UV quartz sleeves are vital for every UV water filtration system. They provide protection for UV lamps in the shape of a tube and are made from quartz. Its very job is to act as a blockade between the running water and the lamp.
Because of this, a quartz sleeve will eventually become coated with contaminates and mineral deposits, which need to be removed.
How to start
Please handle UV quartz sleeves with care, they are very delicate so don’t overcomplicate the cleaning process. The less solutions used, the better. You should be able to see a visible layer of limescale covering the sleeve, creating almost a cloudy appearance to the quartz, this is what needs to be removed. Limescale is common in hard water areas.
To begin, the sleeve assembly needs to be removed, as well as the sleeve bolt in the chamber. You can do this by unscrewing the lamp, whilst holding the sleeve bolt. Next, unscrew the bolt itself and detach o-rings from the quartz sleeve. We recommend you complete this step wearing gloves, to avoid damaging the UV sleeve with oils from the skin. Never touch the quartz sleeve with wet hands. Once this has been completed, the cleaning process can begin.
We recommend checking your sleeves every 6 to 12 months for limescale and mineral build up. This will depend on the water quality in your area.
How to clean
To reiterate, UV quartz sleeves are very delicate so the cleaning process must be handled with care. Ensure the fabric you are using will not scratch or cause any damage to the quartz, as this can affect the quality of light that comes through.
Once the sleeve has been removed, clean it with a cloth soaked in white vinegar or another mild acid, before rinsing the sleeve with water. It really is that simple. Prior to refitting, check for any cracks or damage to the quartz that could hinder its performance.
Keep in mind that the UV lamp itself shouldn’t be cleaned, instead we recommend you change this lamp at least every 12 months. Though your UV system may have a feature that indicates when exactly you should replace it.
Top tips to remember
If your UV quartz sleeve is 2 years old, you should replace it with a new one. This increases the performance quality of the lamp and therefore will improve your water filtration system.
Don’t use any strong acids to clean the quartz, it is not made to withstand these. Keep the cleaning products mild and the abrasive cloths far away.
UV lights work best in clear water. If the surrounding water is dirty or if the quality is poor, your light will struggle to work well. UV quartz sleeves in these kinds of environments might also need to be cleaned more frequently.
When starting the cleaning process, make sure the power to the water filtration system has been disconnected.
For more information on our full range of Quartz Sleeves, Click Here.