Rainman Electric Manual
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Page 9
Run
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Portable or Installed
1.
Switch on the Pressure Supply Unit.
2.
Water will start flowing out the green brine output water hose. Wait until the stream of
water is free of bubbles. Upon first use, it may take up to 15 seconds to see water come out
of the green hose.
The 12V Pressure Supply Unit requires considerably more time to push all bubbles through
the system. The flow rate of the 12V pump is less than the AC or petrol / gasoline units, which
means that a small amount of air can cause the pump to cavitate. For these reasons 12V
users, particularly upon first use of the system, or when air has entered the system for some
reason, should wait 2-5 minutes for all bubbles to exit the system.
3.
Gradually close the pressure control valve on the reverse osmosis unit by turning clockwise
until the pressure gauge reads 55 Bar (800 psi). The correct pressure is indicated by the dark
green area on the pressure gauge dial. For maximum membrane life, take about one minute
to build to full pressure. Within 15 seconds water will start flowing out the white product
hose.
Never exceed 58 Bar (850 psi). If you over-tighten the pressure control valve, the relief valve
in the PSU will release and water will recirculate within the high pressure pump. This
prevents damage to the RO membranes from excess pressure. However, prolonged
operation of the relief valve can damage the unit.
Note: the clear liquid inside the pressure gauge is glycerine. This is to reduce vibration inside
the gauge and ensure long and reliable service. It is normal to see a large bubble inside the
gauge.
If you are using your watermaker for the first time, run for at least half an hour to flush all
preservatives from the system.
4.
Every time you use the unit, let fresh water flow out the white product hose for
approximately 60 seconds to clear water or pickle solution that may be in the system. You
should test the product water at this point by taste or with a TDS hydrotester.
5.
When the product water is pure, direct the product water hose into a fresh water tank and
allow the system to run uninterrupted until full. Check the pressure gauge approximately
every ten minutes. Although the ideal pressure is 55 Bar (800 psi), the acceptable range is
between 51-58 Bar (750-850 psi). A small amount of pressure drift is normal. Adjust if
necessary.
6.
If you are desalinating brackish water, or water that you suspect might be lower salinity than
normal sea water, check that the product water flow rate is no higher than the
recommended maximum for your system using the flow meter. See the section
Desalinating
Brackish Water
for more details.
Variations in load and voltage will cause variation in rpm of the motor. This in turn causes
variation in pressure. Therefore, the system pressure should be checked and/or adjusted
after changes in voltage occur. These changes may occur when turning on or off an
alternator, switching between battery banks, or because of gradual variations in output from
solar panels and/or batteries.
