How Do You Pickle A Watermaker?

The process of pickling, in the context of marine applications, is a vital aspect of maintaining a water maker. The term "pickling," being somewhat of a culinary term, may sound odd in this context, but it offers the best depiction of the process.

Essentially, pickling is the act of preserving a water maker through the use of a biodegradable solution, to ensure its optimal operation and longevity. So, when your marine expeditions come to a halt, and your water maker lays dormant, how exactly do you pickle a water maker? Let’s delve into the intricacies of this process.

The Importance of Pickling a Water Maker

Pickling a water maker is not optional, but rather, a necessity stemming from the basic principle of preventive maintenance. The primary reason for this lies in the core of the water maker’s operation - the reverse osmosis membrane. These membranes are prone to biological growth and mineral deposits, especially during periods of inactivity. These buildups can drastically affect the water production capacity and the life span of the membrane. Thus, the timely execution of the pickling process slows down the degradation of the membranes, ensures smooth operation when reactivated, and prolongs the overall health of the system.

The timing of this process is of paramount importance. It's highly recommended that the pickling process be undertaken when the watermaker is expected to be inactive for more than a week. Ignoring to pickle the water maker can lead to serious complications and hefty repair costs due to the negative impacts on the membrane.

Another advantage tabled by the pickling process relates to an economic aspect. By maintaining a healthy reverse osmosis membrane through pickling, your time and resources devoted to frequent replacements and repairs become dramatically reduced, leading to significant cost savings in the long run.

The Process of Pickling a Water Maker

The actual process of pickling a watermaker involves a series of steps that shouldn't be skipped. First, the system needs to be thoroughly rinsed with freshwater to eliminate any salt or minerals from the system. Once you've flushed the system, you need to prepare the pickling solution, which usually involves a biodegradable compound. It’s important to abide by the manufacturer's instructions when mixing this solution, as the concentration might vary based on different models.

Once the pickling solution is prepared, it's time to introduce it into the system. This action ensures all components, especially the reverse osmosis membranes, are well coated with the pickling solution. The solution acts as a protective layer, preventing the growth of microorganisms and the deposition of salts and minerals.

Finally, the system should be left to stand. The duration usually depends on the time interval till the next usage. In general, the longer the standby time, the longer you should leave the solution in the system to ensure that the pickling process is effective.

In Conclusion

In summary, pickling a water maker is an essential aspect of maintaining its performance and lifespan. This process, which involves flushing and treating the system with a special solution, safeguards the crucial reverse osmosis membranes from undesired growths and depositions. Done correctly and regularly, it can save you from costly repairs and unnecessary downtime.

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