Doodlebug Pump -- FAQ

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Ultraviolet Sterilizers

General Questions about Ultraviolet Water Sterilizers

Why do I need an ultraviolet water sterilizer?

For point of use applications, they are far superior to chlorination systems.

Bacteriological contamination can be present in all water supplies, especially rural areas or areas which are not treated with municipal water systems.

It is recommended that no surface waters be consumed without adequate microbiological treatment, regardless of how the water is tested.

Are there any limitations on usage?

Minimum water characteristics must be met before installation of a UV unit. Only install the unit when:
Total Iron Count is less than: 0.3 ppm (0.3 mg/l)
Hydrogen Sulfide Count is less than: 0.05 ppm (0.05 mg/l)
Suspended Solids Count is less than: 10 ppm (10 mg/l)
Manganese Count is less than: 0.05 ppm (0.05 mg/l)
If hardness level exceeds 7 grains per gallon, water must be softened (note: you can use the unit in harder water, however, you will need to clean the hard water scale on the quartz tube frequently to insure sufficient UV energy is transferred to the water)

How are UV units sized? This is a fairly tricky question to answer without giving some background information.

All of the measuring standards express themselves in terms of UV dose (fluence). This is stated in 1mj/cm2 = 1,000 u Wsec/cm2.

Put in simpler terms this is the amount of energy the UV unit emits in clean water.

So above any other consideration, the water must be clean before going through the UV unit. Most manufacturers recommend that you use a 5-micron (or smaller) sediment filter before a UV unit. This is required because large particles provide a haven for microorganisms that you are trying to destroy.

Also, it is critical to install a flow restrictor in the feed line to insure the UV unit does not exceed its design limitations.

For example: If you have a unit with a Manufactures Standard rating of 12 gallons per minute, the proper flow restrictor would be sized for 12 gallon.

There are three method of measuring UV effectiveness:
US Public Health Standard (1966) – 16mj/cm2
Manufactures Standard (developed within the industry) – 30mj/cm2
NSF/EPA Standard (most recent) – 40mj/cm2

While there is no clear answer, the minimum standard should be the manufactures Standard. If you wish to apply a higher level then use the NSF/EPA standard.

We rate all our units on the manufactures standards.

A properly designed UV system will provide a 99.99% reduction of bacterial, virus and protozoa. This process is accomplished without adding any harmful chemicals to your drinking water. It is the most ecological way of treating your water and it costs only pennies a day!

Is there anything I should do before installing an ultraviolet filter system?

Before installing any UV unit, it's a good idea to start with a clean system (water lines, water heater, etc.).

Disinfect the entire downstream system with chlorine or other disinfectant that is safe for piping and humans. Microorganisms will continue to thrive unless you take the time to start with a clean system. We supply specific recommendations with all of the units we offer.

Does a UV system require any chemicals or anything else that I have to add?

Most manufacturers recommend that you use a 5-micron (or smaller) sediment filter before a UV unit. This is required because large particles provide a haven for micro organisms that you are trying to destroy.

Depending on the turbidity of the water, multiple sediment filters may also be required to accomplish this goal.

For surface water we recommend starting with a 50 micron filter, followed by a 25 micron filter and finally a 5 micron filter.

Use a filter that does not allow any dirt to bypass. Our Aqua Pure graded density cartridges provide a positive stop to any dirt. If you fail to change the cartridge, the water stops!

If color or suspended particles are present, the transmission quality of any UV light is diminished and its disinfecting properties are then limited. Where this is a problem, a quality carbon filter or other treatment equipment may be needed after the sediment filter(s) and before the UV unit.

How long does the UV bulb itself last?

Most manufacturers recommend replacing the bulb once a year or less. The bulb will burn a lot longer then that, however, its capacity for neutralizing microbes diminishes after that length of time.

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		Doodlebug Pump -- FAQ Welcome to the FAQ page. This is where you will find the answers to frequently asked questions. We are constantly adding to this section, it covers submersible pumps, jet pumps, jet pump trouble shooting, pressure tanks, pressure tank sizing,level control, Reverse Osmosis Filter Systems, Questions About UV Sterilizers & Water Softeners If you have a question - please include your e-mail address. We will not answer unknown requests. here Ultraviolet Sterilizers General Questions About UV Sterilizers General Questions about Ultraviolet Water Sterilizers Ultraviolet Sterilizers General Questions about Ultraviolet Water Sterilizers Why do I need an ultraviolet water sterilizer? For point of use applications, they are far superior to chlorination systems. Bacteriological contamination can be present in all water supplies, especially rural areas or areas which are not treated with municipal water systems. It is recommended that no surface waters be consumed without adequate microbiological treatment, regardless of how the water is tested. Are there any limitations on usage? Minimum water characteristics must be met before installation of a UV unit. Only install the unit when: Total Iron Count is less than: 0.3 ppm (0.3 mg/l) Hydrogen Sulfide Count is less than: 0.05 ppm (0.05 mg/l) Suspended Solids Count is less than: 10 ppm (10 mg/l) Manganese Count is less than: 0.05 ppm (0.05 mg/l) If hardness level exceeds 7 grains per gallon, water must be softened (note: you can use the unit in harder water, however, you will need to clean the hard water scale on the quartz tube frequently to insure sufficient UV energy is transferred to the water) How are UV units sized? This is a fairly tricky question to answer without giving some background information. All of the measuring standards express themselves in terms of UV dose (fluence). This is stated in 1mj/cm2 = 1,000 u Wsec/cm2. Put in simpler terms this is the amount of energy the UV unit emits in clean water. So above any other consideration, the water must be clean before going through the UV unit. Most manufacturers recommend that you use a 5-micron (or smaller) sediment filter before a UV unit. This is required because large particles provide a haven for microorganisms that you are trying to destroy. Also, it is critical to install a flow restrictor in the feed line to insure the UV unit does not exceed its design limitations. For example: If you have a unit with a Manufactures Standard rating of 12 gallons per minute, the proper flow restrictor would be sized for 12 gallon. There are three method of measuring UV effectiveness: US Public Health Standard (1966) – 16mj/cm2 Manufactures Standard (developed within the industry) – 30mj/cm2 NSF/EPA Standard (most recent) – 40mj/cm2 While there is no clear answer, the minimum standard should be the manufactures Standard. If you wish to apply a higher level then use the NSF/EPA standard. We rate all our units on the manufactures standards. A properly designed UV system will provide a 99.99% reduction of bacterial, virus and protozoa. This process is accomplished without adding any harmful chemicals to your drinking water. It is the most ecological way of treating your water and it costs only pennies a day! Is there anything I should do before installing an ultraviolet filter system? Before installing any UV unit, it's a good idea to start with a clean system (water lines, water heater, etc.). Disinfect the entire downstream system with chlorine or other disinfectant that is safe for piping and humans. Microorganisms will continue to thrive unless you take the time to start with a clean system. We supply specific recommendations with all of the units we offer. Does a UV system require any chemicals or anything else that I have to add? Most manufacturers recommend that you use a 5-micron (or smaller) sediment filter before a UV unit. This is required because large particles provide a haven for micro organisms that you are trying to destroy. Depending on the turbidity of the water, multiple sediment filters may also be required to accomplish this goal. For surface water we recommend starting with a 50 micron filter, followed by a 25 micron filter and finally a 5 micron filter. Use a filter that does not allow any dirt to bypass. Our Aqua Pure graded density cartridges provide a positive stop to any dirt. If you fail to change the cartridge, the water stops! If color or suspended particles are present, the transmission quality of any UV light is diminished and its disinfecting properties are then limited. Where this is a problem, a quality carbon filter or other treatment equipment may be needed after the sediment filter(s) and before the UV unit. How long does the UV bulb itself last? Most manufacturers recommend replacing the bulb once a year or less. The bulb will burn a lot longer then that, however, its capacity for neutralizing microbes diminishes after that length of time. Return to top

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