Operation
Starting the first time
Before turning on the water for the first time, temporarily detach the two EPDM
tubes from the copper exit pipes, so that you can see the rate of excess water flow
out of the still.
You’ll need to balance the flow rate from the two side valves. Begin by opening
these two valves fully and closing the main valve fully. Then, turn on the main
lines water faucet. If you have the optional timer, then turn it on, too. Next,
slowly open the main valve of the still until you see that the wick is becoming wet.
The water in the wick will slowly move downward, and by examining the different
rates that each side becomes wet, slightly close the valve on the side with greater
flow, in order to balance the flow rates of the two sides.
When the flow rates are balanced and the wick is fully wet, you’ll begin to see
water exit from the copper pipes (usually on one side only). Turn the main valve
to almost closed, so that only a trickle of water exits the excess water pipe. There
will be a delay between turning the main valve and seeing the effect on flow rate,
so this step requires some patience. The goal is just a slow trickle of excess water
(the water may come out in spurts, due to surface tension property of water). If the
excess water flow is too high, then the temperature of the water in the wick will
lower, resulting in lower efficiency (i.e. less output). If there is no flow coming
out at all then this means there are probably dry spots on the wick, again resulting
in lower efficiency. Try to do this tuning of the flow rate at the hottest/sunniest
time of day. When you’re satisfied with the flow rate, re-attach the EPDM tubes,
placing the air hose on the side where the water is not exiting.
Ongoing use
Once the still is operating, then there are a few ongoing tasks and adjustments you
should perform.
1)
Replace carboy – The glass carboy that collects the distilled water will fill up,
more frequently in the summer than in the winter. When it becomes full or
near-full, simply remove the bung (stopper) and place in an empty carboy.
Make sure that the new empty carboy is properly sanitized. This is also a good
time to wipe the bung clean, using some isopropyl alcohol. As for the full
carboy, place a clean solid bung in it, and carry it inside. If you have chosen to
Summary of Contents for SWS-200
Page 1: ...Owner s Manual Copyright November 2015 Do Right Solar...
Page 4: ...Know your still Diagrams...
Page 5: ......
