Preserving Watermaker

[geoffr]

We have two water makers onboard, one which we use regularly and when not in use we put preservatives into for storage.

We also have a Katadyn Survivor 06 in the ditch bag. We have never used it (thankfully!). It was bought in 2008. Should we have done anything with it, or is it ok as it came from the factory?

I know for most water makers they say to run preservative through at least every 6 months...

[GordMay]

From the Survivor 06 Manual
➥ https://www.katadyngroup.com/us/en/8013419~p6786

“... The Survivor-06 is shipped from the factory with a PRESERVED membrane.
After the unit has been operated and before it is stored again, it should be flushed with membrane preservative solution as outlined below...

[SailingHarmonie]

There are different types of preservative used. Some have finite lifespans, like sodium metabisulfite, and others are essentially permanent, like propylene glycol.

Only the manufacturer of your portable unit knows for sure. If they don’t say in the manual, ask them!

[geoffr]

Found it on their web page:

https://www.katadyngroup.com/us/en/S...ntenance--Care

The Survivor 06 instruction card shows that the service interval for each unit is one year. Every year the unit should be tested for operation and the membrane preservative should be refreshed, if it is expected to be relied upon in an emergency.

The unit must produce water in potable range, meet spec output level, and have no leaks. Units that have not been serviced for 4+ years typically need a new membrane.

Both the pump body and membrane housing are pressure tested and factory calibrated with specialized tools and equipment. The wearable parts in these components are not available for purchase and cannot be replaced in the field.

Based on long-term testing and the material of the unit (plastic), if the unit is older than 12 years (from date of manufacture on inspection card) we recommend that the unit be replaced. After this length of time, the plastic body can become compromised and the internal parts may fail. Older, unmaintained units present a liability in the field when they are suddenly needed during an emergency situation.