Fresh Water Makers

Reverse Osmosis is based upon the biological process of osmosis, which allows fluids to pass through a semipermeable membrane. When two solutions of different concentrations are separated by a semi-permeable membrane, through osmosis, the less concentrated (purer) solution will naturally flow through the membrane toward the more concentrated (saltier) solution. Thereby diluting the more concentrated solution.

Desalination is a separation process used to turn salt water into drinking water.

The desalination of water by reverse osmosis is a membrane separation process in which the water from a pressurized saline solution (seawater) is forced through a synthetic semi-permeable membrane leaving its salts behind (dissolved solids). In reverse osmosis, the concentrated (saltier) solution is pressurized to force the less concentrated (purer) solution back through a semi-permeable membrane leaving its dissolved solids (salts) behind. The permeate (the liquid flowing through the membrane), which emerges near atmospheric pressure, has a reduction in salt content greater than 98.6%, while the feed solution, which is pressurized on the other side of the membrane, increases in salt content (reject).

As no heating or phase change takes place, the major energy usage in the process is required to pressurize the feedwater high pressure pump.

Several factors will help determine the proper size system for your marine vessel. It would be best if you considered the following when calculating your required potable water per day:

• The size of your freshwater holding tank
• The number of hours per day that you wish to run your system
• The size of your generator

What is your required potable water per day?

Examples:

• If your average daily requirement is 200 gallons per day (GPD) and you wish to run your system for 5 hours each day, then you should target a system that produces approximately 40 gallons per hour (GPH), which would equate to a system rated at 950 gallons per day (GPD).
• If your requirements are 200 gallons per day and you want to run your system for 8 hours per day, you could utilize a system that produces 25 gallons per hour (GPH) or 600 gallons per day (GPD).

Check the system start amperage to ensure that your vessel’s generator can handle the electrical load.

If you’re looking for a top of the line water maker that can be customized to fit your needs, we at Separator Spares & Equipment are here to help. We have a wide variety of options available to suit any commercial vessel, and our team is always happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get the freshwater you need on board.

Osmosis is the natural diffusion of two mixable solutions through a semipermeable membrane resulting in the equalization of concentration between the two solutions. The solution with a lower concentration diffuses through the semipermeable membrane and into the solution with a higher concentration.

For the purposes of desalinating water, the seawater is a high concentration solution and the potable water is low concentration. Therefore, seawater cannot naturally diffuse through a semipermeable membrane to create potable water. Desalination is a separation process used to turn saltwater into drinking water.

To overcome this dilemma, the reverse osmosis system utilizes high pressure to cause reverse osmosis.

High pressure forces the high concentration solution (seawater) through the semipermeable membrane (RO Membrane) resulting in increased low concentration solution (potable water).

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems:

Regular maintenance is required to keep your reverse osmosis watermaker reliable and to prevent potential problems and major repairs. We have the solutions and resources to support your freshwater needs.

We can help you with your parts and service needs. To learn, visit our Reverse Osmosis Fresh Water Makers Services webpage.

Vacuum Distillation Systems:

Are your vacuum distillation systems losing performance? Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have a poorly functioning Alfa Laval Nirex Freshwater Generator or GEA Westfalia SeaWater Distiller.

Separator Spares & Equipment has years of experience servicing these devices and will be happy to provide helpful troubleshooting tips or even parts if necessary. We can help you with your parts and service needs. To learn, visit our Plate Heat Exchanger Services webpage.