Poor Man's Watermaker ?

[ssullivan]

Yes, Jim. I've lived on watermaker water for a couple years. You need mineral suppliments and/or mineral additives to make it more pleasing to the palate, and to prevent from becoming "de-mineralized" yourself.

All megayachts use watermakers for drinking, laundry, hosing down the deck, etc... when out crusing. Since they run the generators non-stop, even when in marinas, they frequently use the watermakers too. (when the harbor or anchorage is clean enough)

[Alan Wheeler]

So, Louis or Brent (so which is your name) are we going to get some answers, or are you just going to continue plugging your book???
It would be nice to get at least a small amount of info in return for your obviouse plugs. As I said, How do water pressure pumps handle Salt water. All literature I have read on these pressure pump devices say you must not allow corrosive liquids through them. So do you use a special pump that can handle the salt??
Another question, What sort of pressure does the pump need to produce???

[Brent Swain]

As long as you use ceramic plunger pumps and flush them properly with 1 to 2 gallons after each use they handle salt water well. This is a problem with smaller units which take an hour or two to make that much water, which is why they dont get flushed and crap out early.
They run at 750 to 900 psi depending on the water temp.
Brent

[Brent Swain]

Adding a token amount of seawater will give it better taste and minerals. Adding seawater instead of salt to your cooking will do the same.
For 540 gallons a day, a 3GPM pump is minimal.
Brent

[waterworldrob]

I have just the thing for those wanting simple, reliable, low volume (1.2-2.5GPH)watermakers..

[kenny chaos]

Originally Posted by waterworldrob

I have just the thing for those wanting simple, reliable, low volume (1.2-2.5GPH)watermakers..

And that would be?

[waterworldrob]

I've built several motor and pedal drives for manual watermakers.. That's what I use.

[beau]

I have just finished builing my own watermaker.
I used a gasoline powered 6.5Hp pressure washer with a brass pump and 2 x 2.5 X 40 inch filmtec membranes etc. A shurflo primer pump and a 5 micron pre filter. Works great, 40 gallons and hour and we run it once a week.
I do flush with fresh water after use.
Cost of under $2,000

[kenny chaos]

Originally Posted by beau

I have just finished builing my own watermaker.
I used a gasoline powered 6.5Hp pressure washer with a brass pump and 2 x 2.5 X 40 inch filmtec membranes etc. A shurflo primer pump and a 5 micron pre filter. Works great, 40 gallons and hour and we run it once a week.
I do flush with fresh water after use.
Cost of under $2,000

Good for you but now I'm confused. I thought I read that it needed to be used every 2-3 days or it had to be pickled.

[beau]

I was also a bit confused at first, but others on this forum have flushed with fresh water and leave it up to 10 days or so, without problems over an 8 year period.
I do have sodium metabisulphide powder and will pickle from time to time.

I think the main aspect is that when you design your own system is to have a good flow through of salt water. 3 gallons a minute in, 2 gallons out of salt and you get 1 gallon of fresh water.