Press information
OSRAM presents glowing alternative to chemicals
Lights on, viruses out: water purification with UVC
In major parts of the world clean drinking water is not a matter of course. The world water day on March 22 reminds us of this fact. Light is a safe, economic and uncomplicated alternative to the ordinary methods of water purification – even for the private user.
Under the name of Puritec OSRAM offers products that allow the chemical-free and environmentally safe purification of water using light. Drinking water, sewage and industrial process water can be cleaned from viruses and germs, as well as water in swimming pools and public wells by using Puritec purification lamps. The dangers of overdosage are not existent since this method does without any chemical additives.
Disinfection without chemicals
The shortwaved ultraviolet light (UVC) destroys the DNA of unwanted micro organisms such as bacteria, viruses or phages and thus protects against legionella, salmonella, cholera and other diseases which are caused by contaminated water. This method is both – environment-friendly and efficient: An amount of up to 10,000 m³ of water per hour can be purified by the large-scale purification plants with UV technology in industrial use. Small-scale purification plants for hospitals, hotels and private households directly attached to the tap can deal with up to five litres of water per minute. The new Puritec purification lamps for mobile use on the other hand do not work with the flow-through system but shine within a closed container. After 15 minutes of radiation at the latest, a tank with 20 litres will be absolutely sterile. Larger amounts of water can be purified just as easy by extending the radiation time. The 9W purification lamp takes about 60 minutes to purify 200 litres and disinfects 1,000 litres within five hours.
“The UV light system Puritec is an exciting new development by Osram. It purifies drinking water economically and without any chemicals. This method gives outdoor campers and long distance travellers a safe access to purified drinking water in no time. Reservoirs such as cisterns, used in dry regions, can be purified without any difficulties using the Puritec technology”, explains Martin Goetzeler, president of OSRAM.
World Water Day
The United Nations have declared March 22 the Wold Water Day. This day shall remind us that about one billion people worldwide still do not have access to clean water and that not more than just one percent of the water in the world is drinkable. A further shortage is to be reckoned by means of the growing water demand of the industries. The production of a sole automobile alone demands 300,000 litres of water, the production of a customary can demands about 40 litres.
OSRAM presents glowing alternative to chemicals
Lights on, viruses out: water purification with UVC
In major parts of the world clean drinking water is not a matter of course. Light is a safe, economic and uncomplicated alternative to the ordinary methods of water purification – even for the private user.
Press contact:
OSRAM
Christian Bölling
Tel: +49-89-6213-2597
Fax: +49-89-6213-3457
Email: c.boelling@osram.com