Freshwater Flush, Z-Ion, & Membrane Maintenance

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No Water Flow During Freshwater Flush - Newport

The following applies to modern systems with a solenoid in the intake manifold of the feed pump module that flush through the strainer (2014 and later Newport series): Flush issues, specifically with no freshwater flow at all, typically relate to the flush solenoid, freshwater house pump, or the circuit board not supplying the solenoid 12V. Before proceeding further, ensure the small blue handle to the left of the charcoal filter is fully open to allow freshwater through. We call the black rec...

Optimizing Freshwater Flush - Vane Pump Systems

Note: Vane Pump systems include Catalina & Newport Models Optimizing the Fresh Water Flush Duration Overview: 5 minutes or so is usually the right flush duration to ensure that sea water is thoroughly flushed out of the watermaker using the least amount of fresh water. However, due to different lengths of hose runs, different rates of flow, and different pressures in shipboard fresh water systems, the flush duration can be optimized for your boat; Your system may require more than 5 minutes...

The Membrane

Membranes are susceptible to mineral scaling, biofouling and oxidation damage. The leading cause of fouling is biological growth that forms when the system is left unused without flushing or pickling. Fouling from mineral scaling can happen under certain seawater conditions, or from rust. Oxidation damage can occur if the membrane comes into contact with any strong oxidant, such as Ozone, Chlorine, etc. Monitor the product salinity and feed pressure for higher than normal readings, take environm...

SC-2 & SC-3 Alkaline/Acid Cleaning Procedure (Manual/Deluxe)

Avoid unnecessary cleaning, and avoid cleaning as a diagnostic tool. SC-2 is an alkaline cleaner used to remove light oil, grime and biological growth. It is most effective if heated to 120 deg. F (49 deg. C).

SC-2 & SC-3 Alkaline/Acid Cleaning Procedure (Automated)

Avoid unnecessary cleaning, and avoid cleaning as a diagnostic tool. SC-2 is an alkaline cleaner used to remove light oil, grime and biological growth. It is most effective if heated to 120 deg. F (49 deg. C). Note: SC-2 & SC-3 use the same cleaning procedure.

Optimizing Freshwater Flush - Shurflo Pump Systems

Note: Shurflo systems include Ventura, Cape Horn, 180/200/380c, Gulfstream, & Santa Cruz Models: Optimizing the Fresh Water Flush Duration Overview: 5 minutes or so is usually the right flush duration to ensure that sea water is thoroughly flushed out of the watermaker using the least amount of fresh water. However, due to different lengths of hose runs, different rates of flow, and different pressures in shipboard fresh water systems, the flush duration can be optimized for your boat: Your...

Slowing Down Pump During a Fresh Water Flush

Note: PROCEDURE NOT USED FOR AUTOMATED SHURFLO BASED SYSTEMS THAT HAVE ONE SPEED (VENTURA 150/200) The below method is typically used during system commissioning to set the vane pump/motor speed during a freshwater flush cycle. The factory setting is a default parameter that may need to be fine tuned depending on install specifics such as length of hose runs, strength of freshwater pump, etc. Often times, it must be adjusted to a lower speed if your feed pump is running too fast and calling ...

Freshwater Flush Purpose

Freshwater Flush Purpose The main purpose of the freshwater flush is to keep biological growth at bay. The water in your system, and mainly your RO (Reverse Osmosis) membrane will start to grow bacteria within a couple of days if seawater is left in the system. Therefore, the factory suggests doing a freshwater flush after every use. With freshwater in your system, you will typically be growth free for 5 to 7 days. If you purchase the Z-Ion accessory, where metal ions are added to your flush wa...

Seawater RO 101

The primary goal of a Spectra RO (Reverse Osmosis) system is to purify seawater (36,000 ppm) into drinking water that has no taste of salt (<750 ppm). The biggest hurdle is removing small salt ions (NaCl). Reverse osmosis membranes have pores that are large enough to allow water molecules (H20) to pass through but small enough that salt ions cannot. Our membranes are designed to reject 99.4% of salt and similar sized ions. If your system is working (able to take out more than 98% of the salt ...

Charcoal Filter

The Charcoal filter is there solely to remove chlorine from your fresh water flush water. This is commonly referred to as a Carbon filter. The product water made from your watermaker does not contain chlorine, however almost all city or dock water does have chlorine in it. Once wet, the charcoal filter should be replaced every 6 months. Unfortunately, there is no way to test the quality of your charcoal filter. The charcoal filter we supply removes 99.7% of the chlorine. Beware when buying o...

Performing a Manual Freshwater Flush

Tips for Performing a Manual Freshwater Flush: Below are two workaround methods for performing a freshwater flush when operating a system in manual. The first method is intended for a one-off or infrequent manual flush. The second method is desirable when manual flushing will need to happen repeatedly over a longer period of time. Method One ('short term' manual flushing): - Close seacock. - Fill a bucket with freshwater and connect service hose at the “to strainer” pigtail on the fee...

Subcategories

Z-Ion Information, Maintenance, & Troubleshooting