Spectra Watermakers Catalina 340 Z, Installation And Operating Manual

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CHARCOAL FILTERS
The charcoal filter element (FT-FTC-CC) removes chlorine from the fresh water flush water
supply, as the RO membrane can only handle small amounts of chlorine without permanent
damage.
The charcoal filter used for the fresh water flush system will not plug up unless you have very
dirty domestic water in your boat’s supply tank.
The charcoal filter we supply removes 99.7% of the chlorine. Beware when buying other char-
coal filters. If they don’t specify the percentage of chlorine removed, don’t use them. Cheap
ones may remove only 60% or 70%. Also, there are aftermarket filters which are very close to,
but not exactly the right dimensions, and they will not seal in the housing. If you skimp on the
charcoal filter you risk damaging a $600.00 membrane on the first flush. The other factor is
the flow rate that the filter can handle. Because the chlorine is adsorbed by the charcoal, it
must remain in contact with the charcoal for a sufficient period of time for the all of the chlo-
rine molecules to be captured. The filters we use can handle 1.5 gallons (6 liters) per minute
flow, and are good for 3000 gallons (12,000 liters) at 1.5 GPM, or six months, whichever
comes first. Regardless of the amount of water treated, the charcoal loses its effectiveness
after six months.
Charcoal filter, Spectra part number FT-FTC-CC