Seakeeper 2 Installation Manual (90488-4); S/N 2-232-1564 to Current
4.2 Installation Considerations
- The installer is responsible for supplying a dedicated positive-displacement seawater pump (or electric isolation valve and centrifugal pump) and associated plumbing. 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.
- Seawater connections on the Seakeeper heat exchanger mate with ¾ in. (19 mm) hose.
- The Electrical Installation Section outlines that the seawater pump is powered via the “SW Pump 12 VDC Out” connection on the Seakeeper 2 wire harness.
- The seawater pump operates on 12 VDC with a max overcurrent protection rating of 15 A.
- A dedicated through-hull fitting should be installed for each Seakeeper to ensure sufficient seawater flow to that unit onboard the vessel.
- 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 may be required 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.
- The maximum allowed seawater pressure in the heat exchanger is 20 psi (1.4 bar).
- The seawater flow requirement through the heat exchanger is 2 GPM (7.6 LPM) minimum and 6 GPM (22.7 LPM) maximum when on-demand cooling is required. 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 6 GPM (22.7 LPM) could affect the heat exchanger’s life.