Abstract: A method of treating chemical process water which contains dissolved solids, usually of a biodegradable organic nature. According to the invention, the dissolved organic solids, which are objectionable because they cause process equipment corrosion, undesirable product and process odors and pollution, are treated with ultraviolet light. The light treatment causes dissolved materials of relatively simple chemical structure to react and create more complex, less soluble materials which can easily be removed from the system as they become less soluble. The method is applicable to papermaking and numerous other industrial processes using large quantities of process water.

Abstract: A method of treating papermaking white water which contains dissolved solids, usually of a biodegradable organic nature. According to the invention, the dissolved organic solids, which are objectionable because they cause process equipment corosion, undesirable product and process odors and water pollution, are treated with ultraviolet light so as to lower their concentration and eliminate these problems. The light treatment causes material of relatively simple chemical structure to polymerize into more complex, less soluble materials which can easily be removed from the system as they become less soluble. The method is applicable to papermaking and other industries process using large quantities of process water. The treatment cell, which preferably operates on clarified white water, may be placed in series with the process white water flow or in parallel therewith, and can be operated as a continuing treatment process or as a intermittent treatment process.

Abstract: A method of treating papermaking white water which contains dissolved solids, usually of a biodegradable organic nature. According to the invention, the dissolved organic solids, which are objectionable because they cause process equipment corosion, undesirable product and process odors and water pollution, are treated with ultraviolet light so as to lower their concentration and eliminate these problems. The light treatment causes material of relatively simple chemical structure to polymerize into more complex, less soluble materials which can easily be removed from the system as they become less soluble. The method is applicable to papermaking and other industries process using large quantities of process water. The treatment cell, which preferably operates on clarified white water, may be placed in series with the process while water flow or in parallel therewith, and can be operated as a continuing treatment process or as a intermittent treatment process.