Using UV to remove chloroamine

[Raul-7]

http://www.amazon.com/iSpring-UVF11-Reverse-Osmosis-Filter/dp/B006PH6YYS/ref=cm_cd_ql_qh_dp_t

UV is well-established in other industries to breakdown chloroamine; would it be useful in RO applications as well? I think it would save money in the long-run since you wouldn't have to use carbon blocks any longer.

 

[dkeller_nc]

In theory, you could certainly use sufficient UV intensity of the correct wavelength to oxidize chloramine. However, it's very doubtful this would save any money. To oxidize most of the chloramine, you'd have to have sufficient UV intensity of a very low wavelength (I believe about 180 - 210nM is used to oxidize TOC in wastewater treatment), a slow enough flowrate to provide sufficient exposure time, and a short enough path length to ensure penetration through the water flow.

All of these add up to potentially being quite a large UV unit, with very expensive lamp replacement costs and/or electrical operating costs compared to using carbon blocks.

 

[Raul-7]

Isn't the speed of the water limited by the diameter of our tubing? 1/8"; coupled with the resistance of the RO membrane.

I can do a test to see if it's worth it; my loss is your gain.


I purchased the Polaris UV-1C. Where can I get a chloramine test kit?

 

[Raul-7]

254nm is for chloramine.

 

[bertoni]

I don't have any experience with chloramine testing, but the Hach site mentions doing a free and then a total chlorine test to determine the amount of chlorine bound in chloramines. If drinking water has only monochloramine, Hach sells a machine for testing that ion, but it's very, very expensive.

 

[Dave & Monica]

Interesting concept, would be great to know the size of unit, and someone who could test to see if it actually works. Great question for sure.

 

[Raul-7]

http://www.hach.com/chlorine-free-total-color-disc-test-kit-model-cn-66/product?id=7640219519

I ordered this; should work?

I'll test chloramine and chlorine levels pre and post with varying flowrates.

 

[bertoni]

That kit probably will be accurate enough, but I haven't used it.

 

[Raul-7]

I received the sterilizer, very solid construction.

And I bought this:
http://www.lamotte.com/en/drinking-water/individual-test-kits/3308-01.html


How should I run the test; I'll measure how fast my RO unit makes water without the DI. Then use that flowrate and run water through the UV unit. Test my tap and post UV water. Does that sound logical?

 

[bertoni]

I think that sounds like a good way to start experimenting.

 

[CStrickland]

Could you test your ammonia levels real quick while your at it? I'm curious what breaking down instead of removing it will do. I guess the chlorine will offgas

 

[acesq]

http://www.amazon.com/iSpring-UVF11-Reverse-Osmosis-Filter/dp/B006PH6YYS/ref=cm_cd_ql_qh_dp_t

UV is well-established in other industries to breakdown chloroamine; would it be useful in RO applications as well? I think it would save money in the long-run since you wouldn't have to use carbon blocks any longer.

Are you putting this before or after the ro?

 

[Raul-7]

I'm putting it before my RO if it works.

I will first test it without any filter; I want to see if it's effective at destroying chloramines as the studies claim. I hope it is; I'm tired having to use chloramine blocks which don't last long at all.

 

[acesq]

I think that's the right place to put it. Hope it works for you.

 

[Raul-7]

http://www.kieferpool.com/pdfs/Duke_LP_Amalgam_vs_MP_UV.pdf

It seems it needs an inordinate amount of UV to reduce monochloramine by a decent amount. I'm hoping my tap doesn't have too much to begin with. Can't wait to get my test kit.

 

[tkeracer619]

Have you found a bulb that is more appropriate for the application?

4- Monochromatic UV light is more effective in degrading monochloramine, and
polychromatic UV light is more effective in degrading free chlorine.

 

[Raul-7]

It is monochromatic; the specs say 254nm.

 

[tkeracer619]

Very cool.

 

[Raul-7]

Just received the test kit; measured both free and total chlorine - got 0 for both. That can't be right.

I'll retest it from a different water source.

 

[Raul-7]

Just received the test kit; measured both free and total chlorine - got 0 for both. That can't be right.

I'll retest it from a different water source.

0.2ppm chloramine.