Spectra Watermakers Aquifer Series User manual

1
Katadyn Desalination, LLC
Spectra Watermakers
PH 415.526.2780
FX 415.526.2787
www.spectrawatermakers.com
Revised March 2020
Aquifer Series Manual
For model numbers;
AF-200-DC
AF-360-DC
AF-200-PPS

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3
Table of Contents
Installaon
Operaon
Geng Started................................................................................................................4
Introducon ....................................................................................................................5
Feed Side Piping Schemac .............................................................................................7
Product Piping Schemac ................................................................................................8
Seng Up the Aquifer 200 ..............................................................................................9
Electrical........................................................................................................................10
Page Number
New Systems Start Up and Tesng ................................................................................11
Normal Operaon .........................................................................................................12
Maintenance .................................................................................................................18
Service & Maintenance
Short Term Storage Procedures.....................................................................................15
Introducon to Spectra Chemicals……………………………………….......................…………...…..16
Long Term Storage ........................................................................................................17
Winterizing....................................................................................................................18
Maintenance…………………………………………………………………………................................. ……19
Membrane Cleaning ......................................................................................................20
Suggested Spares...........................................................................................................22
Troubleshoong…………………………………………………………………………..................................23
Poor Water Quality........................................................................................................24
Flow Test.......................................................................................................................25
Service Bullens ............................................................................................................26
Plasc Tube Fing Instrucons……………………………………………………… .........................….30
High Pressure Tube Fing Assembly Instrucons………………………… ..................……………31
Parts breakdown for Aquifer systems ............................................................................32

4
Unpack the system and inspect it to make sure that it has not been damaged in shipment.
Refer to the shipping list for your system to make sure you have received all of the compo-
nents listed. Do not discard any packaging unl you have found and idened all of the
parts. The small installaon parts are listed on the kit list.
Study the system layout diagram, component photos and descripons before beginning
your installaon. This will assist you in understanding the funcon of each component.
Geng Started
Aquifer Shipping List
Aquifer Portable Watermaker in Hard Case with wheels, including;
1. Sucon hose (25’) with strainer and quick connector
2. Brine discharge hose (25’) with quick connector
3. 1/4 product tubing (10’)
4. Solar panel cable extender (Power Pack Solar models only)
Not shown: Hand held Salinity monitor, SC-1 storage chemical
1
23
4

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Originally developed for ocean voyaging yachts, the Spectra Aquifer 200/360 Portable Watermaker is
both a desalinator and a water purier. It is capable of producing high quality, good tasng drinking
water from a variety of water sources including sea water, river water, lake water, or water from a
brackish or contaminated well. It will eecvely separate out salts, organic chemicals, inseccides and
pescides, parasites, cysts, bacteria, and viruses. It does not remove non-ionized heavy metals.
The Aquifer 200 pumps approximately 1.5 gallons (6 liters) of feed water per minute to the reverse
osmosis membrane (the 360 is double this amount). Ten percent of this water passes through the
membrane(s) as puried product water and the remaining water is returned to the feed water source
as concentrated brine. The brine contains whatever was separated from the product water by the
membrane and nothing is retained inside the machine.
Feed water is ltered using a three-stage process. A strainer rst keeps out large debris, and keeps the
sucon hose several inches o the boom, then the water passes through an 80 mesh screen, then a 5
micron pre-lter protects the Clark pump from silt, algae and abrasive parcles.
The Aquifer 200 and 360 units are congured to run directly from a DC power source (12 or 24 Volt
depending on how it is ordered).
In order to prevent damage to the watermaker, the feed water should never contain chlorine, bleach,
or any other strong oxidizer, which will damage the membrane. Oil in the feed water will also damage
the membrane. The watermaker can be operated on feed water up to about 45,000 ppm TDS sea wa-
ter.
Introducon to the Aquifer 200/360
Fold-out prelter DC power terminals Feed Pumps (Two)
Membranes (2)
Clark Pump
Membrane
Aquifer 200 Aquifer 360
Feed Pump

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Introducon to the Aquifer Power Pack Solar
Aquifer Power Pack Solar versions are equipped with a baery and baery charger, which can
be connected to any AC power source (100-240vac 50-60hZ) and will also run from a 12vdc
source. Aquifer Power Pack Solar versions also come with a collapsible solar panel and if the
baery is fresh and fully charged the watermaker can be operated directly from the baery
for two or more hours without an external power source.
In order to prevent damage to the watermaker, the feed water should never contain chlorine,
bleach, or any other strong oxidizer, which will damage the membrane. Oil in the feed water
will also damage the membrane. The watermaker can be operated on feed water up to about
45,000 ppm TDS sea water.
Fold-out prelter
Baery Charger
Feed Pump with
baery underneath
Solar regulator
Membrane and
pressure vessel
Clark Pump
Accumulator
Aquifer Power Pack Solar

7
Feed Water Strainer
5 micron filter.
Spectra Clark Pump and
Membrane assembly.
Pressure
Relief Valve
Brine Outlet
Aquifer Feed Plumbing Schemac
Quick Disconnect
Gauge panel
Accumulator
Feed Pump

8
Product
Product Water Flow Path
Product Outlet
Warning
Pressure in the product tubing must never ex-
ceed 5psi (0.3bar) at any me or the membrane
will be permanently damaged. The product wa-
ter should fall into the storage tank through an
air gap so there is no back pressure on it. DO
NOT! feed the product into a manifold or the
boom of a tank. Make sure that there is no
possible restricon in this piping.
Note: The product ow meter displays the
ow per hour. In normal operaon the ow
will go up and down as the Clark Pump Shis.
It is a good idea to record the ow rate so you
have a record of historical performance, which
will inform any future maintenance or service
requirements.
Clear product water
tubing with quick-connect

9
Seng up the Aquifer 200/360
CHOOSING A SITE
Your water source should be as free of suspended sand, silt, algae etc., as possible for longer
pre-lter life. If making water from a bay, lake, or stream choose a locaon as deep as possi-
ble. Avoid areas with surf or chop. The Aquifer Feed Pump is capable of liing the feed water
not more than 10 vercal feet (3m). When seng up the watermaker choose a spot as near
the water as possible, but do not place the case in the water. It is beer to run a long exten-
sion cord from your power source than to run long hoses to the feed water source. When
making water on a sandy beach a small pit can oen be dug in the sand which will ll with
clean water. The water owing into the pit can be used as feed water and the water will be
quite clean aer the system has been running for a short me.
SETTING UP
Note: When connecng the sucon hose ngs be sure they are clean and free of sand or
debris so the seals on the ngs are not damaged!
Using the quick connect ngs aach the three hoses: Sucon hose with strainer and lter
basket, brine discharge, and product hose.
You can run the system as shown below into a bucket to check operaon. In this case the ser-
vice hoses will be long enough to reach the bucket without aaching the hose extensions.
Aquifer access port and hoses
Note: the access port may be in a dierent locaon on your unit.
On-O switch
Pressure gauge
Flow Meter
Product Hose
Brine Discharge Hose
Feed (sucon) Inlet Hose

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Electrical Connecons
Aquifer DC Systems
DC powered units will have a terminal block for con-
necng to your power source. Terminals extend through
the case and power can be connected on either side.
Aquifer Power Pack Solar (PPS) Systems
Solar Power Pack models have a solar panel that ts into
the lid of the case. Unfold the Panel and connect it to the
charge control with the black connectors.
The AC Power cord for the baery charger is supplied with
a US-style plug though it will accept any input voltage
from 100-260 Volts AC, 50/60Hz.
Aquifer Power Pack models are shipped with the baery
disconnected. Connect the baery using the large red
connectors.
Note; The best way to store the unit is to leave the
baery charger pugged in to properly maintain the
baery, or the Baery can be fully charged and discon-
nected prior to storage. Leaving the baery connected
will drain it in about 30 days.
On Power Pack models there is a 15-Amp fuse, in a water-
ght holder, along the posive baery wire.

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Warning! Your watermaker shipped from the factory with a non-toxic potable water system
preservave. Damage may occur if this preservave is not ushed out and the membrane is
pressurized with preservave in it.
DO NOT OPERATE the Aquifer system if the feed water could contain oil.
1. First:
• You will need at least 50 gallons (200 liters) of salt, brackish, or fresh water. If the water
has been chlorinated or chemically treated, replace the 5 micron lter with a Spectra
Watermakers Charcoal Filter element during the ush.
• Install the feed , brine, and product Hoses. Place the strainer end of the Feed Water Hose
into the feed water source far enough below the surface to prevent air from being pulled
in. Place the end of the brine hose so that the brine does not mix directly back in with
the feed water.
• Install the product hose and place the end of it so that any product will be discarded
• Ensure that the pressure relief valve is open 1/2 turn.
• Connect to a DC power source, the solar panel or plug into AC source or depending on
which unit you have
2. Turn on the feed water pump. Check that it is primed by inspecng the brine discharge. About 1.5
gpm (6 lpm) of water should be being discharged with a pulsaon every few seconds.
3. Run the system without pressure for 20 minutes to purge the storage chemicals, or at least an
hour if stored with propylene glycol. The system should have an open ow pressure on the gauge of
about 20 PSI (1.2 bar). Note that water may drip from the product tube.
4. Close the pressure relief valve and the pressure will increase. Aer several minutes, water should
begin to ow out of the product water tube.
5. Allow the system to run for 5-10 minutes to purge the product water of preservave, and then test
the product with your handheld salinity tester. When the product is below 750 PPM it is considered
potable and may be diverted to the water container for human consumpon.
Aquifer New System Start-Up and Tesng
Open 1/2 Turn and Purge Preservave!Remove Tag and Washer!

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Normal Operaon From a Large Body of Water
If the system has been pickled or stored or contains cleaning compounds, use the “New Sys-
tem Startup” procedure.
1. Any source of oil-free feed water not saler than sea water may be used. Do not use water con-
taining large amounts of heavy metals, such as mine tailing runo.
2. Set up the product tubing so that the product can be sampled.
3. Start the feed pump and check for ow by inspecng the brine discharge or checking for pressure
on your pressure gauge. If there is no ow, open the pressure relief valve one turn to bleed the air
out of the feed pump, when there is good ow close the valve
4. Check the product water with your handheld salinity tester. When it is below 750 ppm, you may
divert it into your container, the water quality will improve as the system runs.
5. Run the system unl you have lled your container or have made enough to meet your require-
ments.
6. Monitor the feed water pressure. Make a note of the feed pressure with a clean lter element and
change the lter if the pressure rises more than 5 psi (0.3 bar).
Shung Down
1. You will need 3 gallons (ll liters) of water in a container, which will be used
to ush the salt water out of the watermaker. Use only water directly from the watermaker or
unchlorinated water for ushing
2. Install the intake service hose and place it in the bucket. Start the feed pump.
3. Flush unl the container is empty, note that the pressure will drop on the gauge indicang that the
membrane is ooded with fresh water. Stop the feed pump.
4. Disconnect and stow the hoses, connecng them together so water does not leak into the case.
You may now leave the system unaended for up to ve days without further aenon.
We recommend operang the system for longer periods as you need to run the system almost a half
an hour to make enough water to ush the system, and the system should be ushed aer every use.
You may noce that the system output is higher while charging your baeries, as the machine is volt-
age sensive.
For the Power Pack Solar units, the baery should be fully charged (if possible) aer the watermaker is
shut down to extend baery life. Baery life is extended signicantly when they are kept fully charged.
The solar controller will drain the baery over me if le connected so either disconnect the fully
charged baery or plug the charger into a 110v source for extended storage.
Aquifer 200/360 Operaon
On/O Switch
Flow Meter
Inlet Pressure Gauge
Brine Discharge hose
Feed Water sucon hose
Product (Fresh) Water
tube

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Aquifer Operaon connued...
Purifying Fresh or Brackish Water From a Tank or Well
If the system has been pickled or stored or contains cleaning compounds, use the “New Sys-
tem Startup” procedure.
1. Fill the tank if necessary. Extremely hard water may cause scale buildup, requiring more
frequent cleaning. Do not use water containing large amounts of heavy metals, such as
mine tailing runo.
2. Set up the product tubing so that the product is being discarded and can be sampled.
3. Place the feed hose into the tank or well and idenfy a suitable locaon for the brine dis-
charge hose.
4. Start the feed pump and check for ow by inspecng the brine discharge or checking for
pressure on your pressure gauge. If there is no ow open the pressure relief valve on the
Clark Pump and bleed the air out of the feed pump (this may take a few minutes).
5. Check the product water with your hand held salinity tester. When it is below 750 PPM,
you may divert it into your fresh water container.
Shung Down
1. Make about 3 gallons of water into a bucket. This water will be used to ush the salt water
out of the watermaker. Use only unchlorinated water for ushing
2. Install the intake service hose and place it in the bucket. Start the feed pump.
3. Flush unl container is empty, note the pressure will drop on the gauge indicang that the
membrane is ooded with fresh water. Stop the feed pump.
4. Disconnect and stow the hoses connecng them together so water will not drip into the
case.
You may now leave the system unaended for up to ve days without further aenon.
We recommend operang the system for longer periods and eecng a fresh water ush ra-
ther than running the machine every day and not ushing the system. Remember that you
need to run the system almost a half an hour to make the ushing water. You may noce that
the system output is higher while charging your baeries as the machine is voltage sensive.
For the Power Pack Solar units, the baery should be fully charged (if possible) aer the watermaker is
shut down to extend baery life. Baery life is extended signicantly when they are kept fully
charged. The solar controller will drain the baery over me if le connected so either disconnect the
fully charged baery or plug the charger into a 110v source for extended storage.

14
Aquifer Operaon connued...
Purifying Salt Water From a Container or Tank
If the system has been pickled or stored or contains cleaning compounds, use the “New
System Startup” procedure.
1. Set up a system to supply feed water to the container.
2. Set up the product tubing so that the product is being discarded and can be sampled.
3. Place the feed hose into the tank or well and idenfy a suitable locaon for the brine dis-
charge hose.
4. Start the feed pump and check for ow by inspecng the brine discharge or checking for
pressure on your pressure gauge. If there is no ow open the pressure relief valve on the
Clark Pump and bleed the air out of the feed pump (this may take a few minutes).
5. Check the product water with your hand held salinity tester. When it is below 750 PPM,
you may divert it into your fresh water container.
Shung Down
1. Make about 3 gallons of water into a bucket. This water will be used to ush the salt wa-
ter out of the watermaker. Use only unchlorinated water for ushing
2. Install the intake service hose and place it in the bucket. Start the feed pump.
3. Flush unl container is empty, note the pressure will drop on the gauge indicang that
the membrane is ooded with fresh water. Stop the feed pump.
4. Disconnect and stow the hoses connecng them together so water will not drip into the
case.
You may now leave the system unaended for up to ve days without further aenon.
We recommend operang the system for longer periods and eecng a fresh water ush
rather than running the machine every day and not ushing the system. Remember that you
need to run the system almost a half an hour to make the ushing water. You may noce
that the system output is higher while charging your baeries as the machine is voltage sen-
sive.
For the Power Pack Solar units, the baery should be fully charged (if possible) aer the watermaker
is shut down to extend baery life. Baery life is extended signicantly when they are kept fully
charged. The solar controller will drain the baery over me if le connected so either disconnect
the fully charged baery or plug the charger into a 110v source for extended storage.

15
Short Term Storage
Fresh Water Flush
The purpose of the fresh water ush is to replace the raw water in the watermaker with fresh
water whenever the system is not operang. The watermaker will last longer and operate
beer if it is always lled with fresh water between uses. If the watermaker is not used for
more than ve days it should be ushed again to ensure that the water inside stays fresh and
oxygenated. In this way, the water maker can be kept ready for immediate use indenitely.
Aer ve days, if the watermaker has not been used repeat the ush process using unchlorin-
ated water. A charcoal (carbon) lter can be used to remove chlorine.
Put the feed service hose in the bucket and the brine and product hoses to drain.
Turn on the feed pump and run the watermaker unl all the water has been pumped out of
the bucket.
Charge the baery if possible. The solar panel can stay connected to the unit indenitely to
keep the baery charged and the charge controller will manage the process.
When the ush is complete connect the feed and the drain hoses together so water does not
drip into the case.

16
Introducon to Storage Chemicals
We use four types of chemicals: SC-1, SC-2, SC-3, and propylene glycol anfreeze. SC-1 and
propylene glycol are for system storage, while SC-2 and SC-3 are for membrane cleaning.
Note: Never use any chemicals with the system pressurized! Always open the pressure relief
valve 1/2 turn. Always follow the instrucons for purging the chemicals as shown in the New
System Startup secon of your owner’s manual.
Storage: SC-1 prevents biological growth when your system is idle. It should not be used as a
cleaning chemical, nor will it protect your system from freezing. A jar of SC-1 is mixed with 2
gallons (8 ltr.) of product or un-chlorinated fresh water in a bucket and circulated through the
system for 10 minutes. This treatment will protect the system for six months, aer which the
SC-1 treatment must be repeated.
Spectra systems should be stored with propylene glycol if freezing is likely to occur. This is a
food grade anfreeze used to winterize RV’s, boats, and cabins. Propylene glycol also works
very well for prevenng biological growth in warm climates and is good for one year. See Win-
terizing with Anfreeze (OP-1 document on the Spectra website).
Note: Do not use Sodium Metabisulte (SBS), Citric Acid, or any other storage chemical not
supplied by Spectra. These chemicals, used to store other watermaker brands and will dam-
age the Clark Pump and void the warranty.
Cleaners: Avoid unnecessary cleaning, and avoid cleaning as a diagnosc tool.
SC-2 is an alkaline cleaner used to remove light oil, grime and biological growth. It is most
eecve if heated to 100 deg. F (38C). In most cases the water quality will increase in PPM
(salinity) aer an SC-2 cleaning. Aer a few hours it should recover to near the level it pro-
duced before the cleaning.
SC-3 is an acid cleaner used to remove mineral and scale deposits. In most cases this is used
rst and if there is no improvement, go on to the SC-2. SC-3 will in most cases lower the prod-
uct PPM and overall pressures. Scaling is a slow process that may take several months or
years.
For cleaning with either SC-2 or SC-3, see the Cleaning Procedure.

17
Long Term Storage Procedures
Watermakers are best run connuously. When not in use, biological growth in the membrane is the
leading cause of membrane fouling. A warm environment will cause more growth than a cold environ-
ment. If the system is to be le unused for more than ve days, perform the
following storage procedure. The procedure introduces a chemical com-
pound into the system that prevents biological growth. This procedure re-
quires de-chlorinated water. Spectra SC-1 a special storage compound, for-
mulated to be compable with the modern engineering plascs and compo-
sites in the Spectra pumps. Do not use any substute except propylene gly-
col. If you wish to use glycol for storage, follow the winterizing instrucons.
SC-1 storage compound must be mixed at a rao 2 gallons (8 L) of fresh wa-
ter to have the proper soluon for up to six months storage.
Cauon! Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or lungs with the storage chemical.
Aquifer 200/360 Storage Procedure
The watermaker can be stored for periods up to six months using this procedure.
1. Make or buy 4 gallons (16 ltrs.) of chlorine-free water and put it in a bucket.
2. Place the end of the feed hose in the bucket and the brine hose to drain.
3. Start and run the feed pump unl you have one gallon (4 ltrs.) of fresh water le in the bucket.
4. Mix 1 container of SC-1 storage compound with the water in the bucket, let it sit for one hour so it
dissolves and then place the end of the brine service
hose in the bucket.
5. Make sure the pressure relief valve on the Clark
Pump is OPEN (unpressurized)
by turning 1/2 turn counterclockwise
6. Turn on the feed pump. Circulate the storage
chemical in the system for approximately 10
minutes. Turn o the feed pump when nished.
Clean Up
• Remove the 5 micron lter element from its
housing and put in a new lter.
• Rinse and dry the inside of the case, being careful not to get water inside the pump motor.
• Remove the hoses, drain them, and stow them away in the case. Insert the hose connecon plugs
in the hose ngs.
For the Power Pack Solar units, the baery should be fully charged (if possible) aer the watermaker is
shut down to extend baery life. Baery life is extended signicantly when they are kept fully charged.
The solar controller will drain the baery over me if le connected so either disconnect the fully
charged baery or plug the charger into a 110v source for extended storage.

18
Storage and Winterizing with Anfreeze
The watermaker can be stored for up to one year in most climates using this procedure.
1. With at least 3 gallons (12 ltrs.) of chlorine-free fresh water in a bucket, perform a fresh
water ush as described in the normal operaon secon. Run the feed pump unl the
bucket is empty.
2. Use only Propylene Glycol potable water anfreeze without addives (no Ethyl Alcohol) in
the amount specied by the manufacturer. There is a gallon of water in the watermaker so
add the appropriate amount of anfreeze required
for your area. Note that exceeding a 25% soluon
may require a cleaning with SC-2 in order to clear out
the anfreeze prior to use. Please contact Spectra
tech support if you have any quesons about which
anfreeze to use.
3. Make sure the pressure relief valve is OPEN
(unpressurized) by turning it 1/2 turn counterclock-
wise.
4. Start and run the feed pump unl anfreeze begins to
come out of the brine discharge hose.
5. Stop the feed pump. Direct the brine output into the bucket.
6. Start the Feed pump and circulate the remaining anfreeze for a few minutes unl well
mixed.
7. Stop the feed pump and discard any anfreeze remaining in the bucket.
8. Blow out or drain the product tubing, as it will not contain anfreeze.
9. Leave the pressure relief valve open.
Clean Up
• Remove the pre-lter from its housing and replace with a clean dry lter element.
• Clean and dry the inside of the Aquifer case to prevent corrosion. Do not get the Feed
pump motor wet.
• Remove and drain the service hoses and stow them away in the case. Insert the hose con-
necon plugs in the hose ngs.
• Charge or remove the baery for storage.
Recommissioning
Propylene glycol can be dicult to ush from a membrane, especially if the PG concentraon is
too high aer extended storage periods. This results in high salinity water (high PPM) and re-
sidual avor in the product water. We recommend ushing the system WITH THE PRESSURE
RELIEF VALVE OPEN for 4-6 hours aer storage with propylene glycol—the longer the beer. If,
aer extended ushing, you sll experience low product water quality, cleaning with SC-2 usu-
ally removes all traces of propylene glycol and returns the salinity to the level it was before
storage with propylene glycol. See the Cleaning Procedure on page 20.

19
Maintenance
The Seawater Strainer
The sea water strainer’s stainless steel element should be inspected, opened, and cleaned as
needed. Check frequently during operaon.
The Pre-lter
Service the pre-lter on a regular basis. The pressure will rise on the pressure gauge when the
lter becomes dirty. Extremely dirty lters will harm system performance and may cause the
feed pump to cycle on the high pressure cut-out switch. Do not leave dirty lters in the ma-
chine during long idle periods, as biological contaminaon will result.
To service the lter, swing it out of the case, open the housing, and discard the old lter. Clean
out the housing bowl, reassemble the housing with a new 5 micron lter element. Leave dry
unl next startup.
Use only Spectra approved lters or you may void your warranty. Occasionally, lightly lube the
lter housing O-ring with silicone grease.
General
Periodically inspect the enre system for leakage and chafe on the tubing and hoses. Repair
any leaks you nd as soon as praccal. Some crystal formaon around the Clark Pump blocks
is normal. Wipe down any salt encrusted areas with a damp cloth. If any rust appears at the
stainless steel ngs, clean them up promptly. Keep the inside of the case dry and salt free
to protect the electrical components inside.
The Feed Pump and Clark Pump
The feed water pump and the Clark Pump require no roune maintenance except inspecon
for leaks. Tighten any hose clamps or ngs that show signs of leakage. The high pressure
ngs threaded into the Clark Pump have O-ring seals with a straight thread. These should
never leak and should never be over ghtened. If one of the tube nuts starts to leak, it can be
un-threaded, sealed with a bit of silicone grease or silicone seal, and ghtened with two
wrenches very ghtly.

20
The Membranes
The membranes need to be cleaned only when feed pressure begins to rise due to fouling or the prod-
uct quality degrades. The primary causes of fouling are biological growth and scaling. Biological growth
occurs when the system is le unused without ushing or pickling. Fouling from mineral scaling will
form when the feed water is “hard” or high in carbonates. Very small “colloidal metal” and metal oxide
parcles can also plug the pores in the membrane. Monitor the product salinity and feed pressure for
higher than normal readings for the exisng condions. Other condions can cause high pressure such
as cold feed water or clogged lters. Low product ow is usually due to low voltage, damaged or worn
feed pump or Clark Pump. Look for all other causes before cleaning the membrane. Membrane life can
be shortened by excessive cleaning.
There are two types of cleaners: acid and alkaline. The acid cleaner (SC-3) will remove mineral scaling.
The alkaline cleaner (SC-2) is used to remove biological by-products, oil, and dirt parcles that get past
the pre-lters. If membrane performance is reduced and it has not been “pickled” recently, cleaning
with both chemicals is recommended. The acid cleaner should be used rst. Colloidal Metals and Met-
al Oxides are very dicult to remove. If the membrane fails to respond to both cleanings, this is an
indicaon of another problem with the system, or that it is me to replace the membrane. Contact
Spectra Watermakers before removing a membrane.
Membrane Cleaning
For normal cleaning, the SC-3 Acid Cleaning Compound is used rst, then the SC-2 Alkaline Cleaning
Compound. If known bio-fouling is present, the SC-2 may be used rst. Using hot water if possible, up
to 100° (38C) is recommended, as it greatly enhances the ability of the cleaners to do their jobs. Do
not exceed 113F (45C) or the membrane may be damaged.
If the history of the system is unknown or it has been le “un-pickled” for an extended length of me
and biological growth is present, it is recommended that the system is cleaned with SC-2, using an al-
ternate source of unchlorinated fresh water before the system is run under pressure. A simple test can
be performed to see if biological growth has occurred. Before running the system, remove the pre-
lter and examine its condion. If the housing is full of smelly discolored water, the system was not
properly stored. Install a clean pre-lter if it was bad. Next check the membrane. Aach the feed and
brine service hoses and lead them to a bucket of clean de-chlorinated water. Open the pressure relief
valve one turn, and manually run the system for 30 seconds. Examine the brine water: if it’s discolored
and smells bad, perform an SC-2 cleaning with an alternate source of unchlorinated water before run-
ning the system pressurized. If the brine is fairly clean, the system can be purged, run normally, and
checked for performance. Clean the membranes only if performance is reduced.
Heang the water is preferable. One way to do this is to nd a camp stove and use a large stainless
steel pot to heat the soluon in. The cleaning soluon throughout the system will heat as it circulates
in and out of the pot. An alternave is to heat the one or two gallons of inial water to 100°F (38C) on
a stove before mixing in the cleaner and circulang it into the system. Periodically stop and reheat the
soluon.
Maintenance Connued…