DIY watermaker

[Sy-Revolution]

Hi ppl,
I'd like to have a bash at making my own. Seen a couple of sets of plans but both produced by Americans. Has anyone made one here in the UK and crucially where did you source the component parts, especially the high pressure pump.

Cheers,

Crispin

 

[oldsaltoz]

http://www.google.com.au/search?sourceid=navclient-menuext&ie=UTF-8&q=DIY+watermaker

 

[Allan]

I have seen a design for a DIY watermaker, using a pump from these people.
Cat Pumps (UK) Limited, 1 Fleet Business Park, Sandy Lane, Church Crookham, Fleet, Hampshire, GU52 8BF, UK.
Allan

 

[Sy-Revolution]

Thanks for that. I'll give them a ring.

 

[Stingo]

Have a read through THIS DOCUMENT. Not sure how you can save it, but try a copy and paste into Word.

 

[gi7kmc]

To save the document (in IE anyway) just right click on the link and select the "Save target as" menu option. If you just click on the link when the doc opens you can use the File - Save as menu option to save it

 

[Sy-Revolution]

Thanks Stingo, very useful info, in fact best I've seen so far.
Printed it as a PDF.
Cheers

Crispin.

 

[crisjones]

Hi Crispin,

I have built my own using the info that is on Stingo's site and a few other articles I found on the web.

Basically quite a straightforward process if you are mechanically minded. It is simply a case of mounting the bits and piping them together.

I used a CAT pump and Filmtec membranes. Cat pump details already posted. Membranes and pressure vessels from Desal Supplies (Google Search should find them). I used nylon tubing designed for hydraulic steering and associated fittings for the high pressure side of things, this avoids having to get pipes made up as the fittings are std compression type designed for about 3000 psi. ASAP supplies are the best people for these bits - be sure to use the high pressure stuff because they also sell tubing that is rated for much lower pressures. ASAP also supply the 3 way valves you will need.

I also fitted pre filters from Desal Supplies and a Jabsco pump as a pre pressure supply pump.

This method means you can fit the various bits wherever you have room, although it is best to keep pipe runs down to a minimum.

I have not long finished the installation so I have only done commissioning runs so far. Everything works OK and water quality is fine, however long term useage is an unknown factor. Howver the CAT pump has avery good reputation and the membranes are used by all watermakers so no reason to expect early problems.

The DIY build means you know exactly how it works and you also avoid the unnecesary bells and whistles of commercial units that cause most of the problems.

PM me if you want any more info.

Chris

 

[Anonymous]

Before you decide on a system firstly decide on whether you want the power to be:-

Direct from and engine (main or generator)
220/110d ac from a generator
12/24V dc from ship's batteries

I have the latter and find that I can make most of my water from my solar panels but regardless, this decision will have a big impact on your usage. For example, I use mine all the time in anchorages, and places where conventional wisdom says they must never be used. I make my own water for around six months of the year, not taking a drop from the dockside. So if your watermaker runs direct from the main engine, you won't have that freedom unless you don't mind running it for hours.

Also decide how much water you'd like to make. 20 liters per hour is OK but more is nice. Only go for the very low output types if all you are doing is to make drinking water for an ocean crossing. Most people have a watermaker to enjoy copious water when at anchor.

 

[dolphin]

hi lemain,

please can you give more details for your battery bank, power consumption of water maker & your solar panels capacities as i am also planning to follow your configurations

thanks and brgds


www.fragrantname.com

 

[Anonymous]

Sure /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I have a Spectra watermaker that has two pumps, each takes a nominal 10A dc. With one pump I get 20 litres/h and with two, 40 litres/h. I should get 30/60 but maybe my membrane needs changing and I think my pumps are getting a bit old so a new Spectra might give better performance.

I have two huge solar panels of 185W which doesn't really mean what it says and is a very complicated subject, but that's what it says on the box! I have an 80A Mastervolt battery charger and a large diesel generator.

I tend to start the generator in the morning, after breakfast, and start the watermaker at the same time. I run the generator for about half an hour to an hour to put back some of the overnight battery usage, make hot water and run the watermaker. I then stop the generator and if the solar panels are making enough to keep one pump running, then I leave the watermaker on one pump (20 litres/h). I find that the solar panels give me better output after noon and up to about 1600. I then run the generator again from siesta time and run the air conditioning while we have a kip (hard work, this sort of life /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif) so the the batteries are 80% charged and the water is usually well topped up even if we have got guests and done washing. Then the generator and watermaker goes off leaving the solar panels to finish off the batteries to full equalisation which they usually manage by 1800 when the solar is tailing off.

I have battery capacity of 540 Ah but I don't ever let them go below 2/3 capacity and there is no need. I wouldn't dream of running the watermaker on batteries - I only do it when the solar panels are contributing at least 90% of the current needed. It would seem absurd to be making water with expensive battery electricity unless there was an emergency in which case it could be done.

 

[Sy-Revolution]

llamedos, Lamain, great infos, unfortunatley I doin't have room for a genny, probably have space for a large solar panel once the stern gantry is fitted but I'll still want to run off DC. Looks like I'll have a nice little project this winter. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[sailingcatlady]

I have bought a Waterlog trailing water-maker, but not used it yet. Shall do so shortly though, on the way to Madeira. However, when at anchor it requires the use of a pump (and therefore my precious 12v batteries) and the pump has to be submersible. The Waterlog firm sells a pump, from memory over £500. Does anyone have any ideas where I could obtain a cheaper effective unit from?

 

[Anonymous]

My suggestion is that you try out the Waterlog before relying on it on passage and before spending money on an extra pump. There have been a number of questions on this forum as to its efficacy. I am sure that everyone will be interested to hear how you get on.