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Long Term Storage Procedures
Watermakers are best run continuously. When not in use, biological growth in the membrane
is the leading cause of membrane fouling. A warm environment will cause more growth than a
cold environment. The auto fresh water flush system will greatly reduce biological growth but
may not stop it completely in certain conditions. The 5 day re-flush feature allows the system
to be shut down without any service procedures for extended periods of time but it doesn't re-
place performing a storage procedure for long periods of non-use. If an optional “Zeta Guard”
water treatment system is installed in the system, the 5 day re-flush will maintain the system
as long as unchlorinated pressurized fresh water is provided.
System Storage or “Pickling”
If the system is to be left unused for more than 2 weeks, perform the following storage pro-
cedure. The procedure introduces a chemical compound into the system that prevents bio-
logical growth. This procedure requires de-chlorinated water which can be made with the
Spectra’s charcoal filter.
Charcoal filters last a maximum of 6 months once wetted.
Spectra SC-1 a special storage compound used by the US Navy. It is formulated to be com-
patible with the modern engineering plastics and composites in the Spectra pumps. Do not
use any substitute except propylene Glycol, SC-1 Storage Compound has to be mixed at a
ratio of 1 Spectra container to 3 gallons (12L) of fresh water to have the proper solution.
An average of 2 gallons (8L) of water is in a NP Magdrive system. This water has to be
figured in to the mixture. A NP Magdrive system uses one SC-1 container.
Caution! Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or lungs with the storage chemical.
