Overview
The AC system is by far our most popular watermaker. It’s a very simple and highly reliable system that can make up to 140 litres (37 gallons) of fresh potable water per hour.
Options exist for this system to be run as portable without any plumbing or plumbed in with a minimum footprint installation.
Our AC system is a great option when you want to make a lot of water quickly and get back to enjoying yourself.
Two Components – One Watermaker
The system is made up of a pressure supply unit (PSU) and a reverse osmosis unit (RO).
Both parts are required to make a complete watermaker. The PSU lifts the seawater, filters out the sediment and puts the system under high pressure, while the RO unit extracts fresh water from the stream of pressurised seawater.
Most of the water goes out to waste as brine output, while about 20% of the volume is extracted as fresh potable water for your tanks.
Different RO options exist for you to select with your AC Rainman system, each to achieve their own specific objective.
Power
With recent advancements in generators, batteries, and solar power generation, you have several options for powering the AC system.
Originally designed to run off of a minimum of a Honda 2kW generator, it will be easily powered by your inbuilt generator or a quality 2kVA inverter.
Choose either a 230VAC/50Hz or 115VAC/60Hz option to suit the power available in your situation.
Installed or Portable Watermaker
Our traditional system in the blue case can be used as either portable or installed. If you wish to install it, it becomes a two box installation. Various approaches that can be utilised include:
- Keep it portable, pulling it out and setting it up each time you wish to use it.
- Leave the unit in a locker, but pull out the hoses and throw overboard to make water, avoiding the need to move the system around on your deck.
- Keep the system portable, but use a cam-lock fitting to temporarily plumb the system into a teed deck wash fitting. This gives the benefits of an installed system while using your portable unit while underway.
- Fully plumb the system in, including the autoflush system.
Video Demonstration
Brief demonstration to show routine operation of the portable Rainman system.
Reverse Osmosis Options
You have three basic reverse osmosis (RO) options, depending on your water requirements, space available, and budget.
All three RO options are compatible with the AC PSU and available in either the Portable and Modular configurations.
(26-37gph)
2 x 40″ RO Membranes
Our most common configuration with the AC system due to having the highest output and best overall value. Twice the output of the other options.
(15-20 gph)
1 x 40″ RO Membrane
Our entry level water maker system is best suited for those on a budget. It can be upgraded to a high output system at a later date by adding a second membrane.
(13-18 gph)
2 x 21″ RO Membranes
A great option if you are physically space constrained. Also common if this is a backup system on a larger vessel as it can be stowed in smaller spaces.
Portable or Installed Modular
The system can be purchased either as the traditional blue case version or in the Modular configuration. The performance and power consumption are identical between the two options, so your specific requirements control which is best suited for your application. The table summarises the differences between the two options.
Features common to both Portable and Modular versions |
|
1.5 HP totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) induction motor | |
1250 watts steady state power consumption | |
Current draw 6 amps (230VAC) or 12 amps (115VAC) | |
Power cord length: 3 metres (10 ft) | |
Plug type choices: US (NEMA 5-15), Australian (AS/NZS 3112), UK (BS 1363), Europe (CEE 7/7) | |
Integrated flexible impeller lift pump uses non-proprietary impeller | |
2 metre (6 ft) maximum lift above sea level | |
General Pump WMR 316 stainless steel high pressure triplex plungerpump | |
Integrated General Pump 316SS/ceramic relief valve to prevent overpressurisation | |
3 metre (10 ft) LDPE food grade product water hose, with 10 metre (33 ft) extension (8mm OD) | |
Sound levels – 62dB at 6 metres (20 ft) – see chart | |
Portable version specific features |
Modular version specific features |
Case of sturdy injection moulded polypropylene | No shell |
PSU storage/mounting seat: fibreglass reinforced nylon with strap | PSU easy mounting kit: fibreglass reinforced nylon for high rigidity and tensile strength |
RO Case (mountable if desired): rotomoulded polyethylene | RO easy mounting kit: fibreglass reinforced nylon for high rigidity and tensile strength |
Plumbing installation kit at extra cost | Plumbing installation kit included with purchase |
Single 10″ x 2.5″ non-proprietary 5 micron prefilter to remove sediment mounted on PSU | Single 10″ x 2.5″ non-proprietary 5 micron prefilter to remove sediment with SS316 mounting bracket |
0 – 150lph (40gph) product water flow meter, integrated into RO case | 0 – 150lph (40gph) product water flow meter, with SS316 mounting bracket |
Valve/gauge control assembly integrated into RO case | Valve/gauge control assembly at end of 5 metre (16 ft) high pressure hose for remote mounting |
5 metre (16 ft) intake hose (1/2″ ID) fitted with one way valve to remain primed, with detachable strainer | 5 metre (16 ft) intake hose (1/2″ ID) |
3 metre (10 ft) brine waste discharge hose (10mm OD) | 6 metre (20 ft) brine waste discharge hose (10mm OD) |
PSU weight: 24kg (53lb) | PSU weight: 23kg (51lb) |
PSU Dimensions: 600 x 375 x 270mm (23.6 x 14.8 x 10.6″) | PSU Dimensions: 470 x 270 x 240mm (18.5 x 10.7 x 9.5″) |
Related RO weight – High Output: 23kg (51lb) – Compact: 14kg (31lb) – Economy: 11kg (24lb) |
Related RO weight – High Output: 22kg (49lb) – Compact: 13kg (29lb) – Economy: 10kg (22lb) |
Related RO dimensions – High Output: 1,180 x 250 x 130mm (46.5 x 9.8 x 5.1″) – Compact: 690 x 220 x 150mm (27.2 x 8.7 x 5.9″) – Economy: 1,180 x 250 x 130mm (46.5 x 9.8 x 5.1″) |
Related RO dimensions (in mounting brackets) – High Output: 1,170 x 220 x 120mm (46.0 x 8.7 x 4.7″) – Compact: 670 x 220 x 120mm (26.4 x 8.7 x 4.7″) – Economy: 1,170 x 220 x 120mm (46.0 x 8.7 x 4.7″) |
Control Panel
The optional control panel provides a remote management capability for your installed Rainman watermaker. It’s a highly presentable and functional add-on component that will enhance your Rainman user experience.
It is an injection moulded ASA acrylic panel that remains true to Rainman’s reputation of elegant simplicity.
- Integration with the Rainman autoflush system, triggers flush cycle after powering the watermaker off.
- Built in tri-colour LED salinity sensor indicates when water is good to route to your tank.
- Can be installed flush mounted, standalone with the included enclosure box, or even externally with the optional hatch.
- Simple installation with no high pressure fittings or high voltage wiring.
- Backwards compatible if you already have an installed electric modular or portable Rainman.
Autoflush
Your Rainman watermaker is a very robust piece of equipment, but caring for certain aspects will prolong its life. Regularly flushing your Rainman with fresh water will maximise the life of your watermaker membranes.
The optional autoflush system incorporates a solid state programmable timer that will flush your Rainman watermaker after each use and every seven days thereafter. It incorporates built in protection if your boat loses power during or between flush cycles.
Optional Accessories
While the base system will be sufficient for many customers, a number of options are available to get more out of your Rainman watermaker.
- The plumbing installation kit is included with the Modular Rainman systems, but can also be a very useful option if you plan to install your Portable Rainman units.
- A hydrotester will give you indication of the total dissolved solids (TDS) so you can know how your membranes are ageing.
Spares and Consumables
Your new Rainman system will arrive with enough spares and consumables to keep you going for a while, so most customers do not need to order more with initial purchase. There are a variety of items you will need over time to keep your system running for many years.
AC Watermaker System Options Gallery
Portable PSU
230VAC or 115VAC
Portable 140L RO
2 x 40″ Membranes
Portable 70L RO
2 x 21″ Membranes
Portable 75L RO
1 x 40″ Membrane
Modular PSU
230VAC or 115VAC
Modular 140L RO
2 x 40″ Membranes
Modular 70L RO
2 x 21″ Membranes
Modular 75L RO
1 x 40″ Membrane