FCI Watermakers MAX-Q+, User Manual & Installation Manual

Page: 60 / 170

FCI WATERMAKERS, INC. 60 Operational Instructions
FEED WATER — Be aware of the condition of the water the system is processing.
Is it muddy, silty, or oily? Does it show signs of other man‑made contaminates?
If this is the case, DO NOT run the system. If these feed water conditions are
unavoidable, additional filtration will be necessary. Consult the factory or your
local dealer for further details and assistance with specific water conditions.
SALINITY EFFECT — Like water temperature, the salinity of the seawater has a
direct effect on the output of the system and the quality of water produced. Your new
watermaker is equipped with protection for overproduction and low quality water
produced. When operating in low saline water, like rivers, deltas, or lakes, the “high‑
pressure” required will be less. For systems without APC, reduce the pressure to the
point where you are making the rated output of your system. If this pressure adjustment
is not monitored the system may detect a fault condition, protect itself, and shutdown.
PRESSURE EFFECT — The pressure within a system is regulated by the size of the orifice
through which the brine stream flows; thus, creating back pressure in the pressure vessel.
This pressure squeezes the fresh water out of the seawater stream. The amount of pressure
applied through the system directly affects the quantity and quality of water produced.
More pressure is needed in cold water than in warm waters. The reason being, membranes
contract in cold water, not allowing the fresh water through as easily. When operating
systems without APC, always try to maintain the pressure necessary for the system to
operate at its rated output. As a safety feature, the system will shutdown when the
pressure is too high or too low.
4/ OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
Prior to Start-Up, it is important
to take note of the following: