Low-Pressure (LP) UV:
• Emits a single wavelength (253.7 nm).
• Operates at lower temperatures and is generally more energy-efficient than MP lamps.
• Produces less UV light overall, requiring more lamps in the system for effective coverage.
• Limited versatility in handling a variety of contaminants, as it does not damage microorganisms’ recovery mechanisms.
Medium-Pressure (MP) UV:
• Emits a broad UV spectrum (200-415 nm), covering a wider germicidal range.
• Damages both the DNA and repair mechanisms of microorganisms, achieving more thorough disinfection.
• Effective across a wide range of contaminants and complex organisms, including viruses and biofilms, which LP UV struggles to inactivate.
• Operates at higher temperatures with higher UV intensity per lamp, requiring fewer lamps in the system for equivalent coverage.
Key Differences:
• MP UV is generally preferred for complex applications, such as Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP), where wavelengths beyond 254 nm are required for optimal disinfection.
Research indicates that MP UV is often superior for applications needing comprehensive inactivation of complex organisms, including viruses and biofilms, due to its broader spectrum and higher intensity.
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