Seakeeper 5 / 6 Installation Manual (90402-5) 6/5-233-5847 to Current
4.2 Installation Considerations
- Installer is responsible for supplying a dedicated seawater 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/N30331.
- 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 Cable 5, via “SW Pump 12 VDC Out” on the Seakeeper 6, 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 baseline of the vessel 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 seawater pump, installer should factor in losses for raw water plumbing. In addition to initial operation at dock, new installations should be checked to be within the flow requirements while vessel is at speed. Flows higher than 8 GPM (30.3 LPM) could affect heat exchanger life.