Seakeeper 5 / 6 Installation Manual (90402-5) 6/5-233-5847 to Current
4.2 Installation Considerations
- Installer is responsible for supplying a dedicated positive-displacement seawater pump (or electric isolation valve and centrifugal pump) and associated plumbing. Seawater connections on the heat exchanger mate with ¾ in. (19 mm) hose. An optional seawater pump can be purchased through Seakeeper, P/N 30331.
- Unintended seawater flow from the seawater pick-up during the vessel’s underway operation is unacceptable and may cause stress to internal components. Unintended flow should be mitigated through pump selection, using a diaphragm-style pump or an inlet control valve. Continuous cooling flow from shared through-hull plumbing, a centralized chiller, or a cooling system is unacceptable for on-demand Seakeeper models.
- There is no need to disconnect hose from glycol pump except to replace the pump. In this case, provision will need to be made to catch draining glycol as plumbing is disconnected. Use caution to avoid breaking plastic hose connections on pump casing.
- The seawater pump is powered by the “DC Seawater Pump Out” cable on the Seakeeper 6/5, as outlined in Electrical Installation Section.
- This pump must operate on 12 VDC, 15 A OR 24 VDC, 10 A power. Pumps requiring other voltages or higher current can still be controlled by using this supply to trigger an installer-supplied contactor but a separate source of power must be provided.
- A dedicated through-hull fitting should be installed for each Seakeeper unit onboard the vessel to ensure sufficient seawater flow to each unit.
- It is recommended that the seawater pump is located below the waterline, as close to the vessel’s baseline as practically possible, to maintain positive inlet pressure on the pump in all operating conditions.
- A self-priming seawater pump is recommended to maintain water flow in all underway conditions. Cavitation can occur at the seawater inlet and potentially cause an air-lock condition restricting seawater flow to the heat exchanger.
- Vented loops are optional and should only be considered with centrifugal style pumps. Self-priming or positive displacement style pumps do not require a vented loop, this includes Seakeeper P/N 30331.
- Maximum seawater pressure in heat exchanger is 20 psi (1.4 bar)
- Seawater flow requirement through heat exchanger is 2.5 GPM (9.5 LPM) minimum and 8 GPM (30.3 LPM) maximum under all operating conditions of the boat. . When sizing the seawater pump, the installer should factor in losses for raw water plumbing. In addition to initial operation at the dock, new Seakeeper installations should be checked to be within the flow requirements while the vessel is at speed. Flows higher than 8 GPM (30.3 LPM) could affect heat exchanger life.