Advertisement

Quick Links

Electric Watermaker
Operations Manual
Rainman Technology Pty Ltd
#17 / 10-18 Orchard Road
Brookvale, NSW 2100
Australia
www.rainmandesal.com
support@rainmandesal.com
+61 433 826 626
Version 2.81

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for Rainman Electric

  • Page 1 Electric Watermaker Operations Manual Rainman Technology Pty Ltd #17 / 10-18 Orchard Road Brookvale, NSW 2100 Australia www.rainmandesal.com support@rainmandesal.com +61 433 826 626 Version 2.81...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introduction About this manual Rainman concept Getting to know your system Desalination basics Detailed schematic Rainman models Preparing system for first use Using the system Setup - Portable Setup - Installed Run – Portable or Installed Shutdown - Portable...
  • Page 3: Introduction

    This instruction manual is for our range of electric powered watermakers. Our petrol (gasoline) powered watermaker is supplied with its own specific manual. Rainman Watermakers in a case (referred to as cased from now on) can be run either portable or installed, while our naked systems are designed for installed application only.
  • Page 4: Rainman Concept

    Rainman concept All Rainman systems consist of two main components - a pressure supply unit (PSU) and a reverse osmosis unit (RO). The PSU will lift water to the system, pre-filter it down to five microns and feed it into a high pressure pump.
  • Page 5: Getting To Know Your System

    Desalination basics Desalination sounds complex, but it’s quite simple in principle. The Rainman watermaker operates through a process called reverse osmosis (RO). In its most simple terms, the system draws seawater up, filters out sediment and particulates, then puts the clean seawater under high pressure to pass through an RO membrane.
  • Page 6: Detailed Schematic

    55 bar (800 psi). Brine water is released to the sea while fresh water is routed to your drinking water tank. Rainman Electric Manual – Page 4...
  • Page 7: Rainman Models

    Rainman models Rainman offers multiple versions of watermakers. Various options are shown here. Rainman 12VDC naked PSU Rainman AC naked PSU Rainman AC PSU in case Compact RO in case Rainman 12VDC PSU in case Rainman petrol/gasoline PSU High output RO in case...
  • Page 8: Preparing System For First Use

    Preparing system for first use If you plan to install your Rainman Watermaker, please consult Appendix 2 Installation Guide. When initially delivered, the high pressure pump will have a travel oil plug fitted to contain the oil during shipping. You will need to swap it for the oil breather plug (supplied). To swap the oil plugs:...
  • Page 9: Using The System

    2000 Watts peak, 1600 Watts continuous power. If using a Honda portable generator, make sure the eco-throttle is off. Once the Rainman is running, you can switch the eco-throttle back on. Make sure the voltage and frequency match the unit (eg.
  • Page 10: Setup - Installed

    Ensure that the brine output is free from blockage. Ensure that the product water output is directed to ‘test’ and not to a water tank. Set the pressure control valve to fully open position (anti-clockwise). Rainman Electric Manual – Page 8...
  • Page 11: Run - Portable Or Installed

    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. Rainman Electric Manual – Page 9...
  • Page 12: Shutdown - Portable

    If you intend to flush or pickle your system, refer to the Care and Maintenance section below. Close the sea water intake valve in accordance with your normal routine. Switching off the PSU while system is under pressure will cause pressure shock to the membranes and may damage them. Rainman Electric Manual – Page 10...
  • Page 13: Desalinating While Under Way

    10 litres/min, and a maximum output pressure of 3 bar (45 psi). If using a portable Rainman whilst underway, make sure the system is placed securely and protected from getting wet.
  • Page 14: Desalinating Brackish Water

    Care and maintenance Storage Always store your Rainman watermaker upright in a dry and ventilated area. Dry any obvious moisture off the unit before putting it away. Water can drip from the unit during storage, particularly in hot weather, and it is very important that there is sufficient ventilation to avoid creating an overly humid environment.
  • Page 15: Reverse Osmosis Membrane Care

    The Rainman automatic fresh water flush system is an optional unit that automatically flushes your system with fresh water from your boats water tanks every 7 days. Instructions for the Rainman automatic fresh water flush system are in Appendix 3.
  • Page 16: Pickling Your Watermaker

    There are various brands of potable antifreeze available. It is important to note the percentage of PG in the product. Potable antifreeze labelled ‘concentrate’ is usually near to 100% PG, however, some brands are pre- diluted. Rainman Electric Manual – Page 14...
  • Page 17: Changing The Pre-Filter

    Do not use a carbon cartridge. Some carbon cartridges also function as sediment filters, and therefore may be labelled as ‘sediment’ cartridges and have a 5 micron rating. These are NOT suitable for use with your Rainman watermaker as they will restrict flow rates and cause problems with your high pressure pump.
  • Page 18: Lift Pump Service

    The lift pump impeller can be accessed through the triangular port after removing the pre-filter bowl. Using a 7mm socket, remove the 3 bolts and the triangular plate. The impeller can then be removed with needle-nose pliers. Rainman Electric Manual – Page 16...
  • Page 19: Push-Fit Instructions

    In the event of a warranty claim, Rainman Technology will inspect the defective component and repair or replace at our discretion. Shipping charges are the responsibility of the purchaser to and from our facility in Sydney, Australia.
  • Page 20: Appendix 1 - Troubleshooting

    If so, this hose needs repair or replacement. 7. If you have installed your Rainman system, check all items upstream from the pressure supply unit to see if something is starving the Rainman of free flowing water. We recommend all fittings on the intake side should be a 3/4’...
  • Page 21 Salt water drip under HP pump HP pump packings are worn Replace HP pump packings. AC - Generator trips when Inadequate power source Try running with a stronger power supply to isolate whether the problem is with the Rainman system starting or power supply.
  • Page 22 Symptom Possible Cause Resolution 12VDC - Current draw higher Battery voltage low Ensure batteries are fully charged. than expected Battery lead too long causes Move PSU closer to source and shorten battery leads. excessive voltage drop Water tastes salty, The TDS (total dissolved solids) readings will vary throughout the life of your system. In general, the Worn membrane increasing unexpectedly TDS should be increasing slowly over several years.
  • Page 23 If you go above the specified output of your system, you should decrease the operating pressure until you are within the spec. See section in manual on brackish water. Other issue not listed in table Contact your dealer or Rainman at support@rainmandesal.com...
  • Page 24 Rainman Watermaker Installation Instructions (Appendix 2 of General Instruction Manual) Rainman Technology Pty Ltd #17 / 10-18 Orchard Road Brookvale, NSW 2100 Australia www.rainmandesal.com support@rainmandesal.com +61 433 826 626 Version 3.4...
  • Page 25 Table of Contents Installation Overview Physically Mounting Your Watermaker Mounting Naked Pressure Supply Unit (PSU) Mounting Cased Pressure Supply Unit (PSU) Mounting Naked Reverse Osmosis (RO) Unit Mounting Cased Reverse Osmosis (RO) Unit Plumbing Watermaker Into Your Vessel Stage 1 - Seawater Intake Stage 2 - Brine outlet (waste overboard) Stage 3 - Product (fresh) water connection to fresh water tank Extra items you may need...
  • Page 26: Installation Overview

    Installation Overview The Rainman installation system consists of parts that will allow you to install your AC electric or 12VDC watermaker. This is a guide only. Installation will vary from vessel to vessel. All electric Rainman systems can be installed. The systems in the traditional blue case can be either installed or run as portable.
  • Page 27 When selecting a suitable mounting position, consider the following points: • The mounting kit should be secured to a level surface and positioned in such a way that there is a minimum 100mm (4”) of clearance on one side to allow for working space to complete the assembly. •...
  • Page 28 Slide the PSU into the mounting seat as shown. Ensure the PSU orientation matches the embossed diagram on the mounting seat. As you place the unit in the mounting seat, taking care to align the black rubber vibration isolators on the PSU with the corresponding holes in the side frame.
  • Page 29 Mount the prefilter bracket as close to the PSU as possible, not exceeding two meters (six feet). Before installing the prefilter, consider how you will run the tubing to the ‘IN’ and ‘OUT’ sides of the prefilter. It is very important that the tube from the brass lift pump runs to the “IN”...
  • Page 30: Mounting Cased Pressure Supply Unit (Psu)

    Mounting Cased Pressure Supply Unit (PSU) The cased PSU can be mounted using the mounting seat and strap provided. When selecting a suitable mounting position, consider the following points: ● The mounting seat should be secured to a level surface. ●...
  • Page 31: Mounting Naked Reverse Osmosis (Ro) Unit

    Mounting Naked Reverse Osmosis (RO) Unit The mounting system for Rainman RO High Output (twin 40” membranes) or Economy (single 40” membrane) are the same and consist of three parts. One back bracket and two mounting saddles. The Compact unit (twin 21” membranes) consists of four parts, including two abbreviated back brackets and two mounting saddles.
  • Page 32 For most mounting surfaces, a total of four fasteners will be adequate. More mounting holes have been provided for placing up to 12 fasteners. 4 x 14 Gauge countersunk self-tappers are provided in the kit. Instructions Fasten the back bracket using the appropriate fasteners. It is usual to mount against a wall, but the back bracket also has angled holes for mounting on a floor if desired.
  • Page 33 4. Secure the RO unit by attaching the two saddles firmly using the four M6 x 40 cap screws provided. 5. Use slots on the back bracket with zip ties to tie off hoses, keeping the set up tidy. 6. Mount the product water flow meter at a convenient location in line with the white product water hose.
  • Page 34: Mounting Cased Reverse Osmosis (Ro) Unit

    Mounting Cased Reverse Osmosis (RO) Unit The cased RO units include plates and screws to assist with mounting the systems while in the case. Instructions Place each mounting plate inside the case, over the two holes in the rear. Use double sided tape or other adhesive to hold the plates in position during installation.
  • Page 35: Plumbing Watermaker Into Your Vessel

    Plumbing Watermaker Into Your Vessel Regardless of whether you have a Rainman Naked system or the traditional Rainman in the blue case, the process of plumbing it into your vessel is the same. The plumbing installation is broken into 3 stages.
  • Page 36 Ensure your Rainman system is not competing for water while running with a shared through hull. Cut the existing 3/4” supply hose (example: deck wash pump) and add the tee piece supplied.
  • Page 37: Stage 2 - Brine Outlet (Waste Overboard)

    The brine waste water hose will come from the RO unit in the traditional blue cased version of the system. If you have a Rainman Naked system, the green brine hose will come from the remote pressure control valve / gauge assembly.
  • Page 38: Stage 3 - Product (Fresh) Water Connection To Fresh Water Tank

    Connecting it to the filler hose to your fresh water tank. Leave the white product water hose loose and manually putting it into your deck filler each time you use your Rainman watermaker. Extra items you may need There are some items you may require for your installation that are not part of the plumbing installation kit.
  • Page 39 Rainman Autoflush Instructions (Appendix 3 of General Instruction Manual) Rainman Technology Pty Ltd #17 / 10-18 Orchard Road Brookvale, NSW 2100 Australia www.rainmandesal.com support@rainmandesal.com +61 433 826 626 Version 1.3...
  • Page 40 This prevents fouling of the reverse osmosis membranes. The system utilises the boat’s main water pump, a Rainman flush timer box, a motorised valve, and an activated carbon filter (neutralises chlorine that may be in your water tank) to force fresh water through your watermaker for several minutes every seven days.
  • Page 41 • The T fitting after the activated carbon filter is to be spliced in to the Rainman pressure supply unit between the brass lift pump and the prefilter. When looking at the prefilter, this hose should be on the right side.
  • Page 42 While the Rainman flush timer is idle, a blue LED will flash a count of days left before the next flush cycle. For example, if there are three days before the next flush, the blue LED will flash three times then pause, and repeat.
  • Page 43 This allows the operator to verify the new setting is correct. The Rainman flush timer will now switch back to normal operation, and the seven day counter is not reset. To test the new flush time, press the push button again to activate a cycle. This will then reset the seven day timer.

Table of Contents