these 3 standards.
For point-of-entry and point-of-use following standard is known:
- NSF/ANSI 55 → USA
Water reuse applications require specific standards, such as:
- ISO 20468-4:2021 → industrial use
- EU 2020/741 → agricultural use
- NWRI/AWRD → drinking water and reuse
Technical standards
Also technical standards or directive are known which are intended to assist with the design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of UV disinfection systems. For the proof of effectiveness they often refer to the above listed biodosimetric test protocols. Examples are:
- AWWA → F110-22, USA
- NSF-ANSI-CAN 61 → North America
- EU → 2020/2184, EU
- WHO → World Health Organisation
Some countries/organisations also have specific standards depending on the application in which a UV system is going to be used.
Swimming pool and recreational water:
- DIN 19643 → Germany
- NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 → North America
Ballast water in ships:
- IMO → International Marine Organisation
- USCC → US Coast Guard
Drinking water (Dutch): NEN-EN 14897
Disclaimer: the above list is not complete, it gives a short impression of known regulations and their scope of application.
Application specific designs
For many other types of applications like for instance in the aquaculture, horticulture and food & beverage industry different dimensioning is required because of different types of:
- microorganisms
- required UV dosages
- requested reduction rates
- water quality
- water amounts
- process types
- etcetera.
For this system design specialists are needed for dimensioning and selecting the right UV system for a good and reliable disinfection process.
