ESSENTIAL Manual
ESSENTIAL Manual
NOTE
The indications contained in this Manual must be strictly followed during installation, operation and
maintenance of the watermaker in order to warrant the operators' safety and the equipment
maximum efficiency.
Identification
The Tecnicomar watermaker carries a plate with the following data:
a) Manufacturer: TECNICOMAR S.p.A. C/da Berbaro n.145/D - 91025 Marsala -ITALY- Tel.+39
0923-969409 Fax +39 0923-960235;
b) Type: ESSENTIAL
c) Serial number
d) Year of manifacture
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 1-1
Dear Customer,
We would like to thank you for choosing a TECNICOMAR WATERMAKER.
This watermaker has been designed by expert technicians and manufactured with care for all its
aspects and in respect of the European standards in the field.
Our widespread commercial organization guarantes to our Customers accurate and prompt
assistance and maintenance service.
This Manual provides the User with the illustrated, step-by-step instructions on how to install and
use the watermaker. It also contains all the necessary information for the maintenance.
WARNING !
TECNICOMAR S.p.A. declines any and all liability for failure to observe the safety and
accident prevention standards described in this manual, for damage dued to the improper use
of the equipment and for modifying it without the authorization of Tecnicomar S.p.A.
Warning
These instructions should be followed carefully to operate the watermaker correctly.
Danger
These instructions should be followed carefully to avoid damage to the watermaker or
to the operator.
Note or Information
The notes contain important information and useful hints for the watermaker
operation.
If not specified otherwise, the letters used in the text refer to the functional diagram shown in the
attached Fig. 1 at the bottom of this Manual.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
This Manual is intellectual property of Tecnicomar SpA. Any reproduction of contents or
drawings – unless authorized by Tecnicomar SpA – is not permitted and will be prosecuted.
©
Tecnicomar
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 1-2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
5 Maintenance 5-12
5.1 Ordinary Maintenance 5-12
5.2 Preservation and care of the semipermeable membrane modules 5-12
5.3 High-pressure circuit 5-12
5.4 Oil changing in the high-pressure pump 5-12
5.5 Prefilter maintenance 5-13
5.6 Extraordinary maintenance 5-14
5.7 Scheduled maintenance 5-14
5.8 Maintenance kit 5-15
DRAWINGS
TEST CERTIFICATE
EXPLODED VIEW LOW PRESSURE PUMP
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS for HIGH PRESSURE PUMP
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 1-3
What is Reverse Osmosis
Osmosis is the diffusion of two mixable solutions through a semipermeable
membrane in such a manner to equalize their concentration. A water with less salt
naturally diffuses into a water with higher salt.
Sea water or brackish water cannot naturally diffuse through a semipermeable
membrane to provide potable water.
A man-made process, REVERSE OSMOSIS, overcomes this natural phenomenon.
By forcing sea or brackish water (under high pressure) through a semipermeable
membrane, potable water can be realized !
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 1-4
SECTION 1
1 Installing the Watermaker.
1.1 Description of the equipment
The watermaker has four main sections. These sections can be identified as follows:
Prefiltration section where salt water, supplied by the low pressure pump (A), is filtrated passing through
the two prefilters (B and C). Feed water pressure is indicated by the low pressure gauge (D) and taken by the low
pressure switch (E);
A
D E
B
F
low
pre
ssu
re
line
Dn
20
Y
P
L
I
fig 1
High pressure section in which sea water is pressurized by the high-pressure pump (F). The high-pressure switch
(G), electrically connected to the electric box, shuts down the system automatically if the operating pressure
exceeds the preset [Link] pressure is adjustable by operator with a manual pressure regulator valve (I). The
high-pressure switch (G), high-pressure tubes and their fittings require periodic maintenance for the sake of safety
(refer to the MAINTENANCE section).
Salt water (BRINE) discharge section. In this section the brine is discharged. The fresh water can be discharged
out of board if it does not have the drinking-water quality. Through the three-way valve in safe water line, the
operator has to switch the water coming from membranes either to the discharge or to the fresh water tank. Is also
possible to check water quality by a manual salinity meter into the auxiliary tank.
Freshwater section. This is the most important section of the system, the section where the physical process of
reverse osmosis takes place. The main components of this section are the semipermeable membranes which
separate sea water in two flows: one with concentrated salts which goes to the discharge (R) and the other with
fresh water (U) which goes to the fresh water tank. The fresh water flow is measured by the flowmeter (L).The
semipermeable membranes are very sensitive components and require strict observance and care (see
PROTECTION AND CARE OF SEMIPERMEABLE MEMBRANES in Maintenance section).
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 1-5
1.2 Installation and start-up
The equipment must be installed by expert personnel using piping, fittings and cabling supplied by
Tecnicomar; if the installation of additional components is required, these must comply with the
branch technical standards. In such cases it is advisable to contact an authorized Tecnicomar
technical service.
The technician must wear individual protection on hands and feet (gloves, metallic cap shoes or
similar) to avoid accidents due to a fall of a heavy component of the system.
In case of installation aboard a vessel, the discharge must be installed above the water line.
power supply line, protected by an automatic all-pole thermal and differential protection/ disconnection device. The
differential circuit breaker must be set to act with the dissipation current of 16 A. For setting of the thermal circuit
breaker and for the sizing of the power supply line the values from the POWER REQUIREMENT TABLE should
be respected (ref. section 7).
Be sure to tighten well the gaskets and fittings to avoid air infiltration or water leaks.
• Fix well the high-pressure hoses and make sure that they are well protected.
• Connect the discharge fitting (Y) to the discharge pipe BRINE (R).
• Connect the discharge pipe UNSAFE WATER (S) leading from the manual three-way valve (N) using the supplied
pipe.
• Install the supplied fresh water fitting (V) to the upper part of the tank (P). Connect the outlet of the produced water
(U) to the manual three-way valve (N) and then to (V). Be sure that the tank has an overflow .
The prefilters must be installed at least 10 cm above ground level to make possible their opening. It is
important that the pressure gauge (D) is always visible.
Make sure that the high pressure pump (F) has enough oil for correct operation. The correct oil level
must reach the red point on the glass bezel (F1) in the rear of the pump. Use the valve (F2) to change
oil (refer to the MAINTENANCE chapter).
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 1-6
Figure 1 - oil valve and level mark
A
B
C
D
E
F
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 1-7
SECTION 2
2 Initial Start-up procedure
Before the first start-up it is necessary to check that no component of the system was damaged during the transport; this
is especially important for the high-pressure circuit components.
If all steps for the correct installation of the watermaker have been followed (refer to Section 1), the first start-up
procedure can be done:
• Unscrew the filters (B) and (C) and fill them with pure non-chlorinated water.
• Replace the filters.
• Open the inlet valve on the feeding pump (A).
• Make sure that the manual three-way valve is in the UNSAFE WATER position.
• Switch on the power supply.
• Make sure that the pressure control valve (I) is fully open; if not, turn it counterclockwise.
• Remove the sticker from the pump cap (F) to free the small breathing opening on the oil tank.
• Start the system by pressing the START pushbutton for 4 seconds.
Check if the sea water flows through the inlet hosings. If no water is coming through, stop the
system.
• Check that no air is sucked in and that there are no water leaks in the whole system.
• After at least 5 minutes of operation, increase gradually the pressure of the system by slowly turning the pressure
control valve (I) clockwise up to commpletely close the valve. The high-pressure gauge (Q) will indicate 60 bar
(850 psi). Check the pressure for a few minutes. If there are any leaks in the system, stop the device by pressing the
STOP pushbutton. Eliminate the problem and restart the system by repeating the procedure.
• As soon as the system is pressurized the water production begins; after 5 minutes of operation turn the manual
three-way valve (N) in the “SAFE WATER” position.
Follow the SHUT DOWN steps for a correct and safe system power-off:
• Depressurize the system by turning the pressure control valve (I) counterclockwise.
• Push the STOP pushbutton.
• Switch off the power supply.
• Close the sea water inlet (A2).
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 2-8
SECTION 3
3 Routine operation
After having carried out the first start-up (refer to section 2), the everyday start-up and operation of the watermaker will
be simple and fast.
• Apply gradually the operating pressure (850 psi = 60 bar) by slowly turning the pressure control valve (I)
clockwise.
If there is an increase of the produced water salinity, contact the Tecnicomar Service center.
It is recommended to keep clean the prefiltering circuit.
Follow the SHUT DOWN steps for a correct and safe system power-off:
• Depressurize the system by turning the pressure control valve (I) counterclockwise.
• Push the STOP pushbutton.
• Switch off the power supply.
• Close the sea water inlet.
WARNING - The fresh water production must never exceed the system maximum production
(refer to system technical characteristic, Section 7).
In very cold areas and in high salinity areas there will be a decrease in the fresh water production.
In such conditions the operating pressure must always be kept at 60 bar (850 psi).
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 3-9
SECTION 4
4 Special procedures
• Disconnect the BRINE (R) and the UNSAFE WATER lines from the sea discharge fitting (Y).
• Connect the BRINE (R) , rotate (N) to UNSAFE WATER (S) and connect feeding pump hose to the container (X)
to have a loop the container (X) in which the solution has been prepared.
• Start up the system and circulate the solution inside the closed loop for 5 to 10 minutes. Leave the solution in the
system.
• Empty the prefilters and replace the cartridges.
• Connect the BRINE (R) to the discharge fitting (Y).
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 4-10
Considering the high sensibility of the membrane modules, we advise the exclusive use of flushing
chemicals and filter cartridges supplies by Tecnicomar.
To resume operation after prolonged shutdown, fill the prefilters with clean, nonchlorinated water. Open the sea water
intake valve. Make sure that the manual three-way valve (N) is in the UNSAFE WATER position. Open the pressure
control valve (I) by turning it counterclockwise. Operate the system for 5 minutes without applying pressure. After that,
apply the right pressure as described in section 3.
The LONG-TERM SHUT DOWN may be avoided by operating the system for 10 minutes at least
once every two days. The membranes will be flushed and the development of bacteria will be kept
under control.
However, in all cases the membranes must be kept from freezing.
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 4-11
SECTION 5
5 Maintenance
The watermaker requires some maintenance. The most sensitive component is the reverse osmosis membrane module.
Some safety components, such as low- and high-pressure gauges. High pressure piping and fittings must be checked
periodically for the safe use of the watermaker.
The feed water should be always clear; avoid starting the system in harbours or in waters containing
oil or chlorine.
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 5-12
5.5 Prefilter maintenance
The prefilters require maintenance when :
• The low-pressure gauge reads less than 30% of the pressure reading with new filter cartridges (0.8 ... 1 bar).
• The high pressure pump make a stange noise.
• The system starts up, but shuts down after few seconds.
• The operating pressure do not stabilize.
Use only Tecnicomar replacement cartridges. A stock of replacement filter cartridges should always
be kept onboard (see maintenance kit, par. 5.4).
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 5-13
5.6 Extraordinary maintenance
[Link] Flowmeter
The flowmeter installed on the watermaker is only an indicator of fresh water production and it cannot be considered an
instrument of precision. At times, however, it may be necessary to perform simple maintenance on it following the steps
indicated below.
1. Switch off the power supply.
2. Unscrew the upper part of the flowmeter.
3. Using a soft piece of cloth and a rigid stick, clean the interior without
scratching the parts inside.
4. Reinstall the upper part of the flowmeter.
5.7.1.1Prefiltering circuit
Components Required maintenance Maintenance Period
Prefilters Clean or replace filter cartridges When the low pressure gauge (D)
and clean the sump reading falls below 0.5 bar
Low pressure gauge Clean the entry bore When it does not indicate pressure or
every 15 months
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 5-14
5.7.1.2Pressurizing circuit
High pressure pump Change oil 1 First change: after 3 months or 50 hours
of operation; then every year or after
every 500 hrs of operation.
Membrane Replace the membrane 2 When the produced water is not fresh.
module
Membrane Cleaning procedure 2 When the fresh water production is less
than 30% of the production with new
membranes.
1
Use only the oil supplied by TECNICOMAR
2
Contact a TECNICOMAR Authorized Center
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 5-15
SECTION 6
6 Technical characteristics and spare parts
(1)
Nominal production expressed in gallons per day.
(2)
Test condition: 1. Operating pressure 60 BAR (850psi)
2. prefilter feed pressure 0.8 BAR (15psi)
3. feed water temperature 25°C
4. feed water salinity 35000 ppm
5. feed water pH-value 3-11.
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 6-16
6.3 Spare part list
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 6-17
VESSEL GROUP 2540
No. PART NAME ITEM CODE QTY
1 Vessel 2540 1000psi 211PV025400000 1
2 End plug for vessel 1 Hole A14TP1F0DU0025 1
3 End plug for vessel 2 Holes A14TP2F0DU0025 1
4 Adaptor for vessel A14RP212AD3237 2
5 Membrane SW30 2540 gpd 211SW025400000 1
6 Half moon secure plate 3mm 211LV00003TVIX 4
7 Screw M6x10 AX TE TF DIN933 202VT00610TE00 4
8 O ring for vessel 2521/2540 211PV00R020000 2
9 Elbow m/f ¼” 201RXMF014GNPT 2
10 Elbow ¼” – 9/16” 201RX91614GNJI 2
11 High pressure hose 3/8”(+fittings) THP/…/3/8 2
12 Straight ¼” - 10 201RP01014D000 1
13 Hose HTR Ø10 201RPHTR810NAL 1
14 Tee Ø10 201RP00010T000 1
14 (*) Equal elbow 10 201RP00010G000 1
15 O-ring internal for pressure vessel 211PV0OR010000 2
16 (**) Swivel elbow 10-10 201RP01010GC00 2
17 Bush for vessel h.48 A14AN000PV0048 2
(*) only in one vessel(if vessels>1) (**) only in one vessel (output)
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 6-18
6.4 Warranty for Tecnicomar equipments
The Manufacturer undertakes to remedy any non-conformity due to the defects in materials or
workmanship of the Products for which he is liable, occurring within twelve (12) months from the start-
up date. Under no circumstances will the warranty period exceed eighteen (18) months from the date of
shipment from Tecnicomar. It is condition of warranty that the start-up registration card has been filled in
and sent to Tecnicomar within thirty (30) days from the start-up.
To make use of the warranty, the Buyer must immediately communicate in writing to TECNICOMAR the
detected failure, indicating type, model and serial number of the equipment. The warranty will not be
extended to those parts where serial number is missing or erased.
No claim shall be considered, and warranty shall be considered null and void, if:
a) other than the parts supplied by Tecnicomar have been used within the system components as
replacement parts or accessories;
b) the system has been installed using different procedures and materials other than those described in
the User’s Manual, without a written authorization by Tecnicomar;
c) the system has been repaired or modified by personnel not authorized by Tecnicomar;
d) the maintenance standards suggested by Tecnicomar have not been respected;
e) the system has been required to deliver superior or different performance than the one for which it
was designed and supplied.
Under no circumstances and in no condition shall Tecnicomar’s liability within these warranty terms
exceed the original value of the supplied equipment. TECNICOMAR will not be liable to reimburse
direct or indirect damages.
This is the only warranty applicable to the equipment and expressively replaces any other warranties,
expressed or implied, including any other warranties or liabilities against vices or defects, hidden or
otherwise and any other obligation or liability whether in contract or in law.
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 6-19
WARRANTY CLAIM
A claim shall be made by delivering the part for inspection to an authorized dealer or by giving notice to
Tecnicomar (info@[Link] - Fax +39.0923.960235) that shall then arrange for the necessary inspection and
repair or replacement (which may be conducted at the facilities of Tecnicomar) provided such service is covered
under this warranty.
RETURN PRODUCT TO TECNICOMAR ONLY AFTER RECEIVING FACTORY
AUTHORIZATION INCLUDING THE ASSIGNMENT OF A RETURN MATERIAL
AUTHORIZATION NUMBER. THIS NUMBER MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED ON THE OUTSIDE
OF THE BOX WHEN SHIPPING. Buyer shall pay for all related labor and materials and any shipping,
transportation and other expenses associated with the service.
Instructions for the installation, use and maintenance of Tecnicomar Watermaker 6-20