Methods and apparatus for disinfecting and sterilizing fluid using ultraviolet radiation

An apparatus for pumping and sterilizing or disinfecting liquid held in a reservoir, comprising:

• a fluid conduit, which is at least partially submerged in the liquid held in the reservoir;
• an ultraviolet lamp which is at least partially within the fluid conduit, the ultraviolet lamp comprising:
• a tube holding and in direct contact with a gas and a vaporizable metal, the tube comprising a body portion, at least one end portion, and optionally at least one end cap covering said at least one end portion;
• at least one electrode positioned within the tube and electrically coupled to a power source, the at least one electrode operable to excite the gas and the vaporizable metal and thereby generate ultraviolet light;
• and
• an ultraviolet-transmissive protective coating comprising a fluoropolymer, a silicon polymer, or a silicone material surrounding and in touching proximity with at least the body portion of the tube;
• and
• an air drive unit coupled to the fluid conduit and adapted to cause a liquid to flow through the fluid conduit and past the portion of the ultraviolet lamp in the fluid conduit, wherein the ultraviolet lamp generates an ultraviolet light which kills microorganisms in the liquid and said fluid conduit, and
• wherein the ultraviolet lamp is disposed within the fluid conduit such that when in use, the protective coating is in direct contact with the liquid within the fluid conduit.