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Dessalator AC PRO COMPACT D160 Watermaker

Reverse osmosis watermaker producing fresh water from seawater.

Overview

  • Model: Dessalator AC PRO COMPACT D160
  • Production: 160 liters/hour (at 25°C seawater)
  • Membranes: 2 membranes (1200×190×120mm)
  • Power: 230V AC, ~2.5kW
  • Operating Pressure: 60-65 bar (green zone on gauge)

Components

Motor/Pump Block

  • High-pressure pump pushes seawater to 60-65 bar
  • 230V motor
  • Must be installed in ventilated space, horizontal position
  • Incorporated into chassis frame (COMPACT version)

Membrane Block

  • 2 reverse osmosis membranes
  • Must be mounted horizontally (base or side)
  • Red mark: inlet from HP pump
  • Blue mark: fresh water outlet

Pre-Filter Block

  • Two-stage filtration:
  • First stage: 25 micron cartridge
  • Second stage: 5 micron cartridge
  • Equipped with solenoid valve for automatic rinsing
  • Must be accessible for filter changes

Sea Water Pre-Pump

  • Equipped with 3-way valve for:
  • Normal operation (seawater)
  • Manual rinsing (fresh water)
  • Closed position (filter changes)
  • Must be installed below waterline

Control Panel

  • High-pressure manometer (green zone: 60-65 bar)
  • Low-pressure manometer
  • Fresh water flowmeter
  • Start/stop switch
  • Manual/Auto mode selector (optional)
  • Pressure adjustment knob
  • Operating hours counter
  • Three LED indicators:
  • Red: Alarm
  • Yellow: Poor quality
  • Green: Good quality

Specifications

Production Capacity

  • Nominal: 160 L/hr at 25°C seawater
  • Temperature effect: 2.5-5% reduction per degree below 25°C
  • Example: At 15°C seawater, expect 25-50% reduction in output

Operating Parameters

  • High pressure: 60-65 bar (green zone)
  • Pressure build-up time: ~1 minute during startup
  • Automatic rinse cycle: 30 seconds
  • Salt rejection: 99% (reverse osmosis)

Power Requirements

  • Voltage: 230V AC, 50 Hz
  • Circuit breaker: 2P 25A, 400V, Type D
  • Consumption: ~2.5kW during operation

Operating Procedures

Pre-Start Checks

Critical Checks Before Starting

  • Verify hull valve is open
  • Check pre-filter cartridges are installed
  • Ensure pressure regulator knob is set to minimum before first start
  • Verify water tanks have capacity for production

First Use / After Long Storage

  1. Flush the system with fresh water (1 minute):
  2. Watermaker must be OFF
  3. Open pressure regulator fully (counterclockwise)
  4. Turn 3-way valve on pre-pump to fresh water position
  5. Allow pressurized fresh water to flush system

  6. Return 3-way valve to seawater position

  7. When to flush:

  8. First time use
  9. After changing filters
  10. After boat has been grounded
  11. After storage >1 month
  12. Before starting after >10 days idle

Manual Mode Startup

  1. Set mode switch to MANUAL

  2. Press START button

  3. Pre-pump starts

  4. Low pressure gauge needle rises to green zone

  5. Gradually increase pressure (~1 minute process):

  6. Slowly turn pressure regulator knob clockwise
  7. First bring pressure to middle of orange zone
  8. Continue gradually to green zone (60-65 bar)

  9. Do not rush - take full minute for pressure build-up

  10. Monitor production:

  11. Green LED lights = good quality water
  12. Flowmeter shows production rate
  13. Yellow LED = poor quality (water diverted overboard)
  14. Red LED = alarm condition

High Pressure Alarm

If pressure is set too high, red alarm LED will light and watermaker stops. Lower pressure with regulator knob and restart.

Stopping Without Rinsing

Use this method only if watermaker will be used again within 10 days.

  1. Set mode switch to OFF

  2. Lower pressure regulator:

  3. Turn knob fully counterclockwise until gauge shows minimum
  4. Then reopen by 1/4 turn clockwise

Rinsing Requirements

  • Within 10 days: No rinsing required
  • 10+ days idle: Must rinse before next use
  • Monthly: Rinse if not being used regularly
  • Extended storage (>1 month): Must sterilize membranes

Stopping With Automatic Rinsing

Recommended method when watermaker will not be used for >10 days.

  1. While watermaker is running:
  2. Turn pressure regulator knob counterclockwise
  3. Pressure gauge will drop to minimum

  4. Then reopen by 1/4 turn clockwise

  5. Automatic rinse sequence:

  6. Watermaker stops producing water
  7. Green AND yellow LEDs light up
  8. Rinse runs for 30 seconds automatically
  9. LEDs turn off, blue LED flashes
  10. Set mode switch to OFF

Benefits of automatic rinsing: - Replaces seawater with fresh water in membranes - Washes pre-filters - Flushes debris back through hull valve

Manual Rinsing Procedure

Used for maintenance or if automatic rinse not performed.

3-Way Valve Positions on Pre-Pump:

Position Use
Handle down Normal seawater operation
Handle horizontal Closed (for filter changes)
Handle up Fresh water rinsing/sterilization

Manual Rinse Steps:

  1. Watermaker must be OFF
  2. Turn 3-way valve handle UP (fresh water position)
  3. Let fresh water run through system for 1 minute
  4. Return 3-way valve handle DOWN (seawater position)

Maintenance

Membrane Care

Critical Rules:

Membrane Enemies

  • Pressurized fresh water - worst enemy of membranes
  • Freezing (below 0°C) - causes rupture
  • High heat (above 60°C) - prevents salt removal
  • Drying out - after first use, must stay wet

Membrane Life: - Normal flow reduction of 10-15% over time is expected - Rinsing can improve output - Replace membranes when flow is no longer satisfactory

Rinsing Schedule

Scenario Action Required
Daily use No rinsing needed
Idle 10 days or less No rinsing needed
Idle more than 10 days Rinse before next use
Not used regularly Rinse monthly
Extended storage (>1 month) Must sterilize

Filter Replacement

Pre-Filter Cartridges: - 25 micron (first stage) - 5 micron (second stage) - Replace when flow decreases or pressure rises - Always flush system with fresh water after changing filters

Replacement Procedure: 1. Close hull valve 2. Turn 3-way valve to closed position (horizontal) 3. Use filter wrench to unscrew housings 4. Replace cartridges 5. Check O-rings are in place 6. Reassemble and flush system

Sterilization

Required for storage >1 month, maximum 6 months sterilized storage.

Method 1: Using ST2 Sterilization Cartridge (reusable):

  1. Watermaker OFF, hull valve closed
  2. Prepare ST2 cartridge:
  3. Open cartridge (save O-ring)
  4. Remove top screen
  5. Place foam at bottom
  6. Pour sterilizing powder in
  7. Replace top screen and close
  8. Remove 5µm and 25µm cartridges from pre-filter
  9. Install ST2 cartridge in place of 5µm cartridge
  10. Turn 3-way valve to fresh water position
  11. Run for 20 seconds
  12. Sterilization lasts up to 6 months

Before next use after sterilization: - Rinse system with fresh water for 10 minutes - Remove ST2 cartridge - Reinstall standard 5µm and 25µm cartridges

Method 2: Manual Method (without ST2 cartridge): - Mix sterilizing solution (1 bag in 8 liters fresh water) - Disconnect seawater inlet pipe - Place in bucket with solution - Start watermaker without increasing pressure - Run until bucket empties - Reconnect pipe

High-Pressure Pump

  • Half-filled with 15W40 or 20W40 multigrade oil
  • Check oil level on gauge (do not overfill)
  • Oil does not need changing over time
  • Remove transport tape from red oil filler cap before use

Winterization / Frost Protection

Freezing Risk

In case of frost risk, take these steps:

  1. Empty flowmeter:
  2. Disconnect blue output pipe at control panel
  3. Blow or inject air into pipe

  4. Alternate pressing solenoid valve button at panel back

  5. Protect membranes:

  6. Cover with blankets or insulation
  7. Never expose to temperatures below 0°C

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Cause Solution
Leak on pressure regulator Control cable gland loosened Tighten with 12mm wrench
HP pump is noisy Reduced water inlet or air Check pipe diameter, clamps, filter cleanliness
HP pump is noisy Pressure not in green zone Set pressure to green zone
Oil leak on HP pump Worn gaskets on connecting rods Replace gaskets
Insufficient water flow Water too cold Normal - 2.5-5% reduction per °C
Insufficient water flow Pre-filter dirty Replace pre-filter cartridges
Insufficient water flow Power supply too weak Recharge batteries, check connections
Insufficient water flow Voltage drop in cable Install cable with larger section
Water leaks under HP head Worn gaskets Replace piston gaskets
Pressure not rising Dirty pump valves Remove and clean valves in pump head
Red LED alarm at startup Low pressure - air in system Check seawater valve and pre-filter, restart
Red LED during operation No power to pressure sensor Check sensor or system voltage
Red LED during operation Pressure too high Switch off, fully open regulator, restart

LED Indicator Guide

Control Panel LEDs:

Red Yellow Green Meaning
Off Off Flashing Pumps starting, building pressure
Off Solid Off Pressure reached, waiting for water quality
Off Off Solid Good quality water production
Off Solid Solid Automatic rinsing (30 seconds)
Flashing Flashing Off Low pressure alarm
Solid Flashing Off Alarm: Low pressure at startup OR no power to pressure sensor
Solid Off Off Alarm: Pressure too high

Water Quality

Reverse Osmosis Performance: - Removes 99% of salt and impurities - Conductivity target: <1000 µSiemens - Salinity probe automatically diverts poor quality water overboard - Water safe to drink when produced - Consider mineralization cartridge for long-term drinking water

Storage in Tanks: - Treat tank water with commercially available products if needed - Follow manufacturer's dosage instructions

Spare Parts

Recommended to Keep Onboard: - 5µm and 25µm 10-inch filter cartridges - High-pressure pump seals and valves - Sterilizer sachets or ST2 cartridge - Salinity probe (spare) - Pressure sensor (spare)

Manuals

Safety Notes

Critical Safety Information

  • Never work with electrical power on
  • Never run with hull valve closed
  • Never use in muddy, polluted, or brackish water
  • Never expose membranes to freezing temperatures
  • Never pressurize membranes with fresh water (biggest enemy)
  • Place pre-pump where no risk of water spraying
  • Ensure adequate ventilation for motor/pump block
  • Use proper fuses only: 3.15A for AC input, 2A for DC
  • Follow pressure build-up procedure slowly (1 minute)

Manufacturer Contact

Dessalator ZI des 3 Moulins 282 rue des Cistes, Bâtiment Euro 92 06600 Antibes, France