HOW TO USE SPECTRA PRE-FILTERS
The Spectra Ventura system has 2 different filters that are used to ensure that no damaging foreign materials enter into the system. There is a single 5 micron filter in the system to clean the feed water of abrasive materials while the system is in operation, and an additional carbon filter to prevent the entrance of chlorine during fresh water flushing.
During normal operation, the feed water is filtered in two stages. First it enters a fine mesh metal sea strainer, which protects the Feed Pump from damage due to foreign materials and larger sea creatures. After passing through the Feed Pump, the feed water enters the filter housings containing 5 micron element. This filter removes very fine particles which could damage the Clark Pump and shorten membrane life.
When cleaning the The Spectra Ventura the schedules will vary widely depending on how and where the system is used. If large amounts of feed water are run through the system over a relatively short period of time in biologically fertile near-shore waters, the prefilters will plug up, water production and quality will drop, and the system pressure will change dramatically. If the pressure gauge was installed before the prefilters, as pictured in this manual, the pressure will increase. If the pressure gauge was installed after the prefilters the pressure will drop.
When operating The Spectra Ventura for only an hour or two a day in inland or near shore waters, the trapped plankton will begin to decay in the filters long before the elements plug up. The decaying plankton and bacteria will cause a “rotten egg” smell in the product water. This decay will set in overnight in tropical waters, or after a week or two in higher latitudes. If handled gently and changed regularly before they get too smelly, filters in this service can be cleaned several times. In crystal clear blue water conditions, the filters may need to be cleaned much less frequently.
The charcoal filter used for the Fresh Water Flush system will not plug up unless you have some incredibly dirty domestic water in your boat’s supply tank. About six months after installation the charcoal filter element will lose its effectiveness.
Charcoal filter elements must be replaced every six months
