The unit is fully automatic equipped with a user friendly touchscreen control display showing all data relevant to water production. It is possible to set many parameters (ie rejection value, runtime in Gallons or hours, Fresh water flush intervals and duration etc.) from the screen and the system worked very well so far.
First attempt to commission the watermaker was made on the planned handover date. At each startup attempt of the high pressure pump, the unit was tripping RCD on the pontoon electric pedestal. Later we found out that the soft start module was wired incorrectly by the installer in Plymouth. The wiring has been corrected and the unit finally started.Incorrect wiring
Status: Fixed in 14 days
 |
| Watermaker control module. We later found out that the problem was due to incorrect wiring of the soft start module. |
Watermaker System Leaks
Once the unit started, we had the chance to test it out and check for leaks. After a short runtime, we found out that the unit was leaking from various locations on the filter fittings. This issue has been fixed by Princess within 3 days. Then we found out that the system was leaking from both membranes. Princess could not fix this problem and contacted the supplier (Parker) who constantly postponed attendance. As of today, the watermaker is still leaking.Status: Pending since 02May18
Update - 25 June:
We have been informed by Princess that the Parker supplier has finally sourced parts required to fix the leak, however the supplier now indicated that due to "insurance" reasons, the work cannot be performed at anchor and that it must be performed in a berth. As we are away from our home port at anchor and considering the difficulty in finding and securing a berth in full season, it looks like the water bucket underneath the membrane will continue to come handy...
 |
| System leaking from filter fittings |
 |
| System leaking from membrane outlets |
 |
| We have placed a bucket underneath the leaking spot to prevent water from draining to Engine Room bilge area |
 |
| Replaced part that was causing the leak |
Status Update: Fixed in 93 days
Engine room and lazarette flooded
Problems unfortunately did not end here. Then a Princess technician -for some reason- disconnected Watermaker brine output from the drain box without anybody knowing it. As soon as we started the watermaker to test the system, brine output (approximately 9L/min) salt water started flooding the Engine room and Lazarette. When we noticed, it was too late and 50-60L of salt water already flooded the genset area also wetting the generator and inverter/chargers.
Status: Fixed in 2 days
 |
| Disconnected watermaker brine outlet (fitting marked in green). Drain box cover was also left open (marked in red), exposing lazarette area, generator and inverters to water splash. Notice that the drainbox is also not fixed to the outboard wall and is holding in place thanks to hose connections |
 |
| Then an attempt to connect the brine output has been made and drainbox cover was closed. |
Flooding Caused by Faulty Bilge Sensor
Under normal conditions, automatic bilge pump should have engaged and immediately discharged water from the bilge. If the bilge pump is active for 30 seconds, an alarm should also sound at the main helm warning the crew that a bilge pump is running.
It was at this time that we have noticed that the bilge sensor/float system was also faulty and did not engage the bilge pump at all.
Status: Fixed in 4 days
 |
| Due to faulty bilge sensor, bilge pump did not engage and water level rose up to a dangerous level (very close to AC components) in the bilge area. White pump seen in picture (watermaker low pressure pump) almost halfway submerged. Aircon raw water pump (lower section of the image) got luckier as it was mounted slightly higher. |
 |
| Oops! A missing screw on the High Pressure Pump cooling fan protection cover... |
A few screenshots from the touchscreen control panel interface of the Aquamatic 1400 GPD:
 |
| Inlet pressure, Outlet pressure, Product water flow, Brine flow, Water quality (PPM), Water temp |
 |
| Inlet pressure, Outlet pressure and other parameters on bottom databar |
 |
| Salinity, Water Temp and other parameter on bottom databar |
 |
| Schematics presentation of parameters |
For recent problems regarding the Watermaker System and updates, please visit our Recent Issues section
Page Last Updated: 22 December 2019
No comments:
Post a Comment
Feel free to share your thoughts!