HortiMaX launches new UV disinfection unit

With the launch of the Vitalite HortiMaX CXL, HortiMaX offers a solution for the increasing demands placed on the safety and security of food production. The system effectively neutralizes pathogens using low pressure UV radiation on an exact wavelength of 254 Nm. Since low pressure UV radiation doesn't alter the water's composition, the nutrients in the water can be reused so the VitaLite CXL will quickly pay for itself.

Low pressure UV radiation

HortiMaX made a very deliberate decision in opting for low pressure UV radiation for its new water disinfection unit. Michiel Suurmond, Product Manager for Water and Nutrition, said the following about this decision: 'The most obvious advantage is that low pressure UV radiation doesn't affect the composition of the water, as nothing is added to it. This is an effective method of disinfection, allowing food to be produced safely. Products for export must meet strict requirements. That's why this method of disinfection is ideal for every grower.'

However, disinfection with low pressure UV radiation offers more benefits, according to Michiel Suurmond: 'This method is so effective because low pressure UV radiation breaks down the DNA of pathogens (for instance, bacteria, fungi and viruses). Energy is converted into low pressure waves of exactly 254 Nm. This means no energy is lost producing other, ineffective, radiation wavelengths. Since the water isn't heated during disinfection, the use of low pressure UV radiation is also very energy efficient.'

CXL, what… .?

The latest version of the Vitalite is the HortiMaX VitaLite CXL. The CX stands for the new hardware line based on which all new HortiMaX products are standardised. The XL stands for the larger lamps in this Vitalite. Unlike previous models, the technical operation of the lamps hasn't changed, but they have a higher disinfection capacity.

Recoup your investment even faster

The capacity of the CXL has been enhanced compared to previous VitaLite models. Since nothing is added to the water, what remains after disinfection is fresh water containing the unused, and often costly, fertilizers. By recycling all the irrigation water, a grower can save up to 30-50% on fertilizer costs. Michiel Suurmond: 'And that is good news considering our global phosphorus supplies are starting to run out. I recently wrote an article on this subject.' Thanks to the high capacity of the CXL, customers can achieve the break even point in a short period of time - sometimes, in just a few months.'

For more information
HortiMaX
JP van den Tillaard
Marketing and Communications Manager
Tel.: 00 31 6 46 09 73 81
jpvdtillaard@hortimax.com
www.hortimax.com

Ir. Michiel Suurmond
Product Manager for Water and Nutrition
Tel.: 00 31 6 55 70 73 96
msuurmond@hortimax.com