Silver and copper ions in water are absorbed by bacteria and kill them from the inside. In contrast, oxidising biocides rely on the breakdown of biofilm from the outside causing bacteria to secrete polysaccharides to protect themselves, resulting in a glutinous mass.
Systems based on copper and silver have very low maintenance. Disinfection rates can be checked on site, making them suitable for fire-tank and sprinkler installations, general water storage, cooling towers and closed-circuit chiller systems.
UV disinfection is suited to humidification circuits, especially adiabatic systems, to control legionella and other micro-organisms. UV destroys the DNA in bacteria, preventing it from reproducing.
KK Water recommends filters to increase the effectiveness of disinfection.
