EWU Deployment
The UVX™ Expeditionary Water Unit deploys on the battlefield: (I) Unit Preparation, (II) Battlefield Distribution, (III) Unit Positioning, (IV) Battery Connection, (V) Tank Installation (optional) and (VI) Final Check.
Step 1: Unit Preparation
To prepare the unit for speedy deployment, sanitize it by pouring 2L (0.5 gal.) of bleach into the inlet (remove pressure gauge and pour in with a funnel). Using a spray bottle with a mixture of 50% bleach / 50% water, then spray the system exit (and exit valve if present). Then flow at least 190L (50 gal.) of water through the system to flush the bleach from the system. Do not drink the water flushed from the unit, because it is contaminated with bleach.
Also, trickle charge a few 2 volt deep cycle lead-acid 90 Amp-hour (Group 27) batteries (or larger) for ready deployment on a mission.
Step 2: Battlefield Distribution
Lakes, streams, rivers, wells and reservoirs are all possible water sources. Choose a water source that is visually clear, so it does not clog the inlet strainer. Then verify that the water source is free of organic solvents, inorganic toxins, pesticides and other toxins by testing it. Also ensure that the source water is fresh; neither salty nor brackish.
Water Source Requirements
| Maximum total dissolved solids (TDS) | 2,000 ppm |
| Maximum water hardness @ 6.9 pH | 160 ppm (3 grains/L) |
| Maximum iron, maximum hydrogen | <0.1 ppm |
| Chlorine in water supply | 2.0 ppm maximum |
Because the unit introduces no chemical residue into the water, the unit should be installed as close as possible to the point of consumption to avoid possible recontamination by discharge pipes and fittings. In addition, ambient temperatures surrounding the unit should be between 2°C (35°F) and 43°C (110°F). Operating water temperature should be between 2°C (35°F) and 32°C (90 °F).
Step 3: Unit Positioning
After a site is chosen, the unit should be mounted on a suitable support to avoid undue strain on the unit, pipes and fittings. The back of a pickup truck works just fine. Once the unit is mounted firmly in place, the water source must be pressurized to 0.43 bar (6.2 psi) to achieve 2,650L (700 gal.) per hour. A Honda WX-10 gasoline powered pump works well for pressurizing the water.
Step 4: Battery Connection
The unit should be powered by a 12 volt deep cycle lead-acid 90 Amp-hour (Group 27) battery or larger. Connect the red battery cable to the positive (+) terminal of the battery. The black battery cable should be connected to the negative (-) terminal of the battery. Voltages greater than 15 volts can damage the unit. Applying incorrect polarity to the unit can permanently damage it.
Next, the unit must be electrically grounded for safe and proper operation. To ground the unit, drive a 15mm (0.63 in) diameter x 2.4m (96 in) long copper plated ground rod into the ground until only 75mm (3 in) of ground rod protrudes from the soil. Attach the green insulated ground clip to the ground rod.
Step 5: Tank Installation (Optional)
Although it is not required, many installations do utilize a 2,000L (530 gal.) safe water tank to store the purified water for dispensing without delay during peak demand periods. The safe water tank should be opaque (does not let light in) to prevent photo reactivation of the pathogens and to prevent the growth of algae.
Step 6: Final Check
Once the installation is complete, connect the unit to the ground rod and the battery as described above. Briefly switch the unit on and look at both of the inspection windows on the ends of the rear lamp caps. When the lamps are operating properly, a faint blue glow is visible from the inspection ports. This is a safe method of externally viewing proper operation of the UV lamp. If the blue light is not visible, see the troubleshooting section in the manual.
Quick Link: EWU Operation
*The Water Of Life Expeditionary Water Unit must be installed, operated and maintained in accordance with their manuals and local, state and federal laws. The manuals are intended for personnel who have a working knowledge of electrical and mechanical equipment.