by Dr Katie, and Camilla Cetinkaya, CEO, Tritonlux, Denmark
With over 35 years of accumulated expertise, Tritonlux specialises in the development and deployment of ultraviolet (UV) disinfection systems across a range of facilities in Denmark and globally. Their research-driven approach ensures highly effective microbial inactivation and water purification through high quality UV technologies.
Scientific basis for UV treatment
The increasing demand for high water quality standards has led to the widespread adoption of UV irradiation as a fundamental component of modern water treatment strategies. UV irradiation effectively disrupts the DNA of microorganisms, leading to their inactivation, while simultaneously catalysing the decomposition of ozone (O₃ to O₂).
As a non-chemical disinfection method, UV is extensively utilised in drinking water purification, wastewater treatment, recirculating aquaculture systems, and swimming pool sanitation. This method provides a highly efficient, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable alternative for microbial control without the introduction of residual disinfectants. UV-based treatments not only ensure effective pathogen inactivation but also mitigate the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which are often associated with chemical-based water treatment methods.
Mechanisms of UV disinfection
The effectiveness of UV treatment is determined by the delivered UV dose, quantified as energy per unit area (mJ/cm²), which is the product of UV intensity (mW/cm²) and exposure time (s) within the UV reactor. Optimising UV reactor performance requires a thorough evaluation of ultraviolet transmittance (UVT), reactor geometry, lamp power, and water flow rate.
UV disinfection predominantly operates at a wavelength of 253.7nm, which exhibits strong bactericidal properties, targeting a broad spectrum of microorganisms including bacteria (e.g., Clostridium), viruses, cysts, and oocysts (Giardia, Cryptosporidium). The absorption of UV photons induces photochemical damage in microbial DNA and proteins, thereby inhibiting replication and pathogenic activity. While some bacteria possess repair mechanisms, continuous UV exposure in water treatment systems effectively prevents reactivation.
The required UV dose varies according to target pathogens, necessitating precise system design. For instance, inactivation of Cryptosporidium at 99 percent efficiency (2-log reduction) requires 5.8mJ/cm², whereas a 99.99 percent reduction (4-log) demands 22 mJ/cm². The dose-response relationship is non-linear, with significantly higher doses required for higher log reductions. Regulatory standards also vary; the American Water Works Association specifies a UV dose of 36mJ/cm² for virus inactivation, whereas the EPA mandates 143mJ/cm² for a 3-log virus inactivation in drinking water.
UV Applications in aquaculture
UV disinfection plays a pivotal role in aquaculture water management, mitigating bacterial and viral contamination. UV doses in aquaculture range from 2mJ/cm² to over 230 mJ/cm², depending on microbial load and water quality. Studies indicate that fish pathogens are effectively neutralised at doses of 30mJ/cm², while total heterotrophic bacteria require considerably higher UV doses for inactivation. The formation of bacterial aggregates and particulate shielding can influence UV efficiency, necessitating advanced reactor designs to optimise penetration.
UV irradiation also facilitates hydroxyl radical production, enhancing oxidation processes (AOPs). When used in tandem with ozonation, UV accelerates hydroxyl radical formation, improving the degradation of organic contaminants and microbial disinfection. Research in recirculating aquaculture systems indicates that ozonation (0.1–0.2 min mg/L) followed by UV irradiation (42.5–112.7mJ/cm²) can achieve 99.9 percent bacterial reduction, underscoring the effectiveness of combined oxidative and photolytic treatments. Moreover, the ability of UV irradiation to disrupt biofilm formation further enhances its applicability in aquaculture systems where water recirculation is a necessity.
UV dose optimization and reactor design
The efficiency of UV disinfection is highly dependent on reactor configuration and operational parameters. Key design considerations include:
- Ultraviolet Transmittance (UVT): Measures the ability of UV light to penetrate water, which is influenced by turbidity and dissolved organic matter
- Lamp placement and reactor geometry: Ensures uniform UV exposure and minimises shadowing effects that could compromise microbial inactivation
- Flow rate and contact time: Determines the exposure duration of water to UV light, which directly impacts pathogen inactivation efficacy.
To optimise performance, UV reactors must be calibrated based on real-time water quality parameters, ensuring adaptive disinfection efficiency under varying operational conditions.
Precision and performance
Tritonlux designs and manufactures advanced UV systems that combine high disinfection efficiency with energy optimisation. Our UV solutions, engineered in Denmark, meet the highest quality standards and are tailored to diverse applications, including industrial and municipal water treatment.
Key product lines:
- Low Pressure (LP) Systems – Helios Series: Engineered with UV reactors made from PP, steel, or titanium, these systems utilise high-performance quartz sleeves, electronic ballasts, UV and temperature sensors, and integrated control units for precise operation.
- Medium Pressure (MP) Systems – Designed for intake and recirculating water in aquaculture, these high-capacity UV reactors eliminate pathogens efficiently. MP systems are optimised for large flow rates and advanced disinfection control.
Tritonlux Control System: Intelligent Monitoring & Automation
The ‘Control Unit’ enables real-time monitoring and automation of Tritonlux UV systems, ensuring optimal performance through continuous data acquisition. Integrated with OxyGuard Commander Pacific Systems and compatible with P-Net, TCP/Modbus, and USB interfaces, facilitates comprehensive process control.
Key features include:
- Continuous monitoring of UV intensity, lamp performance, and temperature
- Real-time dose calculation (if flow meter is installed)
- Automatic lamp dimming and ballast control
- Önorm-approved UV sensors for treatment validation
- Integrated alarm systems and data logging for regulatory compliance
Tritonlux
Find out more from Tritonlux on how their technology can enhance your disinfection and purification processes. Their scientific expertise gives over 35 years of innovation in UV disinfection, and their precision engineering gives high-performance reactors and intelligent control systems. They have a sustainability focus, on chemical-free and energy efficient water treatment, whilst still creating customised solutions, tailor designed for diverse water treatment needs.
Published in the March 2025 issue of International Aquafeed & Fish Farming Technology
