Development of a mercury‐free ultraviolet high‐pressure plasma discharge for disinfection

Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection is a critical and growing application for the disinfection of water. Current UV systems for disinfection applications are designed around the use of Low‐Pressure and High‐Pressure mercury‐based lamps. Increasing demand to reduce and ideally remove the use of mercury requires innovative adaptations and novel approaches to current technology. A potential alternative technology could be Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), with current low efficiencies, high costs and low operating powers, a development gap for a high‐power mercury source has been identified. A mercury‐free tellurium‐based high‐pressure plasma was developed and assessed. Though relatively low efficiencies were measured compared to current mercury‐based technology rapid improvements are likely obtainable. Such an approach enables a novel adaptation to current technology utilising established: manufacturing facilities, approaches of UV system design and validation protocols. As a consequence, it offers the potential for a rapid low‐cost transition to mercury‐free UV disinfection where no alternative is currently available.