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From: Len den Besten (no email)
Date: Sun Mar 19 2006 - 02:51:22 EST
--- In , Richard Bradshaw <rbradsh2 at dot dot dot >
wrote:
> Those of you out there with water makers, what has been your
> experience? What unit do you have and would you buy the same unit
> again? Why/why not? If not, what unit would you buy and why? Has the
> capacity per hour been close to what the brochure said or has water
> temperature, etc. cut that down to perhaps two thirds or even less
> of the advertised capacity?
Hi Richard,
I've been looking for this experience too. From what I've heard and
read so far I conclude:
- Before you choose a make/model, first look at the way you want to
power the watermaker and the GPH you want. You will be using it every
x days so it won't have to be pickled. This is especially relevant
when you are away from shore-power a lot.
- when you use a 110/220v generator you might as well forget the 12v
machines. Choose a 3 fase motor. When your generator is relatively
small you can use a frequency-regulator to start the motor smoothly so
you won't strangle your generator with a high starting current.
- when you use the diesel to charge batteries every x days you could
choose a model that gives you the right amount needed for x days and
choose a belt driven HP pump. Choose the capacity of pump and
membranes in such a way that you will be finished charging and
watermaking in appr. the same time.
- the machines that re-use the power of the brine-exit are quite
sensitive. A lot of users report mechanical failure on that part.
Pity cause it sure lessens the power needed.
- depending on your diy abilities, you could consider building your
own; a garantee for being able to repair it in remote places. It's no
rocketscience to put a HP pump, a few pressure vessels and a
backpressure valve together. Glenn Ashmore put a lot of good info on
his site :
http://www.rutuonline.com/html/watermaker.html
Also Good Old Boat had a good article about it. When you want I can
send you a copy.
It would be interesting if anyone in this group built his own and
would be willing to share his present knowledge and experience.
Fair winds,
Len.
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