Crystal IS discusses its UV disinfection solutions

At the BWCA Conference & Trade Show 2019, FoodBev Media spoke with Crystal IS product manager James Peterson about the company’s range of UV disinfection solutions for water dispensers and coolers.

Crystal IS’s Klaran brand produces several UV disinfection solutions for water dispensers such as the Klaran AKR reactor, a compact solution which is able to eradicate contaminants in water such as e.coli, legionella and pseudomonas.

Peterson explained how the company’s UVC LEDs make water safe to drink, and explained the core benefits of UV disinfection solutions when used in water dispensers, namely their long lifetime, compact nature and the fact that they do not need regular maintenance.

“Klaran UVC LEDs provide an output of ultraviolet light and that is at the peak of DNA absorption, so this causes an inactivation in microorganisms that makes the water more hygienic when served. 

“Traditional solutions like mercury lamps now use wavelengths such as 254 nanometres, that’s still quite effective, yet the benefit we get with LEDs is being able to more precisely target an organism’s DNA.”

When asked whether interest in UV solutions has increased in the recent past Peterson said:  “Right now, Crystal IS sees the need for disinfection rising across the world at the moment. We’re seeing factors such as degrading infrastructure, and increases in bacterial contamination are starting to build up consumer demand for UV.

“Companies that distribute coolers are looking for solutions that can provide this feature in a more effective way than traditional solutions.”

Peterson also claimed that the reduced need for consistent maintenance is one of the core benefits of Klaran’s UV solutions: “With UV lamp solutions or microbial filtration methods, frequently what you’ll run into are scenarios where these solutions have very short lifetimes or can end up failing unpredictably.

“The issue there is that when a cooler or dispenser is operated and when a failure occurs, a technician needs to reach it and fix the issue. So the difference we’re providing with UVC LEDs relates to not only extending the lifetime of treatment, but also providing higher reliability and avoiding unplanned service.”

Presented and produced by: Martin White