Operation and Repair Bulletins

The following documents are sections of our complete service bulletin set. These are available on our website Spectrawatermakers.com

MB-2 MEMBRANE CARE

Membrane life is affected by a large number of factors and is somewhat unpredictable. A

 

big commercial plant running 24/7 will get 10 to 12 years out of a set of membranes. But

 

they do all kinds of fancy chemical injections and never shut the thing off. Most cruisers are

 

lucky to get five or six years out of one. You hear of the eight or ten year old membrane now

 

and then. The biggest killers of membranes are lack of use, chlorine damage, and improper

 

storage.

 

Don’t let membranes sit around with sea water or stale fresh water in them. Biological

 

growth will occur in the membrane. Here at the factory we frequently get back membranes

 

for inspection that reek of hydrogen sulfide (rotten eggs). This odor is produce by anaerobic

 

bacteria that live in an unused membrane, feeding on whatever animal or vegetable matter is

 

trapped in it from the plankton that gets through the system. Membranes badly fouled in

 

this way can seldom be saved. These bacteria are always present but are inhibited by the

 

oxygen in sea water while the unit is in frequent use, by scheduled fresh water flushes, or by

 

pickling. Keeping the prefilters clean is also important in preventing bio-fouling. If your

 

prefilters are allowed to become a breeding ground for bacteria (get smelly), the contamina-

 

tion will spread throughout the system. When we cut open a failed membrane we also find

 

mildew, another form of bio fouling, probably due to long term storage with no biocide or

 

stale biocide.

 

After many hours of water making mineral deposits will form and must be dissolved away

 

with an acid cleaner. Alkaline cleaners are used for bio-fouling. Cleaning chemicals, espe-

 

cially the alkaline, are not good for the membrane. Every time you clean the membrane it

 

shortens its life. Clean only when necessary, and avoid cleaning as a “diagnostic tool”.

 

Chlorine will destroy a membrane in minutes. It attacks the material that the membrane is

 

made from. Always use product water or water filtered slowly through a charcoal filter for

 

flushing and chemical treatments.

 

Oil simply plugs up the matrix of the membrane and clogs it up. We have brought back oil

 

fouled membranes with Joy soap (See MB-5 Cleaning with Detergent.)

 

For storage we recommend using propylene glycol potable water system antifreeze if avail-

 

able. It can safely be left in the system for one year and will keep things from freezing in

 

cold conditions. It is hard to find in warm climates, and takes up a lot of room on a small

 

boat, so our SC-1 is best for tropical cruising.

 

Given good care a membrane will eventually just start to slowly fade away. The feed pres-

 

sure may rise and/or the ppm go up. Hardly ever will they just fail overnight.

 

8/13/04

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Spectra Watermakers Newport 400 owner manual Operation and Repair Bulletins, MB-2 Membrane Care
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Newport 400 specifications

The Spectra Watermakers Newport 400 is a state-of-the-art desalination system designed for yachts and boats seeking reliable and efficient freshwater production. This innovative watermaker is known for its compact design, high performance, and user-friendly features. With the ability to produce up to 400 gallons of freshwater per day, the Newport 400 is ideal for extended cruising, offshore adventures, or as a backup water supply.

One of the standout features of the Newport 400 is its patented Spectra Reverse Osmosis technology. This advanced system harnesses the power of reverse osmosis to remove salt and impurities from seawater, ensuring the production of clean and safe drinking water. The Newport 400 operates with exceptional energy efficiency, requiring significantly less power compared to traditional watermakers. This is particularly beneficial for boats relying on limited energy sources like solar panels or generators.

The Newport 400 is engineered for ease of operation and maintenance with a user-friendly control panel. Operators can easily monitor key parameters such as water output, pressure, and system status. The intuitive interface makes it simple to adjust settings and troubleshoot potential issues. Additionally, the system is constructed from high-quality corrosion-resistant materials, ensuring durability and longevity in harsh marine environments.

An impressive characteristic of the Spectra Newport 400 is its ultra-quiet operation. This watermaker is designed to minimize noise, making it perfect for use in the close quarters of a yacht without disturbing the peace on board. The integration of advanced technologies further enhances its performance, including a sophisticated water pre-filtration system that reduces the risk of membrane fouling.

The Newport 400 is also designed with versatility in mind. It can be easily integrated into various onboard systems, allowing for simple installation and operation. Its compact size means it can fit into tight spaces on smaller vessels without sacrificing performance.

In summary, the Spectra Watermakers Newport 400 is a reliable, efficient, and quiet solution for generating freshwater in a marine environment. Its advanced reverse osmosis technology, ease of use, and robust construction make it an ideal choice for boaters seeking independence from shore-based water sources. Whether for leisurely cruising or serious ocean voyaging, the Newport 400 stands out as a top-tier watermaker for modern maritime adventures.
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