TM 1-1680-354-10
i.
Mechanical Reverse Osmosis Device (MROD-06) The MROD-06 (See Figure 2-16) is used to purify water for
drinking. It is a manually operated desalination system which can produce approximately 6 gallons of drinkable
water per day from seawater, brackish marsh water, river, stream, or lake water. A semipermeable membrane
inside the unit acts as a molecular filter. When sea water is pressurized to 800 psi (by pumping the handle) and
forced against the membrane, only the water molecules can pass through: salt molecules are unable to pass, and
they flow out of the system.
WARNING
In a cold environment, when the MROD-06 is used to purify water, it must not be allowed to
freeze. Freezing causes the membrane (that purifies the water) to fracture, become useless,
and contaminate the water output.
CAUTION
Avoid sucking oil, gasoline, or highly abrasive (sandy) water into the MROD-06. Petroleum
based products can harm the membrane. The MROD-06 can also be damaged by large
particles in gritty feedwater under high pressure.
If water is drawn from a bucket or another container, dump the water after drawing out about
10 percent of it or split the reject and intake hoses so that the non-usable water can be
dumped away from the source water. Continued return of non-usable water to a limited
source increases its salt (or bad water) content: you must then pump increasingly harder
while the product water flow rate decreases. The safety relief valve will eventually release.
NOTE
The MROD-06 completely filters only 10 percent of the total water intake. Use a steady
pumping action and DO NOT pump too quickly. Rapid pumping forces the in-flow water to
bypass the filter and exit the over-pressure relief port.
The MROD-06 is NOT recommended for use at temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or
below.
If the supply water is very cold or its salt concentration is high, water may squirt from the
relief valve. This is normal. Slow down the pumping rate.
READ the warning and cautions before operating.
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