LARGE-SCALE REACTOR VALIDATIONS AT THE UV CENTER: LESSONS LEARNED

The UV Validation and Research Center of New York (UV Center) has been in operation since June 2003. Supported by the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and eight major UV technology manufacturers, validations have been conducted on over twenty systems, at flow rates from 0.5 to 60 mgd, with a diverse mix of low and medium pressure systems and reactor configurations. These have included the reactors proposed for the NYC Catskill-Delaware UV disinfection facility, with an operating flow range between 20 and 60 mgd. Power relationships have been developed as a screeing tool for estimating reactor sizing. Additionally, microspheres actinometry appears to offer an excellent method to minimize uncertainties relating to surrogate selection, which can results in significant savings in operating costs while remaining in compliance with UVDGM guidance.