Watermaker Membrane Plumbing Layout Confussion

[Mikado]

Hello CF,

I am at a loss on how to plumb my RO watermaker membrane.

A little background info...........

The watermaker came with the boat and is of modular design. Could be a do it yourself design, I don't know.

I disassembled it years ago and put it back together based on pictures I took prior to taking it apart.

The original system had three 2.5" X 21" membrane housings. I am just installing one housing for now to figure out the system and make sure it is worth the investment of two more membranes.

Ok, now here is where I am today. I have reached out to three different watermaker membrane companies asking how to assemble the unit and have received three different answers.

The latest was from Village Watermakers (Parker) this morning. Results are
zero product output but have brine waste water.

Looking at the membrane housing from left to right. Left side is where the high pressure raw water comes in thru the outer hole. The center hole is where the product water is supposed to come out according to Village.

On the right side, the outer hole is brine waste and the center hole has a plug.

By the way, I installed the membrane in thru the left side with the seal to the left (facing the left end).

If anyone has a watermaker with one membrane I would really appreciate feedback on if mine is plumbed correctly or not.

Thanks much !!

Jeff

[a64pilot]

Call Rich at cruise RO.
Just Google Cruise RO for his number, I’ve known him to help people with watermakers that weren’t his before.
I could tell you how mine is plumbed, but better I think to call him.
I don’t think one is relevant, I want to think they are in series, so all are plumbed the same.
He could tell you of course

[newhaul]

Cruisers & Sailing Forums - View Profile: SV THIRD DAY
Shoot him a pm he will usually respond within a couple hours

[Mikado]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Call Rich at cruise RO.
Just Google Cruise RO for his number, I’ve known him to help people with watermakers that weren’t his before.
I could tell you how mine is plumbed, but better I think to call him.
I don’t think one is relevant, I want to think they are in series, so all are plumbed the same.
He could tell you of course

A64, thanks for the advice to call Rich at Cruise RO.

He spent about 15 minutes with me on the phone, and after understanding my system determined what was wrong. Not only did I have brine and product mixed up coming out the end of one of the membranes but I had the high pressure needle valve installed incorrectly as well.

This is after several other "experts" told me how to plumb the system.

After making the changes I am now producing water at 176 ppm that tastes and smells like bottled water.

I am totally impressed with Rich's knowledge and patience explaining to a layman the function of the system.

Moving forward I plan on making Rich and Cruise RO my go to source for anything watermaker !!

Thanks again,

Jeff

[a64pilot]

Rich is a fellow Cruiser, and whenever possible, I prefer to do business with Cruisers as they have a better understanding of what we are doing.
Not meant as any kind of a dig against those that don’t cruise, there are many excellent Vendors that don’t cruise or live on boats.