OP-3 CHEMICALS 101
Spectra systems use four types of chemicals: SC-1, SC-2, SC-3, and propylene glycol anti- freeze.
NOTE: Never use any chemicals with the system pressurized! Always open the pressure relief valve 1/2 turn. Always purge a system containing chemicals for at least 20 minutes unpressur- ized before pressurizing and making water.
The SC-1 is for storage only. It is no longer used as a cleaning chemical. To prepare the sys- tem for storage, first do a fresh water flush until the brine discharge is below 1000 ppm or does not taste salty. Mix one jar of SC-1 with 1 to 2 gallons of product or de-chlorinated fresh water in a bucket and circulate UNPRESSURIZED with the fresh water in the system for 10 minutes, then discard. The system should be re-pickled every six months in warm conditions, and every eight months in cooler conditions.
The Spectra systems should be stored with propylene glycol if freezing could occur. This is the food grade antifreeze used to winterize RVs, boats and cabins. This works very well for storing in warm climates and is good for one year. See “Wintering or Pickling With Antifreeze” for instructions on this procedure.
NOTE: Do not use metasodium bisulfate, the standard chemical used to store most watermak- ers. This chemical will damage the Clark pump and void the warranty.
CLEANERS: Cleaning can be detrimental to the membrane and shorten its life. Avoid unnec- essary cleaning. Avoid cleaning as a diagnostic tool.
SC-2 is an alkaline cleaner used to remove light oil, grime and biological growth. It is most effective if heated to 120 oF On a boat this is not easy to do. If not heated, circulate for 2 hours and let set for several hours and re-circulate for one hour and discard. In most cases the water quality will increase in PPM after an SC-2 cleaning. After a few hours it should recover to near the PPM it produced before the cleaning.
SC-3 is an acid cleaner used to remove mineral and scale deposits. This is used in the same way as the SC-2. In most cases this is used first, and if no results are achieved, proceed with the SC-
2.SC-3 will in most cases lower the product PPM and over all pressures. Scaling is a slow process that may take several months or years. SC-3 is less harmful to the membrane and will almost always improve the performance of an older membrane.
7/19/04
