DE102009000092A1 - Liquid sterilization device and method for sterilizing liquids - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid sterilization device (1) having at least one vessel (5) through which liquid can flow, which has at least one reaction chamber (2), is described. The device (1) has at least one UV lamp (10) having electrodes (13, 14) and a power supply and switching device (20a, b, c) which is connected to the UV lamp (10). The UV lamp (10) has at least one UV emission power PSoll, which sets in continuous operation at least at a means of the power supply and switching device (20a, b, c) to the electrodes (13, 14) applied continuous current JB0 and over a predetermined threshold power PS is. The UV lamp (10) is designed for at least one time period Deltat solution (20a, b, c) is designed to override the UV lamp (10) during the period Deltat. A method for sterilizing liquid is also described.

Description

The The invention relates to a liquid sterilization device with at least one, UV-lamp having electrodes according to The preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a Method for sterilizing liquids according to the The preamble of claim 27.

Flüssigkeitsentkeimungsvorrichtungen are preferred for the sterilization of water, especially drinking water, used.

Such liquid sterilization devices work with a UV lamp, which irradiates the liquid to be sterilized. For sterilization of the water to take place, the UV lamp must reach a certain emission power that is equal to or above the threshold power P _S necessary for the desired disinfection efficiency. The germicidal effective UV emission power P _{eff of} a UV lamp is defined as follows:
P _eff is the germination relevant absolute radiation power (in watts) of the lamp in the spectral range between 170 and 350 nm, weighted with the relative spectral disinfection efficiency, based on the efficiency at 254 nm. The spectral disinfection efficiency is based on the absorption curve of the DNA, as z. In Brock, Microbiology, Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, 1st edition, p. 191 , is specified.

For Low-pressure mercury vapor lamps corresponds to the simplified the absolute radiant power in the range between 250 and 260 nm.

The threshold power P _S is defined as follows:
P _S is the minimum power P _{eff of} the UV lamp in the liquid sanitizer from which the disinfectant efficacy given by the manufacturer of the liquid germicidal device is safely achieved for all permissible operating conditions. The disinfecting efficacy may be given, for example, in percentage reduction of certain microorganisms / viruses, or else in an irradiation dose (unit: J / m ² ) which the microorganisms receive in the device. If no disinfectant efficacy is specified by the manufacturer of the device, the disinfecting effectiveness of the liquid disinfection device, as described below, shall apply DVGW standard W294 (2006) is determined.

The respective liquid disinfection device must be designed such that the lamp power P _eff for the entire life of the lamp in the ready state (after the warm-up phase) is above the threshold power P _S , ie the lamps are usually designed so that they are after the warm-up phase under optimal operating conditions, have significantly more than the effective threshold power P _s necessary for the specified disinfection efficiency to provide a buffer for the performance mitigating effects permitted by the operating specification. These effect-reducing phenomena reduce the radiation intensity in the reaction chamber. These include z. B. lamp aging, coating on the chamber wall or operation with waters of reduced UV transmission.

The UV radiation is often generated by a mercury vapor lamp. However, the required threshold power P _S is not reached immediately at the beginning of the warm-up phase but only after a certain period of time.

UV lamps are usually filled with mercury vapor.

So called low-pressure mercury vapor lamps are characterized out that their internal pressure max. 10 mbar. They emit essentially at a discrete line at 253.7 nm. They are usually with a noble gas (eg argon, neon) and mercury filled. Will not the mercury in liquid Form but added as alloy (amalgam), one speaks of Amalgam lamps. These are characterized by a different temperature dependence of the mercury vapor pressure in the lamp.

Such Low-pressure UV lamps are therefore unlike medium-pressure or high-pressure lamps used in water sterilization systems because they have the highest Have germination deactivation efficiency, So they are very efficient. Furthermore, they are at their operating temperature clearly below the other mentioned lamp types. Furthermore Make the cheapest UV-C source for these purposes.

The UV lamps are designed so that they have a UV emission power P _soll , which is set in continuous operation at an applied to the electrodes average steady-state current J _B0 and which is above the predetermined threshold power P _S. The steady-state current J _B0 is applied when the UV lamp is turned on and ideally kept almost constant during operation of the UV lamp.

In the 1 For a low-pressure UV lamp operated with a continuous operating current J _B0 = 425 mA applied to the electrodes, the lamp temperature T and the UV emission power P _eff are shown. At time t _0B , the _{steady-state current} J _{B0 is} applied, with the UV emission power P _eff initially steep and then flatter rises. After passing through a maximum, the UV emission power P _eff approaches a constant value P _soll which is above the threshold power P _S. The UV emission power P _eff reaches the threshold power P _S only at time t _S , which is usually 1 to 3 minutes after t _0B .

In the 1 is t _S at about 65 sec. This warm-up time of the UV lamp is required so that the mercury vapor pressure can take its optimum value. Upon reaching the threshold power P _S , the UV lamp has a lamp temperature T of about 38 ° C. As the operating time increases, the temperature T increases further and stabilizes under the given operating conditions (defined ambient temperature) at approx. 54 ° C.

If the low-pressure UV lamp is one with heatable electrodes, not only a continuous _{operating current} J _B0 but also a continuous _{heating current} J _H0 can be applied to the UV lamp at time t _0B = t _0H . The curve of the emission power P _eff is similar to that in 1 when the two currents J _B0 and J _H0 are selected accordingly. This means that with suitable control of the lamp, the desired UV emission power P _{eff of} the lamp in continuous operation can be achieved even when the continuous operating current J _B0 , z. B. is below 425 mA and the intensity reduction, which would have come about, is compensated by a correspondingly selected separate Dauerheizstrom J _H0 , as this provides for increased electron leakage at the electrodes.

It is desirable that immediately with the beginning of the liquid withdrawal, z. As the removal of water, ie the disinfection takes place with opening the faucet and thus switching on the water sterilization device and the treated water is available to the consumer. This means that when the UV lamp is turned on, it should immediately provide the threshold power P _S necessary for safe sterilization.

The use of oversized UV lamps, which _reach the required threshold power P _S shortly after the time t _0B , however, have the disadvantage that they require a much larger installation space because of the larger gas space. Another disadvantage is the increased energy consumption, because after reaching the time t _S, the emission power P _{eff is} considerably higher than the necessary threshold power P _S and this power surplus, which is associated with increased cost and operating costs, but ultimately is not needed.

To remedy this situation, is in the EP 1 048 620 A1 proposed a water sterilization device comprising a UV-C gas discharge lamp, which is excited by high frequency. The electrodes of the lamps are therefore outside the discharge space. Instead of mercury, such lamps are typically provided with a gas filling containing xenon. The apparatus comprises a gas discharge lamp having a discharge vessel with walls made of a dielectric material and provided on its outer surface at least with a first and a second electrode and with a gas filling containing xenon. In order to achieve a good for the sterilization of water spectral composition of the radiation, the walls are provided at least on a part of its inner surface with a coating containing a luminescent material emitting in the UV-C region.

These Device for sterilizing water is within milliseconds 100% ready for use and has a spectral composition of the UV radiation, the only in the for the disinfection effect relevant range is between 230 and 300 nm.

Even though this water sanitizer immediately after switching is operational, this device has the disadvantage that the production costs, especially because of the high frequency excitation, compared to low pressure mercury lamps very high.

Another approach is found in the US 2004/0182761 A1 in which a water sterilization device with a UV lamp is described. In the center of the UV lamp, a condensing element is provided, which is arranged between the electrodes and is cooled. The mercury contained in the UV lamp can condense there and when starting the lamp, this condensed mercury is evaporated faster, which, however, only a very small amount of time is achieved.

The US 5,738,780 describes a water sterilization device in which the lamp is operated even when no water flows through the reaction space. This increases the total power consumption and shortens the life of the lamp. When water is removed, the emission power of the lamp is raised accordingly and adapted to the water flow. A disadvantage of this device is that in the continuous-operation lamps, a large heat development occurs, which precludes an application for the production of sterilized and cooled water.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a liquid sterilization device which is less expensive, but still the necessary Threshold power within a short time after switching on the device provides without the lamp must be designed oversized for continuous operation.

It Another object of the invention is a process for sterilizing liquid provide so sterilized after a short time after switching on Liquid is available.

These Task is with a liquid sterilization device dissolved, the at least one liquid flow-through Vessel with at least one reaction chamber, at least a UV-lamp having electrodes and a power supply and switch means connected to the UV lamp, wherein the UV lamp over at least one time period .DELTA.t overridden is and the power supply and switching device for oversteer the UV lamp during the period .DELTA.t designed is.

The UV lamp preferably has a UV-emitting power P _soll which is established at least in continuous operation at a voltage applied to the lamp by means of power supply and switching device permanent operating current J _B0, which is above a predetermined threshold power P _S.

The phrase "at least one continuous operating current J _B0 applied to the lamp" does not only refer to the magnitude of the operating current but to the type of current applied to the lamp, in particular with regard to lamp types to which, apart from the operating current z. B. still a heating current can be applied.

It has been found that with a brief override of the UV lamp, the threshold power P _S can be achieved much faster than is possible with the designed for permanent operation currents J _B0 and J _H0 .

By "oversteer" is meant an exposure of the UV lamp to a current which is above the current usually used for the lamp type in question. This applies both to the operating current J _B0 , which is applied to the electrodes, and to the heating current J _H0 , which is usually applied to the heating elements of the electrodes in hot cathode lamps, as well as for a preheating current. The current usually used for the lamp type in question is the current at which the lamp in continuous operation reaches an optimum lamp temperature and thus its emission power P _desired .

This override is performed only for a limited period Δt and thereafter becomes the commonly used current returned. This means that the power supply and Switching at the end of the period .DELTA.t to the continuous operating current and / or switches back to the commonly used heating current, which depends on the type of lamp used. Instead of a switch back to the commonly used Amperages can also switch off the UV lamp, d. H. switching off the operating current, and / or the heating current be provided.

The shutdown of the UV lamp is preferred when the sterilization process should be carried out only for a short time anyway. In particular, in the removal of Flüssigkeitssportionen, z. B. the removal of a cup filling, the withdrawal time t _Ent. ≤ Δt. In order to save energy costs, it is therefore preferable to _switch off the UV lamp after expiration of Δt or t _Ent . Also, the period .DELTA.t can be selected so that it coincides with the removal time t _Ent .

Switching off the heating current with continued operation of the UV lamp, ie while maintaining the steady-state current J _B0 can be useful if the UV emission power is above the threshold power P _S without switching on the Dauerheizstoms, which is the type of UV lamp used or even the ambient temperature depends.

The Time span .DELTA.t can be predetermined, and thus preferably be deposited in the power supply and switching device.

According to one Another embodiment, the length of the period .DELTA.t over the measurement of at least one parameter can be determined. In this Case, the beginning of the period Δt in the power supply and switching device be deposited or other switching operations, such as B. switching on the liquid sterilization device coupled be. The switch-off or switch-off time can be determined by the Measurement of a parameter, such. B. the lamp temperature or the UV emission of the UV lamp are made dependent. The falling below or exceeding specified limits of or the parameter determines the length of the time interval Δt.

It it is preferred that the device has at least one temperature sensor and / or a measuring device for measuring the UV emission the UV lamp is connected to the power supply and switching device is connected / are.

The UV lamp is overdriven over a period of time which preferably does not exceed 360 seconds. A preferably up to 15-fold overdrive does not lead to destruction of the UV lamp in this period .DELTA.t. Further preferred time Δt are ≤ 90 sec, ≤ 60 sec, ≤ 30 sec and ≤ 15 sec.

The UV lamp, especially the electrodes, is overdriven for the Power designed to burn through during the overdrive phase to avoid. The adaptation can be done via the Cross section of the electrodes and / or the heating elements take place. Other structural changes, such. B. an enlargement of the gas space, are to carry out the override the UV lamp is not required. Insofar can advantageously the size of the UV lamp are maintained.

The power supply and switching device associated with the UV lamp is designed to provide and apply J _B0 and possibly J _H0, as well as the overcurrent current (s) over the designated time period Δt. This override of the UV lamp can be realized in different ways, depending on the type of lamp, taking into account that the height of the overdriven current (s) is selected such that the required threshold power P _{S is reached} after the desired period of time after switching on and that during the overdrive phase the UV lamp does not become so hot that the UV emission power P _{eff of} the lamp drops below the required threshold power P _S during and after the overdrive phase.

When UV lamps are particularly suitable for low-pressure mercury lamps. which divide into cold cathode lamps and hot cathode lamps to let. Furthermore, medium pressure lamps or high pressure lamps can also be used be used.

Preferably, the UV lamp is a cold cathode lamp. The cold cathode lamp has a UV emission power P _set , which is set in continuous operation with a continuous operating current J _B0 applied to the electrodes of the lamp by means of the power supply and switching device.

Preferably, when using a cold cathode lamp, the power supply and switching device is configured such that at a time t _0B over the period of time .DELTA.t = Δ _{t B} = t _B - t _0B at least one overdriven operating current J _B> J can be applied _B0 and that at a time t _B after the period .DELTA.t _B the overdriven operating current J _{B1 can be switched} back to the continuous operating current J _B0 and that the electrodes are designed for the overdriven operating current J _B1 .

To the cold cathode lamps preferably include UV-C emitting Low pressure mercury vapor lamps without fluorescent coating.

According to one another embodiment, hot cathode lamps are preferred, in which the electrodes each have a heating element, preferably a heating coil, exhibit.

The hot cathode lamp has a UV emission power P _set , which adjusts itself in continuous operation with a continuous operating current J _B0 applied to the electrodes by means of the power supply and switching device and a continuous heating current J _H0 ≥ 0 applied to the heating elements by means of the power supply and switching device.

According to a first embodiment, the power supply and switching device is designed such that in a period .DELTA.t before switching on the steady-state current J _B0, an overdriven heating current J _H1 > J _H0 can be applied. The electrodes, in particular the heating elements of the electrodes, are designed for the overdriven current J _H1 .

Due to the overdriving of the heating current in a period of time before switching on (switch-on time t _0B ) of the _steady-state current J _B0 ≥ 0, the UV lamp reaches the required threshold power P _S very quickly after the time t _0B , ie within a few seconds, so that a further overload in a period Δt after t _{0B is} not necessarily required in the z. B. an overdriven operating current J _B1 and / or an overdriven heating current J _{H1 is} applied.

The combination of the override of the _{preheating current} before t _0B with a further override of the operating current and / or the heating current after t _0B are possible as particular embodiments.

Preferably, the time period .DELTA.t, in which the overdriven _{Vorheizstrom abuts, ends} at the time t _0B .

According to a further embodiment, the power supply and switching device is designed such that at a time t _0B over the period .DELTA.t = .DELTA.t _B = t _B - t _0B to the electrodes at least one overdriven operating _current J _B1 > J _B0 and / or at a time t _0H over the period .DELTA.t = .DELTA.t _H = t _H - t _0H to the heating elements at least one overdriven heating current J _H1 ≥ J _H0 can be applied and that at time t _B after the time period .DELTA.t _B the overdriven operating current J _B1 to the continuous operating current J _B0 and / or at the time t _H after the time period .DELTA.t _H the overdriven heating current J _H1 on the Dauerheizstrom J _{H0 is switched} back. The electrodes are designed for the overdriven current J _B1 or the overdriven currents J _B1 , J _H1 .

This embodiment comprises several variants. To override to shorten the provisioning time of sterilized liquid To perform, it is possible to override only the operating current, the usual heating current J _H0 remains unchanged. It is also possible to operate the hot cathode lamp without heating current, ie with J _H0 = 0. The mode of operation corresponds to that of the cold cathode lamp.

A further variant provides that the heating current, which also includes the preheating current, is included in the override, wherein only the heating current can be overridden or the heating current and the operating current, preferably simultaneously, are overridden. It has been shown that the override of the heating current also makes a significant contribution to the rapid achievement of the required threshold power P _S. The time periods Δt _B and Δt _H can start at the same time t _0B = t _0H and end at the same time t _B = t _H. It is also possible to provide different time intervals Δt _H and Δt _B , wherein different time points t _0B and t _0H or t _B and t _H can also be selected.

In this case, for example, the heating current can be switched on even before the operating current is switched on, so-called preheating, during which the heating current can be overdriven during this preheating phase. This heating current can be switched off or maintained when the operating current is switched on, whereby the operating current J can be _B0 or J _B1 .

As far as excessive operating currents J _B , and / or increased heating currents J _{H1 are used} to rapidly reach the threshold power P _S , preferably J _H1 + J _B1 > J _H0 + J _B0 applies. Both the lamp and the power supply and switching device are designed such that the sum of the two excessive currents, regardless of the size of the individual contributions, above the sum of the continuous currents J _H0 , J _B0 .

When Warm cathode lamps include standard UV-C emitting or compact low-pressure mercury lamps are preferred.

The overdriven operating current J _B1 can - for the cold cathode lamp as well as for the hot cathode lamp - preferably 1.5 to 15 times, in particular 2.5 to 15 times, and particularly preferably 4 to 10 times the Continuous operating current J _B0 amount.

The heating current J _H1 may preferably be 0.5 to 15 times the steady-state current J _B0 , more preferably 2 to 15 times. The continuous heating current J _H0 is preferably 0-35% of the steady-state current J _B0 .

It has been found that the greater the overshoot of the UV lamp, the faster the required threshold power P _{S is} achieved. At the same time, the period Δt during which the overshoot takes place should be selected to be correspondingly shorter in order to prevent overheating of the UV lamp.

This applies to the excessive operating current and / or for the excessive heating current.

It has also been found that the lamp temperature T determines the UV emission power P _{eff of} the lamp significantly. Since the overshoot of the UV lamp is also accompanied by an accelerated increase in the lamp temperature T, the time interval Δt must be limited with respect to the lamp temperature in order to prevent an unintentional drop in the power of the UV lamp due to an excessively high lamp temperature. It should be noted that the lamp temperature T is among other things also influenced by the ambient temperature, z. B. when the sterilization device is in a cooled room, as z. B. in a refrigerator or a cooler is the case.

It has also been found that with a cold cathode lamp or a hot cathode lamp operated with the steady-state current J _B0 > 0 and continuous heating current J _H0 ≥ 0, the UV emission power P _eff is above the required threshold power P s _S only if the Lamp temperature T moves in a certain temperature range. For each operating current or each value pair of operating and heating current, the temperature range can be determined, which is limited by T _min and T _max . This temperature range is always within the range of the optimum operating temperature (which, for example, is often between 40-45 ° for low-pressure mercury lamps). The larger the applied current, the wider this area.

However, if J _B0 or the currents from the value pair J _B0 , J _{H0 are} too low, this range does not exist since the lamp then never reaches the threshold power P _S. If the lamp temperature T is in this temperature range T _min to T _max , it is ensured that the UV emission power P _{eff of} the UV lamp is above the required threshold power P _s .

It is preferred when choosing of At at belonging to the continuous operation Power J _B0, or continuous operation Power J _B0 and continuous heater J _H0 temperature limits T _min and orient T _max, because it can be ensured that during the control phase, the temperature of the UV Lamp does not rise so high that the threshold power P _{S is} fallen below after switching back to the continuous current or the continuous currents.

It is preferred that at least the UV lamp is designed such that when applying the steady-state current J _B0 or the continuous operating current J _B0 and the Dauerheizstrom J _H0 for the lamp temperature T T _min ≤ T ≤ T _max applies, where T _min and T _max the denote both temperatures at which the UV emission power ^P eff = P _S , and that the period .DELTA.t is at most .DELTA.t _max = t _max - t _0B or .DELTA.t _max = max (t _max - t _0B , t _max - t _0H ) , where t _{max is} the time at which the lamp temperature T reaches the value T _max when operating with J _B0 or J _B0 and J _H0 .

Furthermore, it is preferable to design at least the UV lamp in such a way that when the steady state current J _B0 or the continuous operating current J _B0 and the continuous _heating current J _H0 apply for the lamp temperature T T _min ≦ T ≦ T _max , where T _min and T _{max are} the two Denote temperatures at which the UV emission power is P _eff = P _S , and that the time period Δt is at least Δt _min = t _min -t _0B or Δt _min = min (t _min -t _0B , t _min -t _0H ), where t _{min is} the time at which the lamp temperature T reaches the value T _min when operating with J _B0 or J _B0 and J _H0 .

Except The UV lamp can in this interpretation also other components the device such as the vessel, in particular the Reaction chamber to be included.

Within the period of time Δt _B = t _B - t _0B , at least two operating _currents J _B11 , J _B12 with J _B11 > J _B0 and / or J _B12 > J _B0 can also be applied one after the other. This applies to the cold cathode lamp and the hot cathode lamp. Also, at least two heating currents J _H11 and J _H12 with J _H11 > J _H0 and / or J _H12 > J _H0 can be applied successively within the time interval Δt = t _H -t _0H .

Instead of a stepwise switching of operating and / or heating currents, the override can also be carried out continuously, preferably starting with a high current J _B1 or J _H1 and continuously reducing it to the value J _B0 or J _H0 during the period Δt becomes.

Preferably, the power supply and switching device is configured such that in a given, before the switch-on time _t0B lying, at time t _{0 V} period commencing .DELTA.t = _{0B V} t - t _{0 V} to preheat the lamp at least one current J _V can be applied.

The current J _V can be a preheating current J _VH , which can be applied to the heating elements according to another embodiment. This preheating current J _VH may be ≥ J _H0 or ≥ J _B0 , and is preferably in the range between J _H0 and J _H1 or even more than 10 times J _B0 .

The preheating current which is applied to the heating elements, preferably the heating coils, before the operating current is switched on may already correspond to the continuous heating current J _H0 which is applied during the entire operating period. However, the preheating current J _VH can also already assume the overdriven value J _H1 , for example, which further reduces the time until the threshold power P _{S is reached} .

A further embodiment provides that the current J _{V is} a preheating current J _VH and / or a pre-operating current J _VB .

Preferably, a pre-operating current J _{VB can be applied} with J _VB ≦ J _B0 , which is referred to as a dimming mode. In this case, the lamp is approached via a short start pulse and then held at a dimming opposite with respect to J _B0 operating current. The aim is to bring the lamp to an increased "flow temperature" and hold, so that it reaches the required threshold performance faster when needed.

The Liquid germination device is preferably in one Cooling unit, z. As refrigerator, and / or in conjunction with a device for dispensing cooled Liquid used.

Preferably the liquid sterilization device is a water sterilization device.

The method for disinfecting liquid, wherein the air flowing through at least one reaction chamber liquid of at least one electrode having UV lamp is irradiated, which is preferably a UV-emission power P _{should be} at least has who are in continuous operation at least at an applied to the electrodes continuous operation current J _B0 and is above a predetermined threshold power P _S , provides that the UV lamp over at least a period of time .DELTA.t is overridden.

Preferably is the period .DELTA.t given or over Measurement of at least one parameter set, in particular via the measurement of the temperature of the UV lamp and / or the measurement of UV emission.

Preferably the override is limited to a maximum of 360 sec. Further preferred upper time limits are ≤ 90 sec ≤ 60 sec, ≤ 30 sec and ≤ 15 sec.

Preferably, a cold cathode lamp is used. A continuous operating current J _{B0 is} applied to the cold cathode lamp in continuous operation to the electrodes. At a time t _0B is over time span .DELTA.t = .DELTA.t _B - t _{0B applied} to the electrodes at least one overdriven operating _current J _B1 > J _B0 . At a time t _0B after the time period Δt _B , the operating _current J _{B1 is switched} back to the continuous operating _current .

According to one In another embodiment, the UV lamp is a hot cathode lamp. in which the electrodes each have a heating element.

According to a further embodiment, a continuous operating current J _B0 is applied to the hot cathode lamp in continuous operation to the heating elements and to the heating elements a continuous heating current J _H0 with J _H0 ≥ 0, wherein within a period Δt before switching on the continuous operating current J _B0 an overdriven heating current J _H1 > J _{H0 is} created.

According to a further embodiment, a continuous operating current J _B0 is applied to the hot cathode lamp in continuous operation to the electrodes and to the heating elements a continuous heating current J _H0 with J _H0 ≥ 0, wherein from a time t _0B over the period Δt = Δt _B = t _B - t _0B to the electrodes at least one overdriven operating _current J _B1 ≥ J _{B0 is} applied, and / or at a time t _0H over the period .DELTA.t = .DELTA.t _H = t _H - t _0H at least one overdriven heating current J _H1 ≥ J _{H0 applied} to the heating elements and at time t _B after the period .DELTA.t _B the overdriven operating current J _B1 to the continuous operation current J _B0 and / or at time t _H after the period .DELTA.t _{H of} the heating current J _{H1 are switched} back to the value J _H0 .

Preferably, currents J _H1 and J _{B1 are} applied, for which J _H1 + J _B1 > J _H0 + J _B0 holds.

It is preferable to select the shorter the time interval .DELTA.t, the greater the override operating current J _B1 and / or the overdriven heating current J _{H1 is} set.

When applying at least the steady-state current J _B0 or the steady-state current J _B0 and the continuous _heating current J _H0 , the lamp temperature T is preferably in the range of T _min ≦ T ≦ T _max , where T _min and T _max denote the two temperatures at which the UV emission power P _{eff of} the UV lamp is equal to the threshold power P _s . Preferably Δt _max = t _max -t _0B or Δt _max = max (t _max -t _0B , t _max -t _0H ) is selected for Δt, where t _{max is} the _instant in which the lamp temperature T is in operation with J _B0 or reaches the value T _max with J _B0 and J _H0 .

For Δt, preferably _minim Δt _min = t _min -t _0B or Δt = min (t _min -t _0B , t _min -t _0H ) is selected, where t _{min is} the time at which the lamp temperature T in operation with J _B0 or J _B0 and J _{H0 reaches} the value T _min .

It is possible to _apply at least two operating _currents J _B11 , J _B12 with J _B11 and / or J _B12 greater than J _{B0 in} succession during the period Δt = t _B -t _0B . This applies to the cold cathode lamp and the hot cathode lamp. With regard to the heating currents, it is preferable to apply at least two heating currents J _H11 , J _H12 with J _H11 and / or J _H12 greater than J _H0 during the period Δt _H = t _H -t _0H .

Preferably, the lamp is in front of the switch-on time t lying _0B at time t _{0 V} starting time .DELTA.t = _V t _0B - t _0V preheated with at least one current J _V ,. The preheating current J _V may be J _VH ≥ J _H0 or J _VH ≥ J _B0 .

According to a further embodiment, a preheating current J _VH and / or a pre-operating current J _VB can be applied as the current J _V.

For the preferred dimming mode, a current J _VB with J _VB ≤ J _{B0 is} selected.

So far In all embodiments described above, a switch back the operating and / or heating currents is provided can according to a particular embodiment instead also switching off the relevant operating and / or heating currents be made.

Due to the inventive measure of oversteer of the UV lamp, it is possible, the required threshold power P _S within a few seconds after the switch _t0B or t _{0H to} achieve.

The Method is therefore particularly suitable for the provision of cooled, sterilized liquid, whose Target temperature z. B. 8-12 ° C, especially 10 ° C. is. Influencing the temperature of the liquid through the UV lamp is below 2 ° C.

preferred Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings explained in more detail. Show it:

1 a diagram with the start-up behavior of a UV lamp according to the prior art,

2 a schematic representation of a water sterilization device,

3 a schematic representation of a cold cathode lamp with associated power supply and switching device,

4a , b schematic representations of a hot cathode lamp with associated power supply and switching device,

5 a diagram of the start-up behavior of a UV lamp taking into account different ambient temperatures,

6 a diagram of the UV emission power as a function of the lamp temperature for two operating currents,

7 a diagram of the start-up behavior of a UV lamp at an operating current of 2 A,

8th a diagram of the startup behavior of a UV lamp at override of the operating current and switching back to the continuous operating current and

9 a diagram of the startup behavior of a hot cathode lamp with overdriven heating current J _H1 and

10 a diagram of the currents of a started from the dimming mode hot cathode lamp.

In the 2 is a water sanitizer 1 shown schematically, which is a vessel 5 with a reaction chamber 2 which is traversed by water flowing through the inlet 3 in the reaction chamber 2 flows in and out of the spout 4 as treated and thus sterilized water leaks. At the reaction chamber 2 is a UV lamp 10 arranged, which irradiates the water to be treated. The UV lamp 10 has at least one pedestal 12 connected to a power supply and switching device 20b connected is the lamp 10 powered and the power in a predetermined manner switches.

In the 3 is as a UV lamp 10 schematically a cold cathode lamp 11a shown with a power supply and switching device 20a is connected, which supplies the operating current J _B. The cold cathode lamp 11a has electrodes 13 and 14 connected to a power supply and switching device 20a is connected, which is connected to the supply voltage U ₀ . The power supply and switching device 20a is also referred to as a ballast.

To the electrodes 13 . 14 such a cold cathode lamp 11a a steady-state current J _{B0 is} applied. By means of the power supply and switching device 20a can be switched on during the period .DELTA.t _B = t _B - t _0B an excessive operating _current J _B1 . The necessary switching devices are in the 3 not shown.

In the 4a is as a UV lamp 10 schematically a hot cathode lamp 11b also shown to a power supply and switching device 20b connected. The electrodes 13 and 14 have heating elements in the form of heating coils 15 and 16 , The power supply and switching device 20b is designed to perform an override of the operating _current J _B1 for a period Δt _B = t _B - t _0B . Likewise, the power supply and switching device 20b for applying an overdriven Heizstromes J _H1 during a period .DELTA.t _H = t _H - t _0H designed. The power supply and switching device 20b may be designed in addition to applying a preheat current or for the dimming mode.

In the 4b is the hot cathode lamp 11b to a power supply and switching device 20c connected, among other things, two ballasts 24a , b, a starter 25 and a switch 26 having. This makes it possible to use the UV lamp 10 for a period of time .DELTA.t to operate with an increased operating current J _B1 and after .DELTA.t with the switch 26 the second series resistor 24b turn on, leaving the UV lamp 10 is then operated with the reduced compared to J _{B1 steady-state} current J _B0 .

In the 5 is the UV emission power P _{eff of} a UV lamp 10 as a function of time t. The diagram corresponds to the diagram according to 1 , wherein the startup behavior for two different ambient temperatures T _U1 and T _U2 with T _U1 <T _{U2 is} shown. Due to the increased ambient temperature T _U2 , the UV lamp reaches the threshold power P _S at the same continuous operating current J _{B0 for} about 25 seconds (see curve P ₂ ). earlier. The maximum lamp temperature is 56 ° C slightly higher than the curve P ₁ for the ambient temperature T _U1 . Here, the lamp only reaches a maximum temperature of 52 ° C (see curve T ₁ ). It turns out that with the curve P _2, the emission power P _eff falls below the threshold power P _S after a time of approximately 180 seconds.

The operation of this lamp with the continuous operating current J _B0 = 425 mA is therefore not suitable under the ambient temperature T _U2 to deliver the required threshold power P _S in the long run.

The power P _eff exceeds the threshold power P _S at the temperature T _min and falls below the threshold power at a temperature T _max . It is thus necessary for the lamp to be operated with respect to currents J _B0 and J _B0 and J _H0 such that the lamp temperature moves in the range T _min to T _max to ensure that the UV emission power is constantly above the threshold power P _S is located.

Applying the UV emission performance of a UV lamp depending on the lamp temperature T, the result in the diagram of 6 ge showed curves for a continuous operating current J _B0 = 425 mA and an overdriven operating current J _B1 = 2 A. In the following consideration, the heating current is disregarded. It can be seen that for the steady state current J _B0, the UV emission output of the lamp is then above the threshold power P _S when the lamp temperature is in the range of about 38 to about 55 ° C, which corresponds to the temperatures T _min and T _max equivalent.

For the overdriven operating current J _B1 = 2 A, the range of T ₁ = 25 ° C to T ₂ = 68 ° C increases. Although the higher current of 2 A has the advantage that even at a lower temperature, namely at T ₁ = 24 ° C, and thus faster the threshold power P _{S is} exceeded. A disadvantage of the higher operating current J _B1 , however, is the fact that the lamp temperature T increases more and in continuous operation, the power drops well below the threshold power P _S.

In the 7 this relationship for the operating current J _B1 = 2 A is again shown as a function of the time t. The threshold power P _S is already exceeded after t _S = 5 sec, with the power P _eff rising to the value 26 units. Thereafter, the UV emission power P _{eff of} the lamp drops exponentially and falls below the threshold power P _S after approximately 58 sec.

The associated lamp temperature T increases with increasing Time t to values above 120 ° C.

In the diagram of 7 the temperatures T _min and T _{max are} off 6 located. These temperature values include the times t _min and t _max , which are 18 _min for t _min and 38 sec for t _max . This results in the minimum time interval Δt _min = t _min -t _0B and the maximum time interval Δt _max = t _max -t _0B . This means that the overdriven operating current J _B1 , in this case the operating current with 2 A, should preferably be applied over the time interval Δt _min to a maximum Δt _max . In order to prevent overheating of the lamp and thus an uncontrolled power drop below the threshold power P _S , the _maximum operating current J _B0 , here 425 mA, must be switched back no later than at t _max .

This is in the 8th represented, in which the continuous _{operating current} J _B0 in the time range between t _0B and t _B is _overridden . The overdrive is five times the steady state current J _B0 and is labeled J _B1 . When the power maximum is reached, the operating current J _{B1 is switched} back to J _B0 at time t _B and maintained for the further operating time. The switch-back in the power maximum is a preferred embodiment. The switching time t _B is between t _min and t _max .

It can be seen that the temperature _curve at time t _B kinks and merges into a continuous increase, which is significantly flatter, however, than in the period between t _0B and t _B. This ensures that the lamp does not overheat as the temperature remains well below 60 ° C during continuous operation. At the same time, the power curve P _eff, with the formation of a flat optimum, is approximately 50 seconds for the entire remaining operating time above the threshold power P _S.

By overriding the operating current and switching back within the time window t _min to t _max ensures that on the one hand, the warm-up phase is significantly reduced and the sterilization performance is available within a very short time and that on the other hand, the threshold power P _{S is} not exceeded during the entire operating time.

In the 9 is one too 8th corresponding curve is shown, wherein the continuous _{operating current} J _{B0 is switched on} from the time t _0B and then kept constant. In the time interval .DELTA.t _H = t _H - t _0H only an override of the heating current J _{H is} performed by a current J _{H1 is} applied, which lies by a factor of 5 on J _H0 . At time t _H , the excessive heating current J _{H1 is} reset to J _H0 .

In addition, a preheating of the heating elements is provided. In the time interval Δt _V = t _0B -t _0V before the switch-on time t _0B , the current J _{V is} applied, which in this example is a _preheating current J _VH , which corresponds to J _H1 . The increased heating current J _VH = J _H1 is thus turned on before the time t _0B , namely at the time t _0V and is kept constant until the time t _H. By preheating in the period .DELTA.t _V , the time until reaching the threshold power P _{S is} further shortened.

In the 10 The history of heating current and operating current is shown when the lamp is started from the dimmed state. At time t _0V , both the overdriven Vorheizstrom J _VH > J _H0 and the Vorbetriebsstrom J _VB <J _{B0 is} turned on. By means of the pre-operating current J _VB , the lamp is operated in dimming mode. J _VH and J _VB can also be turned on at different times.

At the time _t0B the overdriven operating current J _B1> J _B0 is turned on and at time _B after the time period t .DELTA.t _B on the continuous operation current J _B0 switched back. The preheating current J _VH remains on and is referred to in the period .DELTA.t _B as overdriven heating current J _H1 . The overdriven heating current J _H1 is also switched back to the continuous heating current J _H0 at the time t _H = t _B.

In the example of 10 Thus, Δt _{B is} identical to Δt _H.

In the described dimming mode, the currents J _VH and J _{VB are} preferably chosen so that the UV lamp with minimum energy consumption reaches the lamp temperature T ≥ 75% of T _min in ° C.

1

Wasserentkeimungsvorrichtung

2

reaction chamber

3

enema

4

outlet

5

vessel

10

UV lamp

11a

Cold cathode lamp

11b

Hot cathode lamp

12

base

13

electrode

14

electrode

15

heating element heating coil

16

heating element heating coil

20a, b, c

Power Supply and switching device

22

voltage source

24a, b

ballast

25

starter

26

switch

t _s

time upon reaching the threshold power

_min

Time when the temperature reaches T _min

^t max

Time on reaching the temperature T _max

.delta.t

Period of time

Δt = Δt _B = t _B - t _0B

Time span oversteered operating current

Δt = Δt _H = t _H - t _0H

Time span oversteered heating

Δt _min = t _min - t _0B

minimum Time span (operating current only)

Δt _min = min (t _min -t _0B , t _min -t _0H )

minimum Time span (operating current and heating current)

t _0H

Switch-on time heating current for all J _H ≥ 0, where t _0H ≥ t _0B

t _0B

Switch-on time operating current J _B ≥ J _B0

t _B

Switch-back time operating current

t _H

Switch-back time heating current

Δt _max = t _max -t _0B

maximum Time span (operating current only)

Δt _max = max (t _max -t _0B , t _max -t _0H )

maximum Time span (operating current and heating current)

t _ent.

removal time

T

lamp temperature

T _min

Lamp temperature when reaching P _S for J _B0

T _max

Lamp temperature when reaching P _S for J _B0

T _U1

ambient temperature

T _U2

ambient temperature

Δt _V = t _0B - t _0V

Period of time of preheating

t _0V

switch-on the preheating and / or the Vorbetriebsstroms

P _eff

germicides effective UV emission power of the UV lamp in [W]

P _S

threshold power

U ₀

supply voltage

J _B

operating current

J _B0

Continuous operation power

J _B1

overdriven operating current

J _B11 , J _B12

overdriven operating currents

J _H

heating

J _H0

continuous heater

J _H1

overdriven heating

J _H11 , J _H12

overdriven heating currents

J _V

Current in the period Δt _V

J _VB

Vorbetriebsstrom in the period .DELTA.t _V

J _VH

Preheating current in the period Δt _V

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - EP 1048620 A1 [0017]
• US 2004/0182761 A1 [0020]
• US 5738780 [0021]

Cited non-patent literature

• - Brock, Microbiology, Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, 1st edition, p. 191 [0003]
• - DVGW standard W294 (2006) [0005]

Claims (53)

Liquid germinating device ( 1 ) with at least one vessel through which liquid can flow ( 5 ), the at least one reaction chamber ( 2 ), with at least one UV-lamp having electrodes ( 10 ), and with a power supply and switching device ( 20a , b, c) connected to the UV lamp ( 10 ), characterized in that the UV lamp ( 10 ) over at least a period of time .DELTA.t is overridden, and that the power supply and switching device ( 20a , b, c) for overriding the UV lamp ( 10 ) is designed during the period Δt. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the UV lamp ( 10 ) has at least one UV emission power P _soll , which in continuous operation at least at one by means of the power supply and switching device ( 20a , b, c) to the lamp ( 13 . 14 ) set continuous operating current J _B0 and which is above a predetermined threshold power P _S. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized that the period .DELTA.t is given or over the measurement of at least one parameter is defined. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that that the period .DELTA.t on the measurement of the temperature the UV lamp is set. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that that the period .DELTA.t on the measurement of UV emission is fixed. Device according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the power supply and switching device ( 20a , b, c) at the end of the period .DELTA.t the UV lamp _switches back to the steady-state current J _B0 . Device according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the power supply and switching device ( 20a , b, c) switches off the UV lamp at the end of the period Δt. Apparatus according to claim 1 to 7, characterized in that the UV lamp ( 10 ) over a period Δt ≤ 360 sec is overridden. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one temperature sensor and / or at least one UV radiation measuring device is provided is connected to the power supply and shank device is / are. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the UV lamp ( 10 ) a cold cathode lamp ( 11a ). Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the cold cathode lamp ( 11a ) has at least one UV emission power P _Soll , which is in continuous operation at a means of the power supply and switching device ( 20a , b, c) to the electrodes ( 13 . 14 ) sets continuous operation current J _B0 that the power supply and switching device ( 20a , B, c) is designed such that at a time t _0B over the period .DELTA.t = .DELTA.t _B = t _B - t _0B to the electrodes at least one overdriven operating _current J _B1 > J _B0 can be applied, that at a time t _B after the period of time .DELTA.t _B the operating current J _{B1 can be switched} back to the continuous operating current J _B0 , and that the electrodes ( 13 . 14 ) are designed for the overdriven operating current J _B1 . Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the UV lamp ( 10 ) a hot cathode lamp ( 11b ), in which the electrodes ( 13 . 14 ) each have a heating element ( 15 . 16 ) exhibit. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the hot cathode lamp ( 11b ) has at least one UV emission power P _setpoint which, in continuous operation, is produced by means of the power supply and switching device ( 20a , b, c,) to the electrodes ( 13 . 14 ) applied continuous current J _B0 and one by means of the power supply and switching device ( 20a , b, c) to the heating elements ( 15 . 16 ) Applied continuous heater _H0 J ≥ 0 is established, that the power supply and switching device ( 20a , b, c) is designed in such a way that an overdriven heating current J _H1 > J _H0 can be applied within a time period Δt before switching on the _steady-state operating current J _B0 , and that the electrodes ( 13 . 14 ) are designed for the overdriven current J _H1 . Apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the hot cathode lamp ( 11b ) has at least one UV emission power P _setpoint which, in continuous operation, is produced by means of the power supply and switching device ( 20a , b, c) to the electrodes ( 13 . 14 ) applied continuous current J _B0 and one by means of the power supply and switching device ( 20a , b, c) to the heating elements ( 15 . 16 ) Applied continuous heater _H0 J ≥ 0 is established, that the power supply and switching device ( 20a , b, c) is designed such that at a time point t _0B over the period Δt _B = t _B - t _0B to the electrodes ( 13 . 14 ) at least one overdriven operating current J _B1 > J _B0 and / or at a time t _0H over the period Δt = Δt _H = t _H - t _0H to the heating elements ( 15 . 16 ) at least one overdriven heating current J _H1 ≥ J _H0 can be applied, and that at the time t _B after the period .DELTA.t _B the overdriven operating current J _B1 to the continuous operation current J _B0 and / or at time t _H after the period .DELTA.t _H overdriven Heizstrom J _{H1 can be switched} back to the continuous heating current J _H0 , and that the electrodes ( 13 . 14 ) are designed for the overdriven current JB1 or for the overdriven currents J _B1 , J _H1 . Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that for the applied currents J _H1 + J _B1 > J _H0 + J _B0 applies. Device according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the period of time .DELTA.t is shorter, the greater the overdriven operating current J _B1 and / or the overdriven heating current J _{H1 is} selected. Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that at least the UV lamp ( 10 ) is designed in such a way that when applying the steady-state current J _B0 or the steady-state current J _B0 and the continuous _heating current J _H0 for the lamp temperature TT _min ≦ T ≦ T _max , where T _min and T _max denote the two temperatures at which the UV Emission power P _eff = P _S , and that the time period Δt is at most Δt _max = t _max -t _0B or Δt _max = max (t _max -t _0B , t _max -t _0H ), where t _{max is} the time, in the lamp temperature T when operating with J _B0 or J _B0 and J _{H0 reaches} the value T _max . Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that at least the UV lamp ( 10 ) is designed in such a way that when applying the steady-state current J _B0 or the continuous operating current J _B0 and the continuous _heating current J _H0 for the lamp temperature TT _min ≦ T ≦ T _max , where T _min and T _max denote the two temperatures at which the UV Emission power P _eff = P _S , and that the time period At is at least Δt _min = t _min -t _0B or Δt _min = min (t _min -t _0B , t _min -t _0H ), where t _{min is} the time, in the lamp temperature T when operating with J _B0 or J _B0 and J _{H0 reaches} the value T _min . Device according to one of claims 2 to 18, characterized in that the power supply and switching device ( 20a , b, c) is designed in such a way that at least two operating _currents J _B11 , J _B12 with J _B11 and / or J _B12 greater than J _B0 can be successively applied during the period Δt _B = t _B -t _0B . Device according to one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that the power supply and switching device ( 20a , b, c) is designed in such a way that at least two heating currents J _H11 , J _H12 with J _H11 and / or J _H12 greater than J _H0 can be applied successively during the period Δt = t _H -t _0H . Device according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the power supply and switching device ( 20a , C) is adapted to b, that, in a predetermined before the switch-on time _t0B lying, at time t _{0 V} starting time .DELTA.t = _V t _0B - t _0V for preheating the lamp ( 10 ) at least one current J _V can be applied. Device according to Claim 21, characterized in that the current J _{V is} a preheating current J _{VH applied} to the heating elements ( 15 . 16 ) can be applied. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that a preheating current J _VH with J _VH ≥ J _H0 or J _VH ≥ J _B0 can be applied. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that as a current J _V, a preheating current J _VH and / or a pre-operating current J _VB can be applied. Apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that a current J _VB with J _VB ≤ J _B0 can be applied. Device according to one of claims 13 to 25, characterized in that the power supply and switching device ( 20a , b, c) switches back the UV lamp to the continuous heating current J _H0 at the end of the period Δt. Device according to one of claims 13 to 25, characterized in that the power supply and switching device ( 20a , b, c) switches off the heating current at the end of the period Δt. Use of the liquid germination device ( 1 ) according to claim 1 in a cooling device and / or in connection with a device for dispensing cooled liquid. Method for sterilizing liquid, in which by at least one reaction chamber ( 2 ) flowing liquid from at least one UV lamp ( 10 ) is irradiated, characterized in that the UV lamp ( 10 ) is overdriven over at least a period Δt. Method according to claim 29, characterized that the period .DELTA.t is given or over the measurement of at least one parameter is determined. Method according to claim 30, characterized in that that the period .DELTA.t on the measurement of the temperature the UV lamp is set. Method according to claim 30, characterized in that that the period .DELTA.t on the measurement of the UV emission performance is determined. Method according to one of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that the UV lamp is switched back to the continuous operating current J _B0 at the end of the period .DELTA.t. Method according to one of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that the UV lamp at the end of the period .DELTA.t is switched off. Method according to one of claims 29 to 34, characterized in that the UV lamp over a period of time Δt ≤ 360 sec is overdriven. Method according to one of claims 29 to 35, characterized in that a cold cathode lamp is used. A method according to claim 36, characterized in that the cold cathode lamp ( 11a ) in continuous operation to the electrodes ( 13 . 14 ) A continuous operating current J _B0 is applied that at a time t _0B over the period of time delta T = delta _B = t _B - _t0B to the electrodes mindestes an overdriven operating current J _B1> J is applied _B0 and that at a time t ₀ after the Period Δt _{B of} the operating current J _{B1 is switched} back to the continuous operation current J _B0 . Method according to one of claims 29 to 35, characterized in that a hot cathode lamp ( 11b ) is used, in which the electrodes ( 13 . 14 ) each have a heating element ( 15 . 16 ) exhibit. A method according to claim 38, characterized in that the hot cathode lamp ( 11b ) in continuous operation to the electrodes ( 13 . 14 ) a continuous operating current J _B0 and to the heating elements ( 15 . 16 ) a continuous heating current J _H0 with J _H0 ≥ 0 is applied, and that within a period of time Δt before switching on the continuous operating current J _B0, an overdriven heating current J _H1 > J _{H0 is} applied. A method according to claim 38 or 39, characterized in that the hot cathode lamp ( 11b ) in continuous operation to the electrodes ( 13 . 14 ) a continuous operating current J _B0 and to the heating elements ( 15 . 16 ) is a _{continuous heating current} J _H0 with J _H0 ≥ 0 is applied, that from a time t _0B over the period .DELTA.t = .DELTA.t _B = t _B - t _0B to the electrodes at least one overdriven operating _current J _B1 > J _B0 and / or from a time t _0H over the period of time delta t = delta _H = t _H - t _0H at least one overdriven heating current J _H1 ≥ J _H0 is applied to the heating elements, and that at the time _B t after the period .DELTA.t _B of the overdriven operating current J _B1 on the permanent operating current J _B0 and / or at time t _H after the period .DELTA.t _H, the heating current J _{H1 are switched} back to the value J _H0 . A method according to claim 40, characterized in that the currents J _H1 and J _{B1 are} applied, for which J _H1 + J _B1 > J _H0 + J _B0 holds. Method according to one of claims 38 to 41, characterized in that the time interval .DELTA.t is selected the shorter, the greater the overdriven operating current J _B1 and / or the overdriven heating current J _{H1 is} set. Method according to one of claims 29 to 42, characterized in that when applying the continuous operation current J _B0 or the continuous operation current J _B0 and the Dauerheizstrom J _H0, the lamp temperature T in the range T _min ≤ T ≤ T _max , where T _min and T _max the denote two temperatures at which the UV emission power P _{eff of} the UV lamp is equal to the threshold power P _S , and that the time period Δt maximum Δt _max = t _max - t _0B or Δt _max = max (t _max - t _0B , t _max - t _0H ), where t _{max is} the time at which the lamp temperature T reaches the value T _max in operation with J _B0 or J _B0 and J _H0 . Method according to one of claims 29 to 43, characterized in that when applying at least the steady-state current J _B0 or the continuous operation current J _B0 and the Dauerheizstrom J _H0, the lamp temperature T in the range T _min ≤ T ≤ T _max , wherein T _min and T _max denote the two temperatures at which the UV emission power P _{eff of} the UV lamp ( 10 ) is equal to the threshold power P _S , and that Δt is selected to be at least Δt _min = t _min -t _0B or Δt _min = min (t _min -t _0B , t _min -t _0H ), where t _{min is} the time at which the lamp temperature T in operation with J _B0 or J _B0 and J _{H0 reaches} the value T _min . Method according to one of claims 29 to 44, characterized in that during the period Δt _B = t _B - t _0B successively at least two operating _currents J _B11 , J _B12 with J _B11 and / or J _B12 greater J _{B0 are} applied. Method according to one of Claims 29 to 45, characterized in that at least two heating currents J _H11 , J _H12 with J _H11 and / or J _H12 greater than J _H0 are successively applied during the period Δt _H = t _H -t _H0 . Method according to one of Claims 29 to 46, characterized in that the lamp is preheated with at least one current J _{V in} a time interval Δt _V = t _0B t _0V beginning before the switch-on time t _{0B and commencing} at time t _0V . A method according to claim 47, characterized in that as current J _V, a preheating current J _VH is applied to the heating elements. A method according to claim 48, characterized in that a preheating current J _VH with J _VH ≥ J _H0 or J _VH ≥ J _{B0 is} applied. A method according to claim 49, characterized in that a preheating current J _VH and / or a pre-operating current J _{VB is} applied. A method according to claim 50, characterized in that a current J _VB with J _VB ≤ J _{B0 is} applied. Method according to one of claims 29 to 51, characterized in that the UV lamp at the end of the period .DELTA.t to the continuous heating current J _{H0 is switched} back. Method according to one of claims 29 to 51, characterized in that at the end of the period .DELTA.t the heating current is switched off.