Seakeeper 10 Installation Manual (90841-1)
4.2 Cooling System Considerations
- The installer is responsible for supplying a dedicated seawater pump and associated plumbing. The Seakeeper heat exchanger’s seawater connections mate with ¾ in. (19 mm) hose. An optional seawater pump, P/N30322, can be purchased through Seakeeper.
- The seawater pump is powered by the 14 AWG cable, via “SW Pump 24 VDC Out” on the Seakeeper 10, as outlined in Electrical Installation Section.
- This pump must operate on 24 VDC, 10 A power. Pumps requiring other voltages or higher current (20 A maximum) can still be controlled by using this supply to trigger an installer-supplied relay but a separate power source must be provided.
- To ensure sufficient seawater flow to each Seakeeper unit onboard the vessel, a dedicated through-hull fitting should be installed.
- 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, including Seakeeper P/N 30322, do not require a vented loop.
- Maximum seawater pressure in heat exchanger is 20 psi (1.4 bar)
- The seawater flow requirement through the heat exchanger is 4.5 GPM (17 LPM) minimum and 6 GPM (22.7 LPM) maximum under all boat operating conditions. 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 above 6 GPM (22.7 LPM) could affect heat exchanger life.