Watermakers

[dick]

Has anyone built a RO watermaker I cant justify spending 7-10K on what is a fairly simple unit.

[chabrenas]

It's quite a serious engineering project. RO seawater desalinators run at 1,000 psi or more, and have to resist salt water corrosion.

[goboatingnow]

at its very basic its a very simple device, a low pressure feed pump. some filters, A CAT high pressure pump and a membrane and housing

see http://www.rutuonline.com/html/watermaker.html for a great description of a home brew unit, including a fancy electronic controller , if you wish

[chabrenas]

Thanks for that link. Nice job, and some useful info. Sorry you're back where you were - hoping someone here has actually had a go.

The Rutu guy looks like a better contact than any other you're likely to find, and he is specifically offering to help people with their projects - have you tried contacting him?

[goboatingnow]

ooh, I have built one, but not for a boat.

see also http://www.sail-world.com/cruising/index.cfm?nid=33568&rid=11

good article