Quantum Disinfection^TM-compared to UV

Let’s start by understanding UV

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation is a disinfection method that uses shortwavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions.
The UV disinfection mechanism is based on contact time, or time of UV exposure of the microorganism.
The UV systems are electrical devices composed basically of an isolated reactor and mercury black-ray ultraviolet lamp.

The Thirsty Nomad’s Quantum Disinfection is a tightly packed nano paricle coated germicidal

An Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system transfers electromagnetic energy from a mercury arc lamp to an organism’s genetic material (DNA and RNA). When UV radiation penetrates the cell wall of an organism, it destroys the cell’s ability to reproduce.

UV radiation, generated by an electrical discharge through mercury vapor, penetrates the genetic material of microorganisms and retards their ability to reproduce.

The effectiveness of a UV disinfection system depends on the characteristics of the water/ waste water, the intensity of UV radiation, the amount of time the microorganisms are exposed to the radiation, and the reactor configuration. For any one treatmentplant, disinfection success is directly related to the concentration of colloidal and particulate constituents in the water/ wastewater.

The main components of a UV disinfection system are mercury arc lamps, a reactor, and ballasts. The source of UV radiation is either the low-pressure or medium-pressure mercury arc lamp with low or high intensities.

Is UV light effective against all microorganisms? Yes. However, UV light is normally effective against all viruses, bacteria and protozoa. However, some microorganisms such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia have protective or thick cell walls that some low power UV light systems are not able to penetrate. (It is important to make sure the UV light disinfection systems are specifically designed to kill these microorganisms if necessary.)

Does UV light work in all water conditions? No. UV light will only travel in a straight line so any shadow or obstruction will reduce its efficiency. Water that is not filtered can contain iron, manganese and other particles that can either absorb or scatter UV light reducing the effectiveness of the disinfection system. Microorganisms that are able to pass through protected by shadows created by dirt, debris or other microorganisms may be able to survive treatment.

What happens if the electricity fails?
UV light disinfection systems require a continuous power supply to power the light bulb. If the power fails or falls below the correct operating level the UV light intensity will fail or fall and as a result the system will not be able to safely disinfect water. The Department of Health recommends that UV light systems are interconnected to water pumps so that in the event of a power failure untreated water will not be supplied.

Do UV light disinfection systems require maintenance?
Yes. All UV light systems will require maintenance. UV light tubes and lamps will require regular replacement. Teflon and quartz glass tubes within the unit will require cleaning to remove algae and other deposits. It is recommended that you follow the maintenance procedures specified by the manufacturer or product supplier.

So, let’s now take a closer look at Quantum Disinfection media in comparison to UV.

Quantum Disinfection™ is a water disinfection technology that use nano silver, copper and titanium dioxide coated germicide ceramics to kill microorganisms by disintegration of the cells due to an instant ‘attraction’ of electrons.
The killing mechanism is a catalyst that pulls the elctrons out of bacteria and viruses in 0.01/secon. This catalytic reaction allows for the elimination of a large range of microorganisms (bacteria, virus, micro-algae, yeast, etc.) at high concentrations without any contact time.
The QD ceramics are a catalyst and not an electrical device; QD does not require electrical power.

Like UV, Quantum Disinfection also requires clear water to be effective, that is why we have a heavy metal media, a carbon fibre block and an ultrafiltration mechical filter as a pre-treatment to the water prior to reaching the Quantum Disinfection media.