Dutch manufacturer bestUV was selected to deliver two sets of ultraviolet (UV) systems to a power plant. The purpose of the use of the bestUV systems is to prevent growth of mussels in the heat-exchangers.

The spread of mussels via natural waters like rivers, lakes, sea water is of big concern because of clogging the pipes of a.o. heat-exchangers, reducing their cooling capacity. 

Ultraviolet light have been effectively employed to prevent clogging of mussels in the pipes of the heat-exchangers. UV light has an advantage over chemical treatment as UV does not formate chlorinated organic compounds.

In 2010 bestUV finalized the delivery of the largest seawater disinfection UV facility to prevent mussel growth for a power station in the world.The facility treats a total capacity of 6.000 m3/h (26.000 gpm) and is divided over two UV disinfection plants.

The difficult seawater application fits perfectly is the unique skills of bestUV. The combination of bestUV’s practical experiences, (micro)biological knowledge, ability of computer modeling (CFD) and engineering construction resulted in a reliable customized concept.

The engineering challenge was the presence of highly corrosive salt concentration in the warm seawater. To overcome the problem of corrosion, the UV reactors are produced from anti-corrosive materials, resisting the corrosive action of chlorides and high temperature of the seawater. 

The bestUV systems include strong medium-pressure (MP) UV lamps and are equipped with automatic cleaning mechanisms to prevent fouling of the protective quartz sleeves.

This unique application, in a challenging highly corrosive situation provides all kinds of new possibilities for environmental friendly disinfection of water by use of ultraviolet light. 

The knowledge learnt from above situation is used for applications such as ships’ ballastwater and in aquaculture and makes bestUV a stronger partner for such or other challenging applications.