Development of a UV-LED disinfection system for ice-machines.

Contamination by microorganisms is a well-known problem for commercial ice machines. Frequent applications of sterilizing chemicals are necessary to keep the ice machines sanitary, a costly and time-consuming process. The sources of this contamination are microorganisms associated with the water used as the source for ice production, the incoming air to the ice machine, and the interior surfaces of the ice machine. Disinfection of contamination sources using ultraviolet (UV) radiation inactivates microbes prior to their establishment inside the ice machine. This research investigated the application of UV-based water treatment systems using a novel UV radiation source—UV light-emitting diode (UV-LED)—for efficient disinfection of ice machines. The findings of this research are very important for providing safe ice products cost-effectively by utilizing UV-LED systems.

Faculty Supervisor:

Fariborz Taghipour;Charles Haynes

Student:

Milad Raeiszadeh Oskouei

Partner:

Acuva Technologies Inc

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of British Columbia