Last Updated on March 11, 2020
The MEGATRON® Ultraviolet Water Disinfection System uses CRYSTAL CLEAR™ Quartz Sleeves to protect and insulate the ultraviolet lamps. These sleeves allow for high germicidal UV output over a range of temperatures. A fouled quartz sleeve blocks the emitted UV radiation from passing into the water.
Since water quality varies greatly from site to site, it can be difficult to determine when it is time to clean the sleeves. The MEGATRON® comes equipped with a patented manual wiping mechanism to make cleaning the quartz sleeves a breeze. Both manual and automatic cleanings can happen while the MEGATRON® is fully operational and continuing to provide water disinfection.
When Do I Clean the CRYSTAL CLEAR™ Quartz Sleeves?
One method for determining how often to clean quartz sleeves is to visually inspect them after one week of operation. If they are not dirty, check again the following week. Keep checking each week until fouling is spotted.
This inspection period of time can help determine the cleaning cycle. If you see fouling after 4 weeks, then clean every 3 weeks. Clean the quartz sleeves 3/4 of the time that it takes for fouling to occur. Over time, fouling of the quartz sleeve will cause the intensity level of the MEGATRON® to decline, as displayed on the GUARDIAN™ Digital Monitor. You will see the intensity level move from green “UV Normal” to red “UV Low.” This will help you know when the quartz sleeves are ready for cleaning. A rise in the total bacteria count from samples may also indicate fouling, and a need to clean the quartz sleeves.
How Often Do I Clean the CRYSTAL CLEAR™ Quartz Sleeves?
For most applications, set your wiping cycle to once a week. This is the simplest way to make sure that your quartz sleeves remain clean. If your monitor continues to show a drop in UV output, or an increase in bacteria is shown in water tests, increase the wiping cycle to twice a week. Repeat this procedure until your ultraviolet monitor only shows a small drop in intensity, or water tests indicate an acceptable bacteria count. Then you’ll know you are cleaning the quartz sleeves often enough.
You can also watch your monitor’s intensity reading. Set your cycle time to wipe the quartz sleeves at about half the time it takes for a significant drop in the UV meter. Let’s say after 96 hours the ultraviolet meter drops into the red zone. You now know your cycle time should be set to 48 hours. This method can also be checked with a water test to determine if the bacteria exiting the unit are at an acceptable level.
For grime that the wiper is not improving, remove the quartz sleeves from the unit one at a time and rinse with a mild detergent or citric acid. Sleeves can be hand wiped, or dipped into a cleaning tank, and then rinsed with water. Stubborn stains can be removed using a diluted hydrochloric acid.
Benefits of the Optional Automatic Wiper
Program the automatic wiper for up to 6 wipe cycles per day, 7 days per week and take this regular task off your staff’s to-do list. The cleaning mechanisms are operated by pneumatic cylinders driven with compressed air. A patented Teflon® wiper blade is fitted around each quartz sleeve, and all wipers are driven along the length of the sleeve at the same time.
Proudly made in the USA of stainless steel, the UV water treatment systems from Atlantic Ultraviolet Corporation® are constructed of the highest quality materials and use germicidal ultraviolet lamps to purify water. Shop the MEGATRON® by visiting BuyUltraviolet.com.
For more information on UV Water Disinfection, visit our MEGATRON® overview page, download the MEGATRON® owner’s manuals, or review our UV Water Purifier Comparison Chart
Need help? Call Our UV Specialists at 1-631-273-0500, Monday – Friday 7am to 6pm EST
For more company or product info, visit Ultraviolet.com
To make a purchase, visit BuyUltraviolet.com
CM-000079 x
