5
WATERMAKER GROUP.
1.
Reverse osmosis membranes
2.
Manometer
3.
Flow meter
4.
Depressurization valve
The watermaker group is constituted of the following components:
The Reverse osmosis membranes, inside the silver high-pressure vessel are used to separate the
intake high-pressure seawater into two flows: one for the salt-water waste and one for fresh water
production.
Energy Recovery System. Amplifies the pressure supplied by the pump and recovers the
hydraulic energy back from the membranes. The ERS device makes periodic cycling by a
hydraulically controlled automatic valve. The cycles are noticeable through a” beat” issued
periodically by the watermaker unit. The unit contains two cylinders, and a central body housing
the hydraulic valves.
Manometer is located on the front panel, and it measures the running pressure of the pumps.
Flowmeter is located on the front panel, and measures the flow of produced fresh water coming
out of the unit. This is only indicative as the accuracy of the flowmeter is +/- 20%.
Depressurization valve. Is used only during the air bleeding phase, at the first plant start-up.
This is a blue lever located to the right side of the watermaker. Its function is to depressurize
the system and allow air bleeding. The valve remains closed during normal working
conditions and is opened only during the air bleeding operations. The lever need only be
opened halfway (45°) during air bleeding operations.
Positioner: A stainless steel threaded arm, with a black knob, located on the right side of the
unit. Its function is to reset the unit in start up failure when the unit has been stopped in the
exact centre of a cycle. This will only happen with units fitted with a manual flushing system or
when the bypass is activated when fitted with an Analogue control
Reset valve. The valve must be closed during normal functioning (lever perpendicular to the
valve). Such valve has the function to allow the reset in case of a system block. It must be
opened before acting on the valve positioner.
