Frequently Asked Questions

What is a UF Water Filter?

A UF water filter, or Ultrafiltration is a type of membrane filtration that uses a membrane with very small pores to physically remove particles and microorganisms from water.
PYURIFI uses a semi-permeable membrane that has pores that are 0.1 microns in size. These pores are small enough to remove most particles, microorganisms, and some viruses from the water, while allowing clean water to pass through.
UF filters are effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and some organic compounds. They can be used to purify both surface water and groundwater, and are commonly used in both residential and industrial applications.
One of the benefits of UF water filters is that they can operate at relatively low pressures, which makes them more energy-efficient than some other types of water filtration systems. Additionally, UF filters can be used as a standalone filtration system or as a pre-treatment step for other types of water treatment systems, such as UV sanitization.

What is UV water purification?

UV water sanitization, also known as ultraviolet water purification, is a water treatment process that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms in water. UV light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that has a wavelength shorter than visible light, and is able to destroy the DNA and RNA of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

In PYURIFI, water is exposed to UV light using a specialized LED that emits UV radiation at a specific wavelength. The water flows past the lamp, and the UV light penetrates the cell walls of any microorganisms in the water, causing damage to their DNA or RNA. This prevents them from reproducing or functioning properly. UV can effectively kill or inactivate a wide range of microorganisms, including those that are resistant to other types of water treatment methods.

UV water sanitization is a chemical-free process that does not introduce any new substances into the water, and does not alter the taste, color, or odor of the water. In PYURIFI we use UV in combination with 3 filtration technologies to purify water.

Since UV water sanitization does not remove particles or other non-living contaminants from the water it is the final step in the water treatment process.

Why should I take a water filter with me into the back country?

It's important to have a water filter with you when you go into the backcountry for several reasons:
Safe drinking water: In the backcountry, water sources such as streams, rivers, and lakes often contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause waterborne illnesses. PYURIFI removes these contaminants and makes water safe to drink.

Convenience: Having a PYURIFI water filter with you means you can filter water as you need it, without having to carry large amounts of water with you. This can make your backpacking or camping trip more enjoyable and less strenuous.

Compact: PYURIFI is compact and portable, making it easy to carry. PYURIFI weighs in at just 4.75lbs and its volume is about equivalent to 1 gallon. So PYURIFI weighs 50% of its equivalent volume of water. Remember PYURIFI will produce 15 gallons of water per hour and up to 40 gallons of water on one charge.

Environmental impact: Using a water purifier can help reduce your environmental impact by eliminating the need for disposable water bottles. Instead, you can filter water directly from natural sources, reducing the amount of waste you generate.

Overall, having a water filter with you in the backcountry can provide a reliable and convenient source of safe drinking water, while also being compact, portable, and environmentally friendly.

Should I have a water purification system for my overlanding rig?

Yes, having a water filter with you is a good idea for overlanding, just as it is for backpacking or camping trips. In Overlanding you are traveling to remote locations and spending extended periods of time in the outdoors, often with limited access to clean drinking water. PYURIFI can provide a reliable source of safe drinking water in these situations, allowing you to stay hydrated and healthy.

In addition, many overlanders prefer to carry their own water supply to avoid relying on potentially contaminated sources of water. PYURIFI can help extend the life of your water supply, allowing you to filter water from natural sources such as rivers, lakes, and streams as needed. This means more time away from civilization.

PYURIFI is THE water filter for overlanding. It's the best combination of size and weight, production volume, purification levels and effort. PYURIFI is durable and easy to use, with a high flow rate and a long lifespan.

What should I be careful about when buying a backcountry water filter?

When buying a backcountry water filter, there are several things you should be careful about to ensure that you're getting a filter that meets your needs and is effective at producing safe drinking water. Here are a few key considerations:

Filtration method: There are several different types of filtration methods used in backcountry water filters, including microfilters, ultrafilters, and reverse osmosis filters. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose a filter that uses a method that's appropriate for the types of contaminants you're likely to encounter in the backcountry. PYURIFI uses a stainless steel screen, activated carbon and ultra filtration in combination with UV to purify the water.

Flow rate: The flow rate of a water filter refers to how quickly it can produce filtered water. A faster flow rate is generally more convenient, but may come at the expense of filtration effectiveness. Consider how much water you'll need to filter in a given day, and choose a filter with a flow rate that meets your needs. At RiVern we balanced the need to provide the highest effectiveness with flow rate, size and power efficiency.

Filter lifespan: Water filters have a limited lifespan, and will eventually need to be replaced. Some filters can be cleaned or backflushed to extend their lifespan, while others are disposable and must be replaced entirely. Consider the lifespan of the filter and the cost of replacement filters when making your purchase. PYURIFI’s filters should last approximately 1,000 gallons when maintained properly. This will vary depending on the quality of the water that is being filtered.

Third Party Testing: Look for water filters that have been tested by a 3rd party laboratory accredited by the EPA.

It's important to do your research and choose a backcountry water filter that's appropriate for your needs, effective at removing contaminants, and easy to use and maintain.

How long will the Lithium ion batteries last?

Typically, a lithium-ion battery can last between two to three years or 300 to 500 charge cycles. After this point, the battery may start to lose its ability to hold a charge, and its overall lifespan will begin to decline. The lifespan of a lithium-ion battery will vary depending on a variety of factors, but with proper use and maintenance, it can last for several years.

Do I need to change the UV light bulb?

No. In fact there is no UV bulb. PYURIFI uses UV LED’s that last 10,000 to 20,000 hours, possibly more. That’s equivalent to 1-2 years of continuous use. Since you will likely only use PYURIFI for a few minutes or hours at a time, it’s unlikely that the UV LED will ever be a limiting factor in its lifespan.

How do I know that the UV is working?

If the power is on, the UV is working. To check this you can take PYURIFI into a very dark room and turn on the unit. You will see a faint light coming from the “Out” fitting on the top of the unit. That’s the UV chamber doing its job.
You can also check that it’s functioning when you change the filter. While you have the case open, turn on the unit and look at the cylindrical part with the white top between the pump and the filter. You will see the top glow proving that the UV is on.

How does an activated carbon filter work?

An activated carbon filter is a type of filter that uses activated carbon to remove impurities and contaminants from water. Activated carbon is a highly porous material that is treated with oxygen to open up millions of tiny pores between the carbon atoms. This creates a large surface area with a high capacity for adsorbing impurities.

When water passes through an activated carbon filter, the impurities in the water are adsorbed onto the surface of the carbon. This is achieved through a process known as adsorption, which involves the adhesion of impurities to the surface of the carbon.

Activated carbon is particularly effective at adsorbing organic compounds, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as well as chlorine, some heavy metals, and other contaminants. The adsorption process also helps to improve the taste and odor of water by removing organic compounds that can contribute to unpleasant tastes and odors.

However, it's worth noting that activated carbon filters are not effective at removing all types of contaminants, such as dissolved minerals, salts, and microorganisms. For this reason, it's often recommended to use an activated carbon filter in combination with other types of filters, such as reverse osmosis or UV filters, to ensure comprehensive water filtration. PYURIFI uses activated carbon, ultraviolet and ultra filtration to purify water.

What does log 6 reduction mean?

Log 6 reduction, also written as "6-log reduction," is a term used in microbiology and water treatment to describe the level of reduction in microbial contaminants. It indicates that a process or treatment has reduced the number of microorganisms by a factor of 1 million (10^6).

The term "log" refers to the logarithmic scale used to measure the reduction in microorganisms. Each "log" represents a tenfold reduction in the number of microorganisms. For example, a 3-log reduction means that the number of microorganisms has been reduced by a factor of 1,000 (10^3).

A log 6 reduction, therefore, means that the number of microorganisms has been reduced by a factor of 1 million (10^6). This is considered a high level of reduction and is often used as a standard for water treatment and disinfection processes.

For example, if a water treatment process can achieve a log 6 reduction in microbial contaminants, it means that 99.9999% of the microorganisms present in the water have been removed or inactivated. This level of reduction is typically sufficient to ensure that the water is safe for consumption.

Is 99.9999% reduction for bacteria, 99.99% reduction for cysts and viruses enough to keep me from getting sick?

99.9999% reduction for bacteria, 99.99% reduction for cysts, and 99.99% reduction for viruses are the minimum standards recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for water purifiers to effectively remove biological contaminants and make water safe to drink. While these percentages may not sound like a complete elimination of these contaminants, they are actually considered to be very effective in reducing the risk of waterborne illness.
The reason why these reduction percentages are effective in preventing sickness is due to the fact that many waterborne diseases are caused by a small number of pathogens present in the water. By reducing the concentration of these pathogens through filtration or purification, the risk of infection is greatly reduced.
For example, the EPA's drinking water regulations set a maximum contaminant level of zero presence for total coliform bacteria per 100 mL of water in public water systems. This means that any presence of coliform bacteria in drinking water is considered a potential health risk. By reducing the number of bacteria to 99.9999% or more, a water purifier can effectively eliminate the risk of coliform-related illness.
Similarly, viruses and cysts can also cause serious illness when present in drinking water. By reducing their concentration by 99.99% or more, a water purifier can greatly reduce the risk of infection and illness.
It's important to note that while a water purifier can significantly reduce the risk of waterborne illness, it's not a guarantee of safety. Proper use and maintenance of the purifier, as well as awareness of potential water sources and contamination risks, are also important factors in preventing illness while hiking or camping.