DIY Reverse Osmosis Watermaker - Part 1 - Overview

[@SVSeeker]

This video is the edited and revised version of an earlier draft video with corrections and additions suggested by our viewers. My many thanks to those who helped. -- Doug

[@lsellclumanetsolarenergyll5071]

What I want you to do is to make it also a DIVE boat for the Golf and Atlantic so we can do massive dive event's from your boat to kill of Lionfish to safe our reefs.

[@MSNsee4d]

Watched the video.. felt like de ja vu, then saw this comment.. 😉

[@codyfoster7981]

@@MSNsee4d I thought I was having a bad trip

[@Pracedru]

No intimacy with the equipment. Check!!

[@MySledgeHammer]

I have only watched one of your videos so far and I look forward to many more. Yes I subscribed to your channel and as a retired 75 year old heavy equipment engineer I keep my opinions to myself simply because everyone has their own opinion and their own way of doing things. Just because I do something my way doesn’t make my way right or someone else’s wrong. Thank You and even though I am not able to do anymore doesn’t mean I still can’t learn something new from you or someone else. Cheers to you

[@SVSeeker]

Your welcomed and encouraged to contribute. People like you is were we get most of our ideas. The fact that you know there are several ways to go about getting something done just makes it all the better. : )

[@TheSteelArmadillo]

Super cool! Something we deal with at work is push-lock fittings. We had a ton of them and they’re a nightmare between leaking when new or working themselves off over time. We are no longer allowing them to be installed and are replacing existing push-locks with brass compression fittings. They will work perfectly with the nylon tubing and are rock solid. You can buy nylon inserts a ferrules for using brass compression fittings on nylon tube.

[@meganmaki8489]

I love your channel and love what you are doing. I've worked with RO units for years in commercial applications. Everything you said was spot on. Up to you, but I would consider a carbon filter permanently installed between your coarse filters. The carbon filter, as you said, traps the chlorine which is critical. It also traps most volatile organic solvents. You never know what some idiot has dumped into the water. Also, as a research vessel you may find yourself needing to make water in less than ideal circumstances. You mentioned pickling. About that. When they are in use you should run them every day, rather than running them once and leaving them off for several days while you use the water made. A back flush tank with non-chlorinated water sounds like what you were mentioning in the video. It is a good idea if you omit the carbon filter. It is a very good idea to chlorinate your water. There are a variety of methods. I've used most of them. The most dangerous is bottled chlorine. I strongly recommend against this. There is batch dosing with liquid chlorine or calcium hypochlorite (Ca (ClO) 2). Not ideal because working with these chemicals out at sea, and a long way from medical assistance could be problematic. Between the two, the liquid is safer, but not safe. Another way is using electrolysis to break down salt brine into chlorine. This is the most expensive, but by far the safest option. Regardless you should have a chlorine test kit. If you are in a port with dubious water, you can super chlorinate to keep the water safe to drink.

[@bretthorowitz6136]

Hey Doug, great stuff. I have been watching from the beginning. One safety suggestion - I would recommend plastic through hulls. Brass is always the way to go. Plastic may crack and other things. Can’t wait to see her on the water!

[@robertbowser815]

Brass and steel don't like each other brass through holes on steel boats don't last very long

[@DHarri9977]

Very educational, one of your better presentation on how things work to put it simply. It reminded me of the few times that I experienced heavy downpours while traveling to different Caribbean destinations and how very salty the rain was.

[@zoharflax6363]

This is awesome! Thanks for this and the invite to go exploring on that amazing boat!

[@KryssLaBryn]

Thank you so much for the info on the difference between home and marine ro systems! I came across an ro system secondhand today and was considering buying it, but it's probably a household one, not a marine one. I'll double-check (I mean, who knows, right?) but I suspect you've just saved me not only the initial outlay, but also a lot of expense and frustration trying to figure out why it wasn't desalinating properly! Thanks!

[@eduardodaquil158]

Now I know there are two kinds of RO membrane,tap and salt water,thank you for such wonderful video

[@captainsalty56]

If Mosses walks backwards in the parted red sea, is that Reverse Osmosis?

[@LifeOnTheHulls]

I love this channel. Right up my alley. Great job on this video Doug.

[@timlong8987]

Very interesting video Doug. Just something i learned when cutting converluted hose (stainless braid). Tape either side of the cut as when you cut the braid expands away from the core and makes it impossible to get yqou fitting on. I know you probably know but thought i'd mention

[@chriswright7083]

I would install a pressure cut out switch for the main pump, to eliminate dry running.

[@abc-coleaks-info3180]

Don't forget that all membrane manufacturers use a water temperature of around 79f in their water tests used to determine gph. Colder water takes longer to filter (for some reason I can't remember). So your gph will probably be less and the system will have to run longer. Not because of a leak, because of water temp. Ask me how I know! Lol!!

[@shaggyduder]

Our water in Brownsville, Doug, was so bad, we had a water processor installed in our house, and even then it had a funky taste, never forget that.

[@SVSeeker]

Brownsville Texas? I was born and raised there. ....with no filtration. : )

[@robertbowser815]

I think it's important especially in a situation like yours to put it together yourself so do you have an idea of what might be going wrong when it fails and it will fail I fished in Alaska my entire life on a commercial fishing vessels and trust me everything breaks eventually so it's nice to know how it's put together I think it's very smart

[@nerfinator03]

That's pretty much what he's going for on the entire boat. Plus if he saves the videos he'll have a practical resource in case he ever forgets something

[@alexanderross2786]

You have built so many things! I am wondering if you will be building a Scuba refill compressor & basic tank Air fill station?

[@SVSeeker]

No. But I'd like to build a rebreather.

[@alexanderross2786]

@@SVSeeker Making a rebreather would be very cool! & the basic designs are simple & well known!. Around 2000 I read a great adventure book about a guy(Bill Stone?) who built a rebreather w/dive computer to explore wet caves in Mexico. If I find/remember the name I will amazon you a copy. I just sent it .. check your email. :)

[@sharkmentality9717]

Wondered how the gel lotion helped. Intimate relation with your equipment helped explain it. ..lol

[@oPAULo711]

Scrolled to the comments to type exactly that. LOL!!

[@jun1977i]

Grease will help lol

[@luke3757]

Amazing the detailed information in this video. Thank you Doug

[@wackyspazthe3rd]

Pretty cool video learned alot about reverse osmosis

[@KG-yn9qi]

Is this a repeat video? I thought you already had this put together and installed in the boat!

[@christophsencar2289]

I know im kinda late for this, but remeber to pack spare membranes, as you want to filter salt water, they will jam up faster than usual. Also, the pressure at the end of the last tube is used in some commercial ones (breweries esp.) to power the pump. Might be interesting to look into.

[@wendellvoisin7090]

When I worked offshore, we pumped the fresh water from the Meco units into a day tank that held several hours hours output capacity. From there it was pumped to the potable water tanks. If we got an alarm on the Meco unit, we were supposed to pump the day tank overboard so we did not put salty water in a potable water tank.

[@marco6586]

Great job! Why you use fiberglass vessel and not inox Vessel?

[@olivhay4929]

Hello, be careful, never touch membrane without latex glove... Contamination arrived very fast in the water tank. Add a UV lampe on the output before the tank

[@taleg1]

I like the option of having it automated system, but ready also have it ready to be used manually. It just a smarted options, because stuff breaks, sooner or later everything, well almost, breaks.

[@pecospablo]

Really informative!

[@SVSeeker]

Glad you think so!

[@martinjelinek1382]

You should clearly label all the valves inside the ship. its getting confusing and someone is definitely gonna shut your toilet water or something else that you want working at all times. Anyways, keep up the good work. Its a nice boat.

[@jessetaylor9255]

Is it just me or did he already have this video posted

[@dcallan812]

I thought that and read the video description. This video is the edited and revised version of an earlier draft video with corrections and additions suggested by our viewers. My many thanks to those who helped. -- Doug

[@lomsi1]

Really helpful videos. Curious to learn what recovery rate (ratio of permeate flow to total feed water flow) and energy efficiency (gallons/kwhr input) you were able to achieve with your system with 4 series membranes. Thanks

[@logtothebase2]

Used in Labs as well we used to have big glass 3KW stills all made with wonderful glass blown spiral borsilicate condensers. Sometimes in series. Mostly have been replaced by RO stills and ion exchange gells. Pretty much as clean as water gets at 18.2M Ohm

[@jfbaze2001]

Thanks for the Ark River plug in Colorado. I live here and don’t really want to drink that. Haha. I carbon filter it on the river.

[@KennethWoodruff420]

Early bird here! Thanks for the video Doug I hope to come by an see the vessel some day.

[@Billy420-69]

I'd like to research what the night sky looks like on the open ocean. When can I get a room? 😁

[@thatoyaonebogopa9483]

Great vid

[@samueltaylor4989]

Don’t forget ball valves in front of each membrane! To isolate one or more. I think it’s a bad idea to run them in series!

[@FtLMale1]

Each membrane has a minimum & maximum flow rate specified by the manufacturer, violating those flow rates will quickly destroy the membrane(s).

[@samueltaylor4989]

Michael Roughner I was mainly meaning to be able to isolate to be able to change one or more out without a stoppage.

[@rustyp21]

I want to make something like this to filter swimming pool water to remove metals, salt, calcium and magnesium. What would you estimate the cost of something like that would be?

[@SVSeeker]

It's not the right kind of filter for that type of work. These are flow past and you have to discard the majority of the water.

[@jonatannicassio353]

Quero ver esse barco na água, não vejo a hora!

[@Thecrazycarnivore]

I want a water company and I was suggest for your drinking water that you run it through a household reverse osmosis to remove the final amount of salt that your membrane is letting bye for drinking purposes of course for shower and you should be just fine

[@drjay4915]

is this a old video

[@zggtf211]

Alright Doug, why you gotta throw garden hose water under the bus like that? It hits different and you know it.

[@bns82ballew]

Did your explorer ever get completed? I'd like to see it pls...

[@SVSeeker]

Not tested yet. We'll do that when we get to the ocean.

[@MrClowny666]

Fantastic project and I'm learning so much from you. I looked on the blog but I couldn't find a list of parts or suppliers anywhere?

[@SVSeeker]

Sorry. Here that is: www.svseeker.com/wp/sv-seeker-2/sailboat/mechanical/watermaker/

[@jcglessner]

Great video. I’m going to watch the rest of the series. Dumb question from a guy looking into RO for the first time. What is the best membrane to use for very high iron and calcium well water?

[@SVSeeker]

Sorry, this is only about RO for converting seawater to drinking water. Apples and Oranges.

[@jcglessner]

Thank you for being honest. The information you have provided in the series is an amazing resource for people to learn from.

[@josemarrero7658]

Nice

[@Bill23799]

Hey Doug, when you said " We're gonna start making our Water Maker " did you have a Bilge Rat in your pocket?

[@vernonland5987]

How will you clean your membranes?

[@SVImpavidus]

Hi mate. If you send us a sketch based on what you described in the video we will draw it up in 2d or 3d for everyone to use, look at, or just share among the community. You can then use it as a boat systems manual as a print out hard copy. A 2d PDF or even a 3d pdf. We are looking a the addition of a winter maker this winter, there is so much BS out there. Good to see you shaking the tree! Sail Safe mate. Ant, Cid & the pooch crew.

[@mxf2812]

Delrin is the homopolymer of POM and is a brand, Acetal is another brand but is a co-polymer of POM. Polyoxymethylene. But who cares, it’s all strong, machines nicely and doesn’t swell in water like nylon.

[@derferrecords3462]

When do we get another tour?

[@sighpocket5]

Nice!!!!!(I learned me somtin..!!)

[@diogocichocki4947]

Is praticle use rain wather?

[@CartMarshall]

Hey, how much money do you think you spent on the boat? Love your videos 👍🏽

[@SVSeeker]

About the same as a doctorate degree from Yale, but I believe I've learned more, I do not require any safe spaces, and I have an awesome boat and hundreds of friends.

[@benmac940]

If only ro plants were as simple as he makes them sound.

[@davidrenaud736]

You're just saving the intimate videos of you and your equipment for last, RIGHT?

[@trevorrisley5419]

What are the costs of your system, boss?

[@SVSeeker]

Some years back now but this will give you a good idea: www.svseeker.com/wp/sv-seeker-2/sailboat/mechanical/watermaker/

[@ottoirl5360]

My question is, is this even worth it when we're using plastic full of pthalates?

[@SVSeeker]

HELL YES! Try living without water. I give you 7 days. : )

[@ottoirl5360]

@@SVSeeker I get your point but is there a way to do this without pthalates killing our reproductive systems?

[@SVSeeker]

@@ottoirl5360 I reproduced. And I think it’s overrated.

[@terrybaker8349]

Water to wine. That's the providence of a higher power. Us mortal men can only change it back again. Wine to water is the best i can do.

[@davidhtims]

Doug, I wasn’t sure if you were aware that Aeroquip makes high pressure hoses with non crimp reusable fittings. They have been used in aviation for a long time. Reface cars too. Here is a link. To a assembly pdf showing how they go together. Might be useful if you had no power to do repairs. aeroquipperformance.com/file/2767-StartLite%C2%AE+Racing+Hose+with+Reusable+Fittings.pdf

[@SVSeeker]

I've used those but not with complete success. Maybe they have improved, or I've improved at putting them on. : )

[@howtoeverything9526]

Holy cow You’ve been working on your boat for years When the heck is it ever going to be finished Please inquiring minds needs to know Lol 😂

[@ppr0n]

Do you really believe he can answer that? It's finished when it's finished.

[@SVSeeker]

More important to learn the value of persistence and delayed gratification.

[@Jacksonransom]

When do we get to see it on the water? Its been years

[@SVSeeker]

Perhaps when you understand perseverance and delayed gratification.

[@peterhoiland6715]

Only 2 more years now!

[@deh5860]

i'm on of the snob that drink 3 tds water. not necessity, just one of many things that's nice to have.

[@lethalspartan]

Where is your kitchen going to be

[@BiitchSlapper]

Just buy a few dehumidifiers from Home Depot.

[@gregworkshop5713]

hi very good thing to have on a boat

[@eduardodaquil158]

Where can I contact you?

[@SVSeeker]

You just did. You can email me at [e-mail]

[@skjoldmail]

Hit Like...now watching video...

[@koningbolo4700]

Doug is like a Roman with his Can Do mentality... great stuff...

[@RebelAngelkiller62]

A popular myth spread by the water purification industry and those selling other similar products is that you actually need the minerals and salt you get from the water you drink. / Generally, unless you have some kind of medical condition where you severely lack minerals and salt (salt is a mineral), you don't need extra, in fact "extra" is bad on both counts. / For example, as far as minerals go; plaque build-up in the arteries isn't caused by cholesterol, it's caused by calcification of the arteries (MINERALS sticking to the walls of the arteries turning the surface of the arteries into sandpaper) in turn, the cholesterol sticks to those minerals on the wall of the arteries which is referred to as plaque build-up. / You get more than enough minerals and salt from the food and other products you drink. Hands down the best water one can drink is distilled (pure) water. / However, you are correct in that you don't have to worry about what gets past the filtration system as the small amount of minerals and salt left that might get past that filtration system is very small in comparison to so-called acceptable tap water. (250 ppm is considered marginally acceptable tap water) / This isn't a bitch or a complaint, or a do it this way comment. I'm just putting out what I know about water in hopes someone finds it helpful. / Huge fan and subscriber, you're a fantastic and creative person. Keep up the good work.

[@mattthatsme8799]

when you need a crew!! sign me up!!

[@Rosson311]

i was unsubbed. i resubbed successfully.

[@h2odragon1]

7:26... In the Philippines, even the locals won't drink the tap water!

[@jonjohnson102]

Here in iowa, i only drink tap water, i find normal bottled water disgusting

[@j.c.johnson568]

If I was this guy I would collect the AC condensation drip line that's constant water as long as the AC is running everyone is wasting all of that condensation water that's pure water coming off of there y'all it's literally making water out of the air

[@spyder001]

it's gone. Some reason, it will not let me subscribe. I was subscribed before. But now it shows I am not, and will not let me resubscribe

[@marcusplywooder1907]

You mentioned that you don't need distilled water for your batteries anymore I take it you're not using the iron battterys you got?

[@SailingSarah]

Is she running?

[@SVSeeker]

No. But if I don't get another rain storm soon it will go to the top of the list. : )

[@paulvov6029]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@northmanlogging2769]

the problem with the cheap pressure washer pump, isn't so much that they are not stainless, but that they have brass components, which are not rated for potable water, so they likely contain lead, couple that with the rampant corrosion from the salt water...ick

[@TheSteelArmadillo]

I believe RO will remove lead.

[@northmanlogging2769]

@@TheSteelArmadillo yer probably right, but would you risk it?

[@TheSteelArmadillo]

northman logging if his system is rated to remove lead, then yes. That being said, I’d just store an extra motor/pump assembly on board.

[@Jacquobite]

Are you telling me you can't make beer with that water?? Shit water makes the best beer. Don't take me word for it. Make it for yourself (and don't tell me how it worked out).

[@jakethetool698]

Only issue with rain water, is bird poo.

[@SVSeeker]

Oh harden up, man.

[@benmitch5217]

I particually like getting intiment with my vaccum cleaner.