Dave Pelton & the new H20 Maker
01 October 2007 | Portland
Scott Trefethen
As many of you know Jean and I decided to install a water maker onboard the Omarsea. This will supply all our fresh water needs for the next 3 years.
Good quality fresh water is somewhat difficult to get in many places we plan to visit. Often water is captured from rain and stored in large cisterns and then sold to passing cruisers on the docks.
The system is simplicity itself. A high pressure pump is used to drive seawater at 800psi through a one way membrane made by the Dow corporation. Coming out of the membrane is 99.99% pure water. Better than our own Bull Run resevior water here in Portland.
In the photo (Center) you can see the blue high pressure pump astride the ingenious "Carriage" designed and built by Dave.
Dave, an airline pilot and ex-mechanic spent many an hour creating just the right mechanisim to allow the pump to be serviced in the back of the crowded engine space. He and his drill press were an invaluable resource getting our water maker up and running. Many thanks Dave!