Spectra Watermaker Vane Pump Feedback

[Frode]

Originally Posted by SVI

FVD only change the frequency, not the voltage.

A VFD changes both voltage and frequency, keeping a constant volts/Hz ratio up to rated full power (50 or 60 Hz). If the VFD is capable of going above 100%, the voltage is usually kept constant above that point.

Originally Posted by SVI

There is a TEST port in the Clark pump for it, I think.

There is a test port on the Clark device, but it is for verification of the internal piston rod seals being in good order, not for connecting anything to it. The high pressure gauge/sensor can be teed off the high pressure outlet connection point, which also connects to the membrane.

Spectra provides fairly detailed write-ups on how to verify proper system operation. From this you realize that input pressure, output pressure, overall flow, and product flow follow each other. A change in one will reflect as a change in another, and provides great opportunity for sanity checking.

I have the gauge and tee in place, but wasn't happy with the full-size hydraulic hose connecting them, so want to switch to a microbore hose. I haven't yet found a local source for having one made up, which is why the gauge remains disconnected.

[SVI]

Do you need a T and a hose?
I saw the TEST port plugged on the pump. Isn't it to screw-in the gauge?

[Frode]

See my previous post for the purpose of the test port.

I also strongly suggest you read the most recent version of the manual for your system, which contains lots of information on how the system is intended to be plumbed. There are older versions of this manual available, which may more closely reflect your system.

Other good sources for information include:

• 2012 Service Bulletin CP-5: Clark Pump Checkout
• 2005 Clark Pump Field Repair and Rebuild Manual
• 2017 Clark Pump Rebuild Manual

[SVI]

Started 10% Clark pump with 240gph Procon, all good:
- Procon pressure 100psi
- membrane 1000psi
- flow 3.7gpm (222gph)

I did not use any VFD, directly 230V 50hz (can play with Hz setting in Victron inverter)

[Tellie]

The test port on a Clark pump is just that, for testing of the main lip seals. A pressure gauge needs to be installed between the input of the Clark pump and the output of the feed pump.

[SVI]

Originally Posted by Tellie

The test port on a Clark pump is just that, for testing of the main lip seals. A pressure gauge needs to be installed between the input of the Clark pump and the output of the feed pump.

Actually, best is to have two gauges - one on Procon pump, and second on the membrane.

[Tellie]

Originally Posted by SVI

Actually, best is to have two gauges - one on Procon pump, and second on the membrane.

Not really, you can easily deduce from the one pressure gauge the pressures from the feed pump which will tell you the condition of the Clark pump and it's outputs. Since the Clark pumps pressures are non adjustable the pressures on the feed pump and product flow are all you need to know the Clark pump is functioning correctly. Of course it won't hurt anything to add a second gauge but I wouldn't need it to figure out what's wrong with a Clerk pump.

[SVI]

It cost almost nothing (T + gauge)

[offpist]

Can anyone make recommendations for Procon pump in an system with 1 pcs 40" membrane and 10% ERS (making 63LH).

https://marinesmartenergy.com/produc...lt-watermaker/

230V 50 HZ.

Considering swapping out the two Surflo pumps for an Procon pump.

[GRIT]

Tellie. Can you tell me if the 140 mag drive pump from Spectra actually only puts out 140gph? I'd love to use this pump on my Cape Horn, but the specs say the flow is 3gpm (product and discharge), so logically, I'd need a 180gph pump.

I see you have a pump on your website for $660, is that a complete pump, which just needs a motor, and will it output the same as my two shurflow pumps, and provide the same product volume as the shurflow pumps on the Cape Horn 330?

Thanks for your time.
Paul.