Advanced Fibre UVC Reactor

 I was tasked with evaluating the current status of LED technology within the UVC spectrum and assessing its viability for developing an in-house reactor to be integrated into drinking units. To accomplish this, I conducted a thorough literature review, exploring the potential applications of the technology, existing market products, and its future prospects.

In contrast to the prevalent use of hard-to-recycle mercury bulbs for UV disinfection, LED technology emerged as a superior alternative. Its eco-friendliness, compact size, and suitability for integration into the units set it apart. Furthermore, projections indicated a forthcoming decrease in LED prices, following the trend set by blue LED technology.

My primary objective was to develop the initial range of reactors and perform a comprehensive cost analysis to determine whether an in-house solution would outperform off-the-shelf reactors. Despite the cost advantages of off-the-shelf options due to economies of scale in chip procurement, these solutions were limited by their requirement for large water chambers and functionality best suited at the point of dispense.

To overcome this challenge, I conceived an innovative solution: the delivery tube itself would serve as the chamber. Constructed with a highly reflective material, this setup minimized stagnant water reservoirs, with only the internal volume of the tube exposed to the UVC waves. This versatile design allowed integration into taps and water feed units, optimizing functionality without compromising water quality.

Moreover, I developed a secondary concept, integrating a sparkling draw-back chamber using the venturi effect. This ensured that the treated liquid would be continuously cycled back to the UVC LED, guaranteeing thorough disinfection with every dispense.

Despite successful initial prototypes, the company decided to redirect resources to other technological avenues, leading to the shelving of the project. My invaluable experience and expertise remain poised for the next ground-breaking endeavor.