OP-2 BAD SMELLING PRODUCT WATER

The reverse osmosis membrane is permeable by many gases including hydrogen sulfide, the gas that causes rotten eggs to smell the way they do. If there are bad odors in the feed water they will go through the membrane and the product water will be affected. Usually the source of the odor is from the decay of planktonic creatures trapped in the sea strainer and prefilters. These tiny oxygen loving creatures soon suffocate and die inside the prefilter housings when the unit is shut down. Once all the available oxygen is consumed, anaerobic bacteria begin to grow, causing the odor. If a unit being used frequently begins to make smelly water, it will be the prefilters that are the source of the problem. This occurs in a week or two in cold climates, but in less than one night in very warm waters like the Sea of Cortes or Red Sea. These bacteria can spread throughout the watermaker, and begin to grow on the membrane, causing poor water quality and high feed pressures.

Filling the system with fresh water after every use greatly slows this process, allowing the automated spectra units to operate with less frequent prefilter changes, but units operated for only an hour or so a day will probably need to have the filters changed due to odor before they are dirty enough to restrict water flow. Prefilters can be cleaned. We recommend that you have three sets in service, one in the unit, one set soaking overnight in a bucket of clean fresh or salt water and one set drying for the next use. After shutting down the unit remove the used prefilters and install the dry set. Leave the housings full of air until the next use. On non-automated systems, open the pressure relief when starting if there is a lot of air in the system until the air is cleared out through the brine overboard. The filters will get just as clean when soaked in sea water, but dry much faster if soaked in fresh. Given gentle han- dling, prefilters can be reused many times.

Bad smelling product water is usually caused by bad smelling feed water, but can also be caused by a fouled membrane if the membrane has been left unpickled. If the unit makes smelly but not salty water after a long idle period and the prefilters are new, the smell can be eliminated by running the unit unpressurized for an hour or so to flush the membrane.

Odors in the product water can also be eliminated by adding a charcoal filter in the product water line. Spectra offers a product water filter kit p/n KIT-FLT-CC.

More on this subject is available on our website at www.spectrawatermakers.com.

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Spectra Watermakers Newport 400 owner manual OP-2 BAD Smelling Product Water

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.