The heart of this system is the Honda GXH50 2.1HP engine, which is the same as that used in their 1kVA generator. It incorporates a tensioned belt drive system where the engine drives both an impeller lift pump and the General Pump high pressure pump. The fuel tank holds 700ml (1.5 pt) and will run for about 70 minutes, depending on fuel quality.
Gasoline exists on most boats already, so there is good reason why you may consider using it to power your watermaker. Some of the key benefits of using a separate motor for your watermaker include:
- Simplicity – For a portable configuration, there are only two boxes to set up and no need for external electricity.
- Redundancy – If your generator / inverter fails, you can still make water.
- Efficiency – There are no conversion losses between mechanical and electrical energy. Depending on water temperature, and source water salinity, you would expect a fuel to fresh water production ratio of about 150:1.
- Security – If you are in an urban survival situation after a natural disaster, a portable generator has very broad utility and greater chance of being stolen, rendering an AC system useless.
Features of Gasoline Watermaker:
- 2.1HP Honda GXH50 (4 stroke) motor
- 700 ml (1.5pt) fuel / 70 minutes operation
- Integrated flexible impeller lift pump uses non-proprietary impeller
- 2 metre (6 ft) maximum lift above sea level
- General Pump WM 316 stainless steel high pressure triplex plunger pump
- General Pump 316SS/ceramic relief valve to prevent overpressurisation
- Sound levels – 73dB at 6 metres (20 ft)
- Case of sturdy moulded polyethylene
- RO Case (mountable if desired): rotomoulded polyethylene
- Single 10" x 2.5" non-proprietary 5 micron prefilter to remove sediment mounted on PSU
- 0 – 150lph (40gph) product water flow meter, integrated into RO case
- 5 metre (16 ft) intake hose fitted with one way valve to remain primed, with detachable strainer
- 3 metre (10 ft) brine waste discharge hose
PSU weight: 26kg (58lb) 595 x 450 x 310mm (23.4 x 17.7 x 12.2")
