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.