How Ultraviolet Light Disinfects? Ultraviolet light disinfects rapidly without the use of heat or chemicals. Ultraviolet treatment is often used in the final stage treatment of bottled water. Operating rooms, isolation areas and other medical facilities make extensive use of ultraviolet germicidal lamps to maintain a low bacterial count in the surrounding air.

Ultraviolet light treatment is a proven and accepted method for disinfecting drinking water. Short wavelength ultraviolet light, commonly referred to as UV-C occurs between the wave length of 200 and 265 nanometers, and this is where the most effective germicidal action occurs. The HYDRO-PHOTO LAMP PRODUCES 90% of its light at the 253.7 nanometers and is, therefore very effective as a anti-microbiological agent. Microorganisms encompass a wide variety of unique structures and can be grouped into five basic groups: bacteria, virus, fungi, protozoa, and algae. A microorganism is composed of the cell-wall, cytoplasmic membrane and the cell's genetic material, nucleic acid. It is this genetic material or DNA that is affected by the Ultraviolet light. As UV-C penetrates through the cell wall, it causes molecular rearrangement of the microorganism's DNA thus preventing reproduction. If a cell can not reproduce, it is considered to be microbiologically dead. Due to individual cell makeup, different levels of UV energy are required for destruction. The effectiveness of UV microbial destruction is a product of both time and intensity. The intensity of UV-C light is measured in micro-watts per square centimeter and the time is measured in seconds. Hence the amount of ultraviolet light necessary to kill a particular microorganism is reported in units of micro-watt seconds per square centimeter; this is known as the dose. UV light testing has shown that Steri-Pen provides between 38,000 and 60,000 micro-watt seconds per square centimeter. The following table shows the dose required to kill common microorganisms.

Microorganism Destruction Levels (Ultraviolet energy at 253.7nm wavelength required for 99.9% destruction of various microorganism - in uwsec/cm/2)

Bacillus anthracis	8,700		Shigella dysentariae (dysentery)	4,200
Corynebacterium diphtheriae	6,500		Shigella flexneri (dysentery)	3,400
Dysentary bacilli (diarrhea)	4,200		Staphylococcus epidermidis	5,800
Escherichia coli (diarrhea)	7,000		Streptococcus faecaelis	10,000
Legionella pneumophilia	3,800		Vibro commo (cholera)	6,500
Mycobacterium tuberculosis	10,000		Bacteriophage (E. Coli)	6,500
Pseudomonas aeruginosa	3,900		Hepatitis	8,000
Salmonella (food poisoning)	10,000		Influenza	6,600
Salmonella paratyphi (enteric fever)	6,100		Poliovirus (poliomyelitis)	7,000
Salmonella typhosa (typhoid fever)	7,000		Baker's yeast	8,800

Steri-Pen Specifications

Dimensions - Overall dimensions are 7.1" X 1.5" X 1.63" Weight - 3.7oz. without batteries, between 6 and 8 oz. with batteries, depending on battery type Lamp Assembly - Lamp body and outer jacket are made from UV grade fused silica (quartz). lamp assembly is .51" diameter and 1.925" in overall length. Lamp Output - Lamp is a 5 watt low pressure fluorescent with a primary UV-"C" output of 254 nanometers. Electronics - Circuit provides 850 VAC start-up voltage and 270 VAC operating voltage. Nominal operating current is 12 mA. An ultra-low power onboard micro-computer provides features including: automatic variable on/off timing, low voltage warning, low voltage shut-down, "child-safe" switching, water sensing and ambient temperature sensing. Battery - Uses 4 disposable or externally rechargeable AA batteries. Device Body - Injection molded FDA approved food grade plastic. To prevent intrusion of water, Steri-Pen uses an FDA approved elastomeric polymer around lamp, sensors and switch.

Will UV light from Steri-Pen hurt my eyes or skin?

No, Steri-Pen's UV light is confined to the drinking container. Steri-Pen's UV does not penetrate plastic, glass, ceramic or metal. And the air/water interface at the top of the drinking container is highly reflective to UV, so virtually no UV escapes.

How much water can I treat with Steri-Pen?

Steri-Pen is designed to treat up to 16 oz. of clear water with one dose. Testing shows that 2 treatments on 32oz. of clear water is also extremely effective. Steri-Pen should not be used on volumes larger than 32oz.

How long will my Steri-Pen last?

The lamp will need to be replaced after 5,000 treatments. The internal microcomputer counts each dose and will notify you when its time for a new lamp. 5,000 doses is equivalent to 2 treatments every day for nearly 7 years; a total of 625 gallons of water for an approximate cost of 32¢ per gallon.

Does Steri-Pen's UV treatment change the taste of the water?

No. And that is one reason many bottling companies use UV rather than chemical treatments which do change the taste of water.

Can I treat liquids other than water?

While UV light is commonly used to purify liquids such as apple juice, maple syrup and milk, all our testing and claims are for clear water treatment only.

Does Steri-Pen kill Giardia and Cryptosporidium?

Yes, very effectively. While both these protozoans are quite resistant to chemical treatment they are among the easiest microbes to destroy with UV.

Will Steri-Pen make dirty discolored water clear?

No, Steri-Pen will not remove particulates of color from water. If water is visibly dirty and discolored it should be prefiltered.

How rugged is Steri-Pen?

It is quite rugged. Independent testing showed no damage caused by a 3 foot fall onto a cement floor (with lamp cover in place). Steri-Pen comes with a thermoformed nylon carrying case which adds to its durability in the field.

(#NCIITMX2)  Steri-Pen Ultraviolet Water Purifier- w/ case $ 197