Glossary of Terms

GPM: Gallons Per Minute

Standard Output: VIQUA’s standard output UV lamp. They generate less heat, but require longer system lengths and exposure time to equal the dose delivered by other lamp types. Ideal for low flow applications. Minimal maintenance costs and heat radiation; full microbiological protection.

High Output: Higher UV power output; ideal for medium to high flow applications.

Amalgam Lamp Technology: For ultimate UV output; typically needed in high flow applications or NSF Class A installations. Due to higher power requirements, it is the preferred lamp technology for light commercial applications or public facilities.

2X Lamp Life: Long life - 2X greater lamp life vs. standard and high output lamps.

2X Output: 2X greater UV-C output vs. standard low pressure lamp technology.

4X Output: 4X greater UV-C output vs. standard low pressure lamp technology.

Constant Current: Ensures stable UV lamp current regardless of power fluctuations.

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4-20m: A The typical signal output range for VIQUA accessories (eg. UV Sensor, Flow Meter).

Bio-Assay:  The actual microorganism challenge test used to measure the effective UV dose of a system.

Carbon Block Filter: A filter capable of removing chlorine from the water and improving taste and odor.

Chamber: The (stainless steel) pressure vessel used to control the flow of water around the UV lamp (syn. weldment,reactor).

COMMCenter: The data communication module accessory for use with VIQUA PRO systems.

Connector: The molded connector that the UV lamp plugs into.

Controller: The electronic module that supplies power to the lamp as well as feedback information of the status of the UV system (syn. ballast, power supply)

Cyst: A resistant cover around a protozoan parasite produced by the parasite or the host. Cysts are not typically affected by chlorination but are rendered inert by UV treatment.

Disinfection: To free from infection, especially by destroying harmful microorganisms. In UV water treatment, used to describe the UV system’s ability to render the water being treated as microbiologically safe for consumption.

Dose (UV): A measure of the amount of UV light intensity delivered to the water in the UV system per unit flow. Typically expressed in mJ/cm2 (ref. 1mJ/cm2 = 1000mWsec/cm2).

Dry Contacts: A feature of VIQUA controllers on certain models that can connect to various accessories (eg. Remote alarm, solenoid valve, etc.)

End of Lamp Life (EOLL): Expiration of the recommended service life for VIQUA genuine lamps.

Filter Housing: The pressure vessel used to house the filter cartridge (syn. sump).

Flow Meter: An integral device for measuring the flow rate of water through the chamber and providing this data to the controller.

GAC Filter: Granulated Activated Carbon. This is similar in function to the Carbon Block Filter but in granular form.

Junction Box: An electrical box that provides power to the optional solenoid valve. This is for systems that use dry contacts for activation.

Lamp Power: The power rating of the UV lamp in Watts.

Log Reduction: In water disinfection, this is a measure of the inactivation or “kill rate” of the disinfection system. “4-Log” reduction equates to 99.99% inactivation and “3-Log” reduction equates to 99.9% inactivation.

Micron: A unit of length equal to 1 millionth of a meter. In water treatment, it is used to describe the pore size of a filter media. For pre-filtration in UV applications, 5 microns is recommended.

Microorganisms: An organism of microscopic or ultramicroscopic size.

Monitored: Used to describe the class of VIQUA UV systems that have a UV Sensor.

NSF Dose(40mJ/cm2): The minimum required dose to meet NSF Standard 55 Class A certification. Typically this dose value is required for light commercial and regulated facilities.

NSF-Validated: Used to describe UV systems that are 3rd party tested according to the NSF Standard 55 Class A or Class B protocol. Not to be confused with NSF certification.

NSF-Certified: Used to describe UV systems that are tested and certified by NSF to Standard 55 Class A or Class B. Viqua systems carrying NSF designations are tested and certified by NSF.

Pathogens: Any specific type of microorganism capable of causing disease or illness (e.g. bacteria, protozoan parasite, virus).

Pre-Filtration: Recommended in order to remove suspended particulates or turbidity that can interfere with the disinfection process (sediment filter). Also used for taste and odor concerns (carbon filter).

Quartz Sleeve: A highly UV transmittable and resistant material that separates the UV lamp from the water stream. Highly purified, fused quartz material is used in all VIQUA designed systems.

Rated Flow: The maximum rate of water flow through a UV system that still meets the disinfection requirements.

Safety-Loc: A UV connector design that meets UL979 safety requirements. VIQUA connectors have a built in mechanism that breaks power to the UV lamp and prevents accidental exposure to UV light outside of the chamber.

Sediment Filter: A filter capable of removing particulate or suspended solids from the water stream.

Solenoid Valve: An automatically controlled valve capable of shutting off water flow in the event of a problem with the UV system. Generally only used in regulated facilities.

Universal Power Input: This means the controller is able to function across multiple line voltages and frequency ranges (100-240V, 50-60Hz).

UV Lamp: The part of the UV system that emits the 254nm germicidal wavelength of UV light. In VIQUA systems, there are 3 types of lamps: Standard Output, High Output and Amalgam.

US Public Health (16mJ/cm2): The minimum government-regulated required UV dose for potable water. This value is also required to meet NSF Standard 55 class B certification.

UV Sensor: A specially designed sensor capable of measuring the intensity of UV light at 254nm and providing this signal to the controller.

UV Transmittance (UVT): A measure (expressed as a %) of a substance’s ability to allow UV light to transmit through it. In UV water treatment this is often in reference to the water quality determination before installation of UV disinfection equipment.

VIQUA Standard Dose (30mJ/cm2): VIQUA’s uncompromising dose value used to compare all VIQUA systems that do not require NSF Standard 55 Class A certification. Typically used for residential systems. This has been established as an industry standard in the UV water treatment industry.