8-2
12A Water Still
Thermo Scientific
Section 8
Troubleshooting
General (continued)
Problem
Causes
Solution
Steam at condenser vent
A slight wisp of steam exiting at the condens-
er vent is normal. Gases in the steam are also
being removed.
If there is an excessive amount of steam leav-
ing the condenser vent, increase the cooling
water flow rate at flowmeter Q .
No steam at condenser vent.
If no steam is visible, decrease flow rate at
flowmeter Q.
Water pressure variations.
Pressure fluctuations in your tap water line
will cause erratic reading in the flowmeter and
may cause water level in boiler to drop.
Have a plumber install a pressure regulator in
your tap water line and regulate to 20-25 psi.
Output less than 12 liters/hour
Heaters rated 208V or 240V will produce in
excess of 12 L/hr. of distilled water when run
at the rated voltage. At lower voltages, output
will drop accordingly.
Also see "Steam at Condenser Vent" as excess
steam at this point will reduce output.
Leaking around demineralizer cartridges
Improperly seated gaskets or loose cartridge.
Check system to be sure cartridge is seated on
gaskets and that securing knob has been
screwed down tight. If leak persists, replace
gaskets.
Premature cartridge failure
NaCl regenerated water softeners.
The D400499 cartridges were designed for use
in hard water applications. Use on soft water
sources will reduce cartridge life by 30-70%
(depending on softness).
Chlorine in feedwater
The D400499 cartridge will remove some chlo-
rine, but heavily chlorinated water supplies will
trip the "Change Cartridge" light prematurely.
Addition of an activated carbon filter to your
water supply will extend cartridge life. Connect
per Figure 4-6.
Silica or dirt in water supply. Can reduce
cartridge life by clogging the resins. Silica will
also carry over into the boiler and be brown or
tan in color.
If this appears, addition of a 5 micron filter to
your water supply will eliminate silica and
extend cartridge life.
