Spectra Watermakers Bimini 300, Installation And Operating Manual

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Introduction to Spectra Chemicals
We use four types of chemicals: SC - 1, SC - 2, SC - 3, and propylene glycol antifreeze. SC - 1 and
propylene glycol are for system storage, while SC - 2 and SC - 3 are for membrane cleaning. Do
not use sodium - bisulfate, citric acid, or any other storage chemical not supplied by Spectra.
These chemicals, used to store other watermaker brands, will damage the Clark Pump, mem-
brane end plugs, manifolds, and other components.
Using non - Spectra chemicals will void
the warranty.
Note: Never use any chemicals with the system pressurized! Always open the pressure relief
valve 1/2 turn. Always follow the instructions for purging the chemicals as shown in the New
System Startup section (page 39) 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 1 to 2 gal-
lons of product or dechlorinated fresh water in a bucket and circulated through the system for
10 minutes. This treatment will protect the system for six months, after which the SC
- 1 treat-
ment must be repeated. To use SC - 1, follow the instructions for Storage Procedure .
Spectra systems should be stored with propylene glycol if freezing is likely to occur. Propylene
glycol can be used instead of Spectra SC
- 1 storage chemical for storage in any climate, and
treatment is effective for one year. Propylene glycol is a food - grade antifreeze used to winter-
ize RV ’ s, boats, and cabins. Do not use ethylene glycol automotive antifreeze, which is toxic
and will damage the system.
The propylene glycol formulations sold in marine and RV stores are usually diluted with water.
The water remaining in the watermaker before the storage procedure will further dilute the
antifreeze, reducing the microbial protection and increasing the temperature at which the mix-
ture will freeze.
Antifreeze labeled “ Minus Fifty ” is a 25% solution and will begin to form an icy slush at about
+15Degrees F ( - 10C) and will only provide burst protection to about Zero F ( - 18C). After a fur-
ther 50% percent dilution by water remaining in the watermaker, “ Minus Fifty ” antifreeze will
only protect from bursting down to about +25F ( - 4C). Therefore if low temperature freezing
protection is required a 60% or stronger antifreeze should be used. 60% solutions are labeled
“ Minus 100” and will provide burst protection to - 15F ( - 27C) even after a fifty percent dilution
with residual water. “ Minus 200” formulations are pure propylene glycol.
Maintenance Cont ’ d