UV Water Filter Diagram (Quick View of All Components)

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Want to learn more about how a UV water filter works? You should find this diagram of a UV water filter helpful.

Main components of a UV filter

📌 Key Takeaways:

  • UV water purifiers kill harmful microorganisms, making water potable and safe for human consumption.
  • The main components of a UV purifier are the UV chamber, the quartz sleeve, and the UV light bulb.
  • Other important parts of UV water systems are the water inlet and outlet, the UV ballast, the flow meter, the UV sensor, the power cord and plug, and the solenoid valve.

📋 UV Water Purifier Design

Most UV water purifiers have a long, large chamber that holds a UV light bulb encased in a quartz sleeve. Water flows through the chamber, and the UV lamp emits UV C light, which scrambles the DNA of microorganisms and prevents them from replicating or making you sick.

You might also hear a UV water purifier referred to as a UV disinfection light, since UV offers a form of disinfection that doesn’t require harmful chemicals (like chlorine disinfection).

Uv purification system

🧰 Main Components Of A UV Water Purifier

The three main components of a UV water purifier are the reactor chamber, the UV lamp, and the quartz sleeve.

UV Chamber

The UV chamber, or the “reactor chamber”, encases the quartz sleeve (which, in turn, incases the UV lamp). Water travels through the chamber and disinfection occurs. The chamber is connected to the water supply by connecting seals on both ends.

UV Lamp

UV lamps are the main component in all UV water purifiers. A UV light bulb emits UV rays – ultraviolet light that penetrates the DNA of microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, rendering them incapable of causing disease when consumed in water. The UV light bulb is a long, thin bulb that spans across the reactor chamber.

Quartz Sleeve

The glass quartz sleeve is another essential part of a UV system. The quartz sleeve encases the UV bulb, separating it from the water flowing through the system while still allowing UV rays to penetrate the glass. Quartz is used instead of normal glass because it has better UV light transmittance with reduced absorption, allowing the UV rays to reach the water in their highest strength.

📑 Other Components Of A UV Water Purifier

The other parts of a UV system are the water inlet and water outlet, the UV sensor, the UV ballast, the flow meter, the solenoid valve, and the power cord.

Water Inlet

The water inlet is where water enters the UV unit from the plumbing system.

Water Outlet

The water outlet is where water leaves the UV unit and goes back into the plumbing system after purification.

UV Sensor

The UV sensor monitors the UV light intensity and issues an alert (such as an alarm) if the intensity drops to a certain extent. At this point, a new UV bulb will be needed.

Springwell blackcomb uv controller

UV Ballast

UV ballasts control the UV light’s operation. Some are switches that can be manually operated, while others come with sensors for UV light levels.

Flow Meter

Some of the best UV systems come with flow meters, which monitor water’s flow rate through the unit and adjust the dose of UV light required for proper water treatment.

Solenoid Valve

Solenoid valves are also common in modern UV systems and monitor the unit for malfunctions. If a problem occurs and water isn’t being treated properly, the valves automatically shut off the water supply, so untreated water is unable to get through your water lines.

Power Cord & Plug

To connect your UV system to a power supply, the unit should come with a power cord and plug. UV systems use a relatively small amount of power (100 to 800 W, depending on the size of the lamp).

🆙 Optional Add-Ons For A UV Water Purifier

There are a few optional add-ons that you may need for your UV system.

Sediment Filter

A UV system doesn’t work on turbid or sediment-heavy water. A contaminated water supply contains impurities that will block UV light from effectively penetrating all microorganisms as water passes through the system. You might need to remove these impurities before UV purification with a sediment pre-filter cartridge.

Sediment water filter

Additional Filters

UV purifiers are commonly used as a final filtration stage after other water filters, such as iron filters, water softener systems, and multi-stage well water filtration systems. You might get a better deal on a UV filter if you buy it alongside another water filter system from the same manufacturer.

  • Brian Campbell
    President & CEO, CWS, CWR

    Brian Campbell, a WQA Certified Water Specialist (CWS) and Certified Water Treatment Representative (CWR) with 5+ years of experience, helps homeowners navigate the world of water treatment. After honing his skills at Hach Company, he founded his business to empower homeowners with the knowledge and tools to achieve safe, healthy water. Brian's tested countless devices, from simple pitchers to complex systems, helping his readers find the perfect fit for their unique needs.

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