The ECHO Tec. Watermakers Beach House Series (Wall Mount Unit) are reverse osmosis desalination systems designed for small hotels, marinas, and beach houses. These systems are engineered for continuous operation, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering high power efficiency and low maintenance costs to produce high-quality RO water. The models covered in this manual include the 500-BHL-1, 900-BHL-2, and 1200-BHL-3.
Function Description
The primary function of the ECHO Tec. Watermakers is to convert seawater into fresh, potable water through a reverse osmosis process. The system utilizes a high-pressure pump to force seawater through semi-permeable membranes, which effectively remove salts, minerals, and other impurities. The resulting product water is suitable for drinking and other uses, while the concentrated brine (reject water) is discharged.
Important Technical Specifications
The RATED PERFORMANCE of the ECHO Tec. Watermakers varies by model:
- 500-BHL-1: min. 20 gallons / 75 liters per hour
- 900-BHL-2: min. 38 gallons / 140 liters per hour
- 1200-BHL-3: min. 50 gallons / 210 liters per hour
- 1500-BHL-4: min. 60 gallons / 260 liters per hour
Performance is tested at 26°C (80°F) water temperature and a salinity of 35g/l. A 10-15% decrease in product water quantity in the first year is considered normal.
RO MEMBRANE TYPE: Standard size high rejection TFC Polyamide, thin film composite, spiral wound, single pass reverse osmosis element.
SALT REJECTION: Minimum 99.5%.
SALINITY RANGE: Up to 50,000 ppm TDS (NaCl).
PH RANGE: 4 – 11.
CHLORINE TOLERANCE: 1000 ppm hours.
OPERATING PRESSURE: 725 to 800 psi (continuous duty).
FEED WATER PRESSURE: 0 to 60 psi.
FEED WATER TEMPERATURE RANGE: Minimum 0.5°C (33°F), maximum 45°C (113°F).
ELECTRICAL POWER REQUIREMENTS:
- 115 V / 60Hz: 18 amps
- 220 V / 50Hz: 11 amps
- 230 V / 60Hz: 8.6 amps
SAFETY SWITCH OFF FUNCTIONS:
- High RO pressure: above 1000 PSI.
- Low high-pressure pump feed pressure: below 1.5 PSI.
- High product salinity (optional).
Usage Features
The system includes several components for efficient operation:
- Filter Housings: Two housings with brackets, including 5 and 20 micron pre-filter cartridges.
- High-Pressure Pump Unit: Equipped with controls.
- Pressure Vessel(s): Contains reverse osmosis membrane(s). The number of vessels varies by model: one for 500-BHL-1, two for 900-BHL-2, three for 1200-BHL-3, and four for 1500-BHL-4.
- Hardener / pH Neutralizer Kit: Includes a mineral element and fittings for product water conditioning.
- Hosing and Tubing: Various lengths of reinforced vinyl hose and blue product water tubing for reject, product, flush, pre-filter to pump, and service intake. High-pressure hoses with fittings are also included.
- Handheld TDS Meter: For checking product water quality.
- Cleaning Solutions: Biocide, acid cleaning solution, and alkaline cleaning solution are provided.
Installation Guidelines:
- The high-pressure pump unit should be mounted in a cool, dry location, not higher than 30ft above low water level and within 100ft/30m. Electrical installation must be performed by a professional electrician, ensuring correct voltage.
- Membrane vessel racks are mounted below the pump unit; vertical mounting is possible with different hose lengths. Membranes are sealed with preservative and must be kept moist to prevent destruction.
- Pre-filters are installed in a serviceable location, connecting the intake to the raw water feed pump or multi-media sand filter.
- All plumbing should be installed to eliminate air pockets.
- A fresh water flush filter housing is installed near the seawater pre-filter assembly.
- The seawater feed pump and priming reservoir should be mounted in a dry, dark location, not higher than 9ft above low water level. A non-return valve must be installed in the suction pipe below the waterline.
- High-pressure hoses should not be bent tighter than a 4"/10cm radius, and a minimum length of 3 feet/1m is required for pulsation dampening. Overtightening fittings on membrane housings should be avoided as they are O-ring sealed.
- Product water tubing connects to the flow meter and then to storage tanks or a taste/test station. A non-return valve is necessary if product water is led to storage tanks above 20m/65ft to prevent back-pressure.
- The hardener/pH neutralizer kit is installed in line with the product water tubing.
- Reject water tubing connects the pressure control valve to a discharge point, ideally 30ft/10m down current from the seawater intake.
Operation Procedure:
- Open the pressure control valve counter-clockwise.
- Set the flush/service valve to "run" and open the shut-off valve at the pre-filter intake.
- Purge the seawater intake system of air, then switch the selector to "Off" and then "Auto."
- Press the start button for about five seconds. If the motor stops, re-purge and restart.
- Slowly close the pressure control valve clockwise to adjust pressure to 800psi (or to achieve specified output for brackish water).
- Check product water quality with the TDS meter. If pure (under 500ppm TDS), switch the diverter valve to the storage tank position.
- Caution: Discard product water for at least 30 minutes after initial operation or storage before drinking or food preparation due to preservative solution. Do not operate with contaminated feed water (oil, chlorine, chemicals). Ensure the high-pressure pump is filled with oil.
Shut Down Procedure:
- Switch the diverter valve to the sample position.
- Open the pressure control valve counter-clockwise.
- Switch the selector switch off.
- Fresh water flush the system.
Maintenance Features
Fresh Water Flush Procedure:
- Perform after every use or for short-term storage (up to seven days).
- Open the pressure control valve counter-clockwise.
- Close the seawater intake-valve, open the shut-off valve on the flush filter.
- Open the fresh water flush valve to activate the fresh water pressure pump and flush salt water from the system.
- Close the fresh water flush valve and seawater shut-off valve.
- Caution: Fresh water pressure should not exceed the low-pressure gauge range; a pressure reducer may be needed.
Membrane Storage Procedure:
- For storage longer than ten days, flush with a biocide solution to preserve membranes for up to ten months.
- Fresh water flush the system.
- Mix 5 gallons/20 liters of un-chlorinated fresh water with 200 grams (2/3 container) of Echo Tec. Preservative #3 in a clean plastic container.
- Switch the three-way valve to "service," diverter valve to "sample," and shut-off valve to "off."
- Open the pressure control valve anti-clockwise and start the high-pressure pump (holding the start button in "Off" position).
- Infuse the biocide solution via the service hose. Once infused, switch off the watermaker and remove pre-filter cartridges for dry storage.
- Discard product water for at least 30 minutes after storage before drinking or food preparation.
Membrane Cleaning Procedure:
- Clean membranes when product water output drops by 20%.
- Caution: Only use chemicals and methods outlined in the instructions to avoid voiding the warranty. Do not mix different cleaning chemicals.
- Mix 330 grams of cleaning chemical #1 (alkaline detergent) with 5 gallons/20 liters of water at 40°C (104°F).
- Re-circulate the solution for up to one hour without pressure (max 45°C/112°F). Open the pressure control valve anti-clockwise and start the high-pressure pump (holding the start button in "Off" position). Ensure the cleaning container does not run dry.
- If performance does not improve, use acid cleaner #2 (mineral scale remover) at the same ratio.
Maintenance Timetable (Intermittent Duty):
- Seawater intake strainer: Inspect and clean every 2000 hrs, or when clogged.
- Pre-filters: Replace or clean elements and housings every 100 hrs, or when clogged.
- Charcoal flush filter: Replace element every 6 months.
- High-pressure pump:
- Change crankcase oil: Initial change after 50 hrs, then every 200 operating hours or 6 months.
- Change packings, seals, and "O" rings: Every 5000 hrs or when leaking.
- R.O. membrane:
- Clean with acid and/or alkaline cleaning compound when production or salt rejection decreases by 15%.
- Replace when cleaning does not increase production.
- Flow meter: Infuse muriatic acid and rinse well whenever dirty.
Membrane Changing Procedure:
- Detailed steps are provided for removing and replacing the membrane and end plug, including inspecting O-rings and applying Teflon sealant.
- Important: Do not overtighten the product port(s) to avoid cracking the end plug.
High Pressure Pump System Troubleshooting Guide:
- Provides a table of common malfunctions (e.g., pressure drops, water in crankcase, noisy operation, inability to build up pressure, rough/pulsating operation, excessive leakage, high crankcase temperature), their causes, and remedies.
Limited Warranty:
- ECHO Marine Ltd. warrants the watermaker for 12 months from shipment date.
- Liability is limited to repair or replacement.
- Warranty does not cover misuse, neglect, accident, improper installation, or use in violation of instructions.
- Normal user maintenance items (pre-filter cartridges, pump seals, pump packings, pump valve assemblies, gauge instrument calibration, pump crankcase oil) are not covered.
- The membrane element is guaranteed cleanable for one year, provided cleaning instructions are followed and foulant is acid-soluble. It is not guaranteed against iron fouling, chemical attack, extreme temperatures, drying out, or extreme pressures.
- Use of non-ECHO Marine supplied parts voids all warranties.
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