Technical FAQs

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1. What type of batteries does the Classic take and how many doses will they provide?

The SteriPEN Classic runs on 4 AA batteries. We recommend that you use either Lithium Disposable or Nickel Metal Hydride Rechargeable batteries. Both types will yield about 100 1 liter treatments of water. We do not recommend the use of the standard alkaline AA batteries as they do not support the strong initial electrical draw that the SteriPEN requires which may result in a low amount of treatments. For more information on battery choices please see our battery information.

2. What type of batteries do the Adventurer and Traveler take and how many doses will they provide?

The Adventurer and Traveler models take 2 CR123 batteries. Both come with a set of disposable CR123 batteries that will yield about 50 1 liter treatments of water. Rechargeable CR123 batteries should yield about 35 1 liter treatments of water. For more information on battery choices please see the our battery information.

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3. What type of batteries does the Journey take and how many doses will they provide?

The Journey model takes 2 CR123 batteries. The Journey comes with a set of disposable CR123 batteries that will yield about 50 1 liter treatments of water. Rechargeable CR123 batteries should yield about 35 1 liter treatments of water. For more information on battery choices please see our battery information.

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4. Which SteriPEN Models is the Solar Charging Case compatible with?

The Solar Charging Case has a place to house either the Adventurer or Traveler model and also has a spot for 2 CR123 Rechargeable batteries. *Important* ONLY put rechargeable CR123 batteries in your Solar Charging Case. Putting NON-rechargeable in your Solar Charging Case could result in damage to the Solar Charging Case and/or batteries.

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5. How long does it take to charge the Solar Charging Case using the solar panel?

It takes approximately 20 hours of direct sunlight which is typically 3-5 days.

6. Can I use my SteriPEN on water with ice in it?

No, we do not recommend you use the SteriPEN on water with ice in it because the UV light can not pass through the air bubbles or impurities in the ice. If the water was treated before ice cubes were made it you would be ok. We recommend removing the ice from the drink before treating it. You could also allow the ice to melt and then treat the water.

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7. Can I use my SteriPEN on boiling water?

No, we do not recommend that you use the SteriPEN on boiling water. Using the SteriPEN in boiling water could result in damage to the unit.

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8. Can I use my SteriPEN in liquids other then water?

No, this is not recommended.

9. Does the water have to be clear to have the SteriPEN be effective?

No, but it is difficult to describe cloudiness with accuracy so we recommend you use the SteriPEN with clear water.

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10. Is SteriPEN effective against giardia?

Yes, SteriPEN is highly effective against giardia. See our test data online.

11. Is SteriPEN effective against cryptosporidium?

Yes, SteriPEN is highly effective against cryptpsporidium. See our full testing information.

12. Is the SteriPEN effective against leptospirosis?

The SteriPEN is very effective against water born viruses, bacteria, and cysts. Leptospira interrogans, most commonly called Infectious Jaundice & Leptospirosis, is easily removed from your drinking water by using the SteriPEN.

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13. How long is the UV lamp good for?

For the Classic, Traveler, and Adventurer models the UV lamp is good for 8,000 treatments. That is approximately 3 doses a day for almost 7.5 years! The Journey’s UV lamp is good for 10,000 treatments which is approximately 3 doses a day for just over 9 years!

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14. Can the UV Lamp be replaced?

Yes, the UV lamp for all models can be replaced. We do not sell replacement lamps as you must send you SteriPEN back to our Technical Support Department to have the lamp replaced. This is because a qualified technician must replace and test the lamp to ensure that it is installed correctly and will function properly. If the problem is a manufacturers defect there is no cost. If the lamp has been broken the cost is $20.00 plus $7.50 s&h.

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15. What should I do if there are particulates in the water?

We recommend removing particulates from the water prior to treatment. There are many ways to accomplish this. River rafters and canoists often let their water sit overnight to allow the particulates to settle. Backpackers use everything from household coffee filters to panty house to our Pre-Filter to remove particulates.

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16. Do the Adventurer and Traveler models mate with the Pre-Filter like the Classic and Journey models do?

No. The Adventurer and Traveler do not mate, or create a water tight seal, with the Pre-Filter like the Classic and Journey models do. You can still use the Pre-Filter with these products though. After pre-filtering, simply remove the pre-filter base from the bottle and treat the water by inserting the pen into the bottle directly.

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17. How do I clean the Pre-Filter?

You can clean the Pre-filter in the field by rinsing it with a small amount of your treated water or by rinsing in a stream or under a tap.

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18. Is SteriPEN Effective against Cyclospora?

The SteriPEN is effective against the (oo) cyst Cyclospora. We have not personally tested the SteriPEN against this specific microorganism, but many studies by reputable institutions have been posted on the web. The New York Times has just printed an article (29 Feb 2008) concerning this. The article can be read online. The WHO published a document concerning the purification of water and Cyclospora and it can also be read online [PDF].

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19. Is the SteriPEN effective against worm eggs?

We have tested SteriPEN only against bacteria, viruses and the protozoa Cryptosporidium and Giardia. We have never tested against worm eggs so unfortunately we cannot give a definite answer with regards to UV treatment in this case. As to our pre-filter we do not make microbiological claims about it as it is really just intended to remove large particulates. The pore size is 4 microns by 4 microns square, it is a nylon material comparable to a coffee filter.

While there is not a lot of literature in UV treatment of worm eggs, you may be interested in this Parasitology Research website.

When reading this keep in mind that the UV wavelengths emitted by SteriPEN are in the Mercury band with a primary energy output at 254 nanometers (in the UV-C range). Also, SteriPEN?s 1 liter treatment time is 90 seconds and generally delivers over 100 milijoules/sq.cm. during this dose. Below is a quote from the above site:

"The UVC lamp significantly inhibited the infectivity of taeniid eggs in rats. The Bonferroni/Dunn test for the mean number of cysts in the control group and the groups exposed to the UVC lamp was significant ( P<0.0001), except for the group at an exposure of 30 s (30 mJ/cm 2 at 254 nm). This means that the significant effect of the UVC lamp commences at exposure duration of 90 s (90 mJ/cm 2 at 254 nm)."

So, in a nutshell, we are sorry that we cannot specifically point you to SteriPEN testing on worm eggs.

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20. The pen doesn’t start when I push the operating button. What can I do?

Pressing the button too quickly may result in an unrecognized electronic signal. Wait 15 seconds to allow the SteriPEN to reset and then start again. Push the operating button slowly (hold for 1/2 second) and release. If selecting the 0.5 L dose, pause for a half a second before the second push of the button. If this doesn’t work, please check the batteries.

21. Do SteriPEN water purifiers work in snow melt waters?

Yes, SteriPEN water purifiers effectively disinfect snow melt waters. In some instances, the SteriPEN may not readily activate if the water is so pure that there is not enough trace mineral content to cause the water sensors to recognize that the unit is submerged in water. Very pure water is a poor electrical conductor -- the sensors may not conduct enough electricity to recognize the water. This can easily be corrected by adding a small pinch of salt, or a drop or two of some kind of electrolyte beverage to the water.

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