Specifications

2. Ensure that all feed-water valves are open.
3. Start the engine. Allow a few minutes to warm up.
4. Activate the desalinator start switch.
5. Verify that the "CLUTCH ENGAGED" light is on.
Periodically, verify that the product water flow--meter indicates approximately the proper
product water flow for the given feed-water temperature. (Refer to Section 1.4) (This should
be done immediately whenever it is suspected that the feed-water salinity has changed -
such as when cruising from a river to open ocean.) Do not exceed the rated production of
the membrane. Adjust the RO pressure regulator to correct.
WARNING:
Ingestion of oil and some chemicals are harmful to the RO membranes. Do not
operate the system using feed-water sources containing these substances.
Routine Watermaker Shutdown
If it is certain that the system will be operated within the subsequent 14-day period, switch
off system switch to shut the system down.
Prolonged Watermaker Shutdown
If the system is to be left idle for more than 30 days, the RO membrane must be injected
with a biocide solution to prevent the growth of microorganisms in the membrane. If the
unit will not be used for 14-30 days a fresh water flush may be used to remove the
organisms.
CAUTION:
Microorganism growth in the RO membrane will degrade membrane
performance.
In order to inject the RO membrane with biocide, it can be removed and taken to an
authorized desalinator repair facility or a Cleaning/Biocide Kit may be used. Refer to the
kit instructions for the proper procedures. Flush kit assemblies are available at BALMAR.
Temperature Effect on System Performance
Feed-water temperature has a significant effect on the productivity of reverse osmosis
desalinator. In order to obtain round GPD numbers, the performance of the systems is
specified operating with 77°F (32°C) feed-water. As can be seen from the graph on the
following page, product-water output increases as feed-water temperature increases and
decreases as feed-water temperature decreases.
As the feed-water temperature increases the membrane's salt rejection decreases slightly.
This means that the product water will have slightly higher residual salt content. This
characteristic is most noticeable at feed-water temperatures in excess of 90°F (32°C).
Freshwater Output Correction
RO desalinator performance varies greatly with feed-water temperature. To compute the
expected output, multiply the correction factor by the nominal rating.
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