The Charger Water UV Disinfection System is a robust and durable water treatment solution designed for residential and light commercial applications. It utilizes ultraviolet (UV) light to disinfect water, effectively neutralizing microbiological contaminants. The system is available in various models, including axial flow and rack-mount configurations, catering to different flow rate requirements and installation preferences.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Charger Water UV Disinfection System is to provide complete disinfection of water by exposing it to UV light. This process inactivates bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms without the use of chemicals, ensuring safe and potable water. The system is designed to be installed on the main cold water line, after other water treatment equipment (such as a softener), but before any branches, to ensure all water entering the home or facility is treated.
The system's operation relies on a UV lamp housed within a reactor, which emits UV-C light. Water flows through the reactor, where it is exposed to this germicidal UV light. An integral lamp life monitor, with both audible and visual indicators, tracks the remaining lamp life, ensuring timely replacement for continuous effective disinfection. Some advanced models include a UV intensity monitor to measure the level of UV light, providing a more precise indication of disinfection efficacy.
For new installations or after any service interruption, a system preparation procedure involving flushing with a chlorine solution is recommended to decontaminate the plumbing lines throughout the home or facility.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Flow Rates:
- CWUV4C-101 series: 38 lpm (10 gpm)
- CWUV4C-151 series: 57 lpm (15 gpm)
- CWUV4C-R1 series: 30 lpm (8 gpm)
- CWUV4C-R2 series: 57 lpm (15 gpm)
- Rack-Mount Systems (CWUV4-R1/CWUV5-R1, CWUV4-R2/CWUV5-R2, CWUV4-R12/CWUV5-R12, CWUV4-R2C/CWUV5-R2C, CWUV4-R12C/CWUV5-R12C, CWUV4-R22C/CWUV5-R22C):
- 8.0 gpm (30.3 lpm, 1.82 m³/hr) at 30mJ/cm² @ 95% UVT
- 15.0 gpm (56.8 lpm, 3.4 m³/hr) at 30mJ/cm² @ 95% UVT
- 5.6 gpm (21.2 lpm, 1.3 m³/hr) at 40mJ/cm² @ 95% UVT (for 8 gpm models)
- 12 gpm (45.4 lpm, 2.7 m³/hr) at 40mJ/cm² @ 95% UVT (for 15 gpm models)
- Reactor Material: Polished 304 stainless steel, A249 pressure rated tubing.
- Lamp Type: Reliable, industry-proven, proprietary low-pressure coated UV lamps with ceramic bases.
- HO (High Output) systems: 10,000 hours lamp life.
- SO (Standard Output) systems: 9,000 hours lamp life.
- Electrical: 110-230V/50-60Hz.
- Controller: Constant current electronic controller in a splash-proof case, fully potted ballast.
- Port Size: 1" MNPT (filter side) / 1" MNPT (UV side) for rack-mount systems.
- Operating Pressure: 0.7-10.3 bar (10-150 psi) for axial flow; 0.7-6.9 bar (10-100 psi) for rack-mount.
- Operating Water Temperature: 2-40° C (36-104°F).
- Water Quality Parameters for Optimal Performance:
- Hardness: < 120 mg/L (7 gpg)
- Iron (Fe): < 0.3 mg/L (ppm)
- Manganese (Mn): < 0.05 mg/L (ppm)
- Tannins (organics): < 0.1 mg/L (ppm)
- Turbidity: < 1 NTU
- Transmittance (UVT): > 75% UVT
- Filter Housing (Rack-Mount):
- Single 10" or 20" sump (axial flow)
- 5 micron sediment filters (LC-105-CWUV, LC-205-CWUV)
- High capacity carbon filters (LC-20C-CWUV) for some models.
- Dimensions:
- Reactor: 3.5 x 16.5" (8.9 x 41.8cm) or 3.5 x 20.0" (8.9 x 50.8cm)
- Controller: 8.6 x 4.2 x 4" (21.7 x 10.8 x 10.2 cm) or 6.8 x 3.6 x 4" (17.2 x 9.2 x 10.2 cm)
Usage Features:
- DIY-Friendly Installation: Designed as a do-it-yourself system with a single inlet and outlet port. Rack-mount systems come fully assembled except for a stainless steel hose connection.
- Ambidextrous Orientation: The system can be configured for water inlet from either the left or right side, offering flexibility in installation.
- Lamp Life Monitor: Integral monitor provides both audible and visual indication of lamp life, ensuring users are aware of when a replacement is needed.
- CWUV4 Controllers: Feature a tri-color LED and a 4-digit display for lamp life remaining and total running time. Green LED indicates normal operation, red LED and audible buzzer indicate lamp expiration or malfunction.
- CWUV5 & CWUV6 Controllers: Utilize a full-color LCD screen for detailed system performance, fault messages, and diagnostics. These controllers include an "infinite expandability port" for optional modules.
- UV Intensity Monitor (CWUV6 systems): Measures the level of UV light, providing a more advanced indication of disinfection efficacy. The screen displays UV intensity percentage, with warnings (audible chirp, red screen) if it drops below optimal levels, and a constant alarm below 51%, potentially deactivating a solenoid valve to shut off water flow.
- Lamp Countdown Sequence: The system counts down the days until a lamp change is required. At 30 days, a yellow caution indicator appears. At 7 days, an additional audible chirp is given. Past zero days, the LED/screen turns solid red with a continuous buzzer.
- Deferral Feature: Audible alarms can be deferred for seven days by holding the controller button for five seconds, up to three times.
- QR Codes: Controllers feature QR codes that link to Charger Water's website for replacement components, video tutorials on servicing (e.g., changing UV lamp or quartz sleeve), and other helpful information.
- Optional Expansion Modules: CWUV5 and CWUV6 controllers support various modules for enhanced functionality:
- UV Sensor: For monitoring UV intensity (standard on CWUV6, optional for CWUV5).
- Solenoid Connection Module (MOD-SOL1-CWUV): Connects to a normally closed solenoid valve, closing it on lamp failure or low UV levels (for monitored systems) to prevent untreated water flow. Includes a manual override mode.
- Remote Alarm Connection Module (MOD-RAM-CWUV): Provides contacts for connecting to external alarm systems (buzzer, light, PLC) for fault conditions (low UV, lamp fail, power fail).
- 4-20 mA Module (MOD-420-CWUV): Outputs a 4-20mA signal of UV output to a remote device like a data logger or computer.
- WiFi Module: Connects the UV system to a smartphone, tablet, or computer via an app for remote monitoring, status updates, SMS/email alerts, and peace of mind.
- Ultrasonic Flow Meter: Enables power dimming during low or no flow, saving energy, reducing water temperature, and decreasing fouling risk.
- Temperature Management Devices (Optional):
- Cooling Fan (MOD-FAN-CWUV): For high output systems, continuously cools water by forced convection.
- Temperature Relief Valve (TRV) (MOD-TRV0.5-CWUV, MOD-TRV0.75-CWUV, MOD-TRV1-CWUV, MOD-TRV1.5-CWUV): Drains a small amount of water to allow cooler water to enter the system when a higher temperature is reached. Works without power.
Maintenance Features:
- Annual Quartz Sleeve Cleaning: The quartz sleeve requires periodic cleaning, at least annually, to ensure efficient UV penetration. The manual provides detailed steps for removal, cleaning with commercial scale cleaner, and reinstallation.
- Annual UV Sensor Cleaning (if applicable): The UV sensor also requires periodic cleaning, at least annually, to maintain accurate readings.
- Lamp Replacement: The UV lamp must be replaced when its life expires. The process involves disconnecting power, removing the old lamp, and installing a new genuine Charger Water lamp. For CWUV4 systems, the timer is reset by holding the controller button. For CWUV5/6 systems, the lamp key (packaged with new lamps) is used.
- Filter Cartridge Replacement: For rack-mount systems, filter cartridges should be replaced as needed. The manual specifies the correct cartridge positions and how to snug the filter housing with the supplied wrench.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting section with system display indicators, potential problems, and resolutions for both hard alarms (constant audible alarm, solenoid valve closed) and soft alarms (15-second audible chirp).
- Warranty:
- Reactors: Ten (10) year Limited Warranty on stainless steel reactors.
- Electronics: Three (3) year Limited Warranty on ballasts and controllers.
- UV Lamps, UV Sensors & Quartz Sleeves: One (1) year Limited Warranty.
- Warranty is subject to water quality parameters and proper installation/use as outlined in the manual.
- Warranty Registration: An online registration process is available at www.uv-warranty.com to activate the warranty and receive product updates/technical bulletins.