Spectra Watermakers Bimini 300, Installation And Operating Manual

Page: 45 / 78

45
The Feed Pump and Clark Pump
The feed pump and the Clark Pump require no routine maintenance except inspection for leaks.
Tighten any hose clamps or fittings that show signs of leakage. The high pressure fittings
threaded into the Clark Pump have O - ring seals with a straight thread. These should never leak
and should never be over - tightened. If one of the tube nuts starts to leak, it can be un - threaded,
sealed with a bit of silicone grease or oil, and tightened with two wrenches very tightly.
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 environmental conditions into consideration.
Note that:
•
Cold feed water or a higher salinity seawater source can cause high pressure.
•
Low product flow is usually due to low voltage, a worn feed pump, or worn Clark Pump.
Due to the unique design of your Spectra system, low product water volume is typically not a
membrane problem, but frequently related to low voltage, a worn feed pump head, or a worn
Clark Pump. Always perform a flow test before cleaning your membrane.
Test to see if biological growth has occurred: Before running the system, remove the pre -
filters and examine their condition. If the filter housings are full of smelly, discolored water, the
system was not properly stored. Install clean pre - filters.
Next check the membrane. Detach the brine discharge hose, attach the brine service hose, and
lead it to a bucket. Open the pressure relief valve 1/2 turn, and manually run the system for 30
seconds (metal toggle switch on feed pump module). Examine the brine water: If it is discol-
ored and smells bad, perform an SC - 2 cleaning with unchlorinated water before running the
system pressurized. If the brine is fairly clean, follow the New System Startup procedure on
page 24 and run normally. Check for performance. Clean the membranes only if performance is
reduced.
See the Cleaning Procedure for complete instructions.
Maintenance Cont ’ d