Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar watermaker
7-24
7
Maintenance
The watermaker requires some maintenance. The most sensitive component is the reverse osmosis membrane module.
Some safety components, such as the
three-way solenoid valve
, the high pressure piping and fittings must be checked
periodically for the safe use of the watermaker.
7.1
Ordinary Maintenance
7.1.1
Preservation and care of the semipermeable membrane modules
The following precautions are recommended:
The membrane module must not be exposed to high temperatures above 50 deg. Centigrade (the membrane
container gives sufficient protection from the engine room high temperatures).
At low temperatures the water inside membranes may freeze damaging the membrane beyond repair; in such
conditions 20% of glycerine must be added to the flushing water.
Excessive operating pressure causes the membrane clogging; it is not advisable to operate the system at pressure
exceeding 60 bar.
The membrane must always remain wet as drying damages it; if membrane is removed from its packaging, it should
be kept in a container where the membrane can be completely soacked.
If the system should not operate for more than one week, follow the long-term shut down procedures (0).
The feed water should be always clear; avoid starting the system in harbours or in waters containing
oil or chlorine.
7.1.2
High-pressure circuit
From time to time it is advisable to check the high pressure fittings and hosings. The user may carry out a first
inspection of the system checking the integrity of the piping and the fittings. It is important to check for leaks in fittings
or piping when the system is in full operation. An accurate maintenance work must be carried out periodically by the
Tecnicomar servicing personnel to ensure efficient and safe system operation. The high-pressure pump oil level (
only
for CAT pump
) should be checked periodically: the level must coincide with the red dot at the rear of the pump (F1)
(fig. 7).
7.1.3
Oil changing in the CAT high-pressure pump
The microprocessor control box is programmed to show on the
display the water maker operating hours (H). When the operating
hours value (H) reaches 50 hours, perfofm an itial fill “oil change”.
Thereafter, perform an “oil change” every 3 months or 500
operating hour intervals. To perform an “oil change” operation
follow this procedure:
Disconnect the watermaker power supply.
Unscrew, without removing it, the red cap on the high-pressure
pump.
Prepare a container to collect the used oil.
Open the oil drain valve (F2 - fig.7) and drain the oil in the used-
oil container. Make sure that the pump oil has drained
thoroughly.
Unscrew and remove the red cap, close the oil drain valve and
fill with new oil up to the red dot level.
Use only oil supplied by Tecnicomar
.
Reinstall the cap and start up the system.
Do not discharge the used oil in environment.
Figure 7 - high pressure CAT pump
