Silver Spring Stays Pure With UV Disinfection
Hanovia ultraviolet (UV) water disinfection systems are helping the Silver Spring Mineral Water Company in Folkestone ensure its products are free from microbial contamination.
“We have a very pure source of spring water,” said Steve Clegg of the engineering team, “but we feel a ‘take no chances’ approach to water purity is best, and UV provides us with that extra reassurance,”. This was reiterated by quality assurance manager Sue Hickling, who said, “UV gives us a high level of confidence to ensure consumer protection and satisfaction.”
UV is highly effective at destroying all water-borne microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, moulds and their spores. It does not affect the pH or chemical composition of the product, ensuring the flavour is not affected. Each UV system consists of a stainless steel treatment chamber containing one or more UV-emitting tubes. Water passes through the chamber and the UV kills any microorganisms present by destroying their DNA.
Seven Hanovia UV units are now installed at Silver Spring, the oldest of which has been in use for over ten years. “We use UV on all our bottling lines and also for our mains water supply,” said company trainer Jason Crockford.
Spring water in the Folkestone area is very hard and can cause a build-up of lime deposits on the UV tubes. “Because of this we installed Hanovia manual arc tube wipers and since then the problem has virtually disappeared,” added Jason.
Silver Spring supplies spring water and own-brand soft drinks to the major British supermarkets. “We have to ensure our product is of the highest standard; Hanovia UV disinfection certainly plays an important part in this,” said Steve.
