A company specializing in the production of ultraviolet disinfection systems has implemented an advanced UV solution at a recirculating aquaculture facility (RAS). This project demonstrates the effectiveness of UVC germicidal lamps in maintaining water purity without chemical additives. The chosen technology uses 254 nm UV radiation, which disrupts the DNA and RNA of harmful microorganisms, ensuring high microbial safety with no residual by-products.
Facility Overview
The project was carried out at a fish farming site operating a closed-loop recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). The water treatment chain includes mechanical and biological filtration, followed by water recirculation into fish tanks. Maintaining low microbial loads is critical in such systems, as any imbalance can lead to fish diseases and productivity loss.
The Challenge
The client required a chemical-free UV water disinfection solution with high throughput and the ability to integrate into existing infrastructure. Key demands included:
- Flow capacity of at least 115 m³/h
- No residual substances after treatment
- Independent disinfection for each of four recirculation lines
- Resistance to environmental fluctuations
- No direct UV light exposure to aquatic life
Our Solution
The engineering team proposed a hybrid system utilizing two types of UV equipment. The primary unit was a UVL Aqua 3-700 flow-through sterilizer, placed downstream from the biofilter to handle the main disinfection process. Complementing it was a UVL Mod 32600 submersible module, installed directly inside the pipeline to simulate flow-through operation. This layout allowed the use of high-power amalgam UV lamps (610 W) without exposing fish to direct radiation.
Technical configuration:
Installation was performed in a 160 mm diameter, 1700 mm long pipe. The UV disinfection module was fixed at one end using a PTFE sleeve, with the opposite end stabilized by the pipe itself. Though unconventional, this approach was both technically sound and cost-effective.
Equipment Specifications
- Capacity (depending on water type):
- up to 200 m³/h at 25 mJ/cm²
- up to 120 m³/h at 40 mJ/cm²
- up to 70 m³/h at 60 mJ/cm²
- Material: AISI 304 stainless steel
- Max pressure: 1.0 MPa
- Includes: housing, amalgam lamp, quartz sleeve, electronic ballast, inspection window, control cabinet with ventilation and hour counter
- Installation: vertical or horizontal (optional cleaning system)
- Power: 610 W
- Length: 1650 mm
- Lamp life: 16,000 hours
- Composition: amalgam UV lamp, 40×2×1700 mm quartz sleeve, PTFE sealing unit, 10 m power cable, spare lamp
- Features: operable in pressurized lines; both vertical and horizontal configurations supported
Project Implementation
The project evolved in stages. Initially, the client acquired a single sterilizer. Over time, the system expanded to include multiple modules, resulting in a total contract value exceeding 5 million rubles. Key challenges included:
- Customizing the sealing unit for reliable performance at specific pressure levels
- Sourcing 160 mm pipes independently, with our team providing technical drawings and recommendations
- Preparing non-standard documentation (e.g., combining two modules into one "system") to streamline internal approval
Despite the complexities, the system was successfully installed and tested. The UV disinfection system demonstrated excellent performance under real-world conditions.
Results and Client Benefits
- Significantly improved microbial water quality in the RAS
- Zero use of chemicals in disinfection
- Reduced operational costs and consumables
- Seamless integration into the existing infrastructure
- Individual protection of each recirculation line to limit pathogen spread
- Reliable operation even under fluctuating pressure and temperature
The implemented solution substantially improved water safety, minimized disease risks, and boosted aquaculture productivity.
Need a Proven UV Disinfection Solution?
We offer a full line of UV sterilization equipment for aquaculture and water treatment applications. Our team provides tailored system selection and delivery based on your technical needs.
