To : Chief Engr. Zosimo C. Sionil Jr.

Training Manager
Arctic Shipping Corporation – Training Department

CC : Chief Engr. Nino Mhelbert R. Nuez

Engine Instructor

CC : Engr. Kirby E. Dadole

Engine Instructor

Date : August 13, 2021

Subject: Freshwater Generator

Principle of Freshwater Generator

Basic principle of all low pressure freshwater generator is that, boiling point of water can be
reduced by reducing the pressure of the atmosphere surrounding it. By maintaining a low
pressure, water can be boiled at low temperatures say 50 degree Celsius. The source of heat for
the fresh water generator could be waste heat rejected by main engine jacket cooling water.

Hence using energy from a heating coil, and by reducing pressure in the evaporator shell, boiling
can takes place at about 40 to 60 degree Celsius. This type of single effect plant is designed to give
better economy than obsolete Boiling Evaporators.

The submerged tube type fresh water generator explained below uses the heat from main engine
jacket cooling water to produce drinkable water by evaporating seawater due to the high vacuum,
which enables the feed water to evaporate at a comparative low temperature. Steam can also be
used as a heat source instead of main engine jacket cooling water.

This type of fresh water generator is based on two sets of shell and tube heat exchangers, one
acting as evaporator or heater and other as condenser.

The combined air/brine ejector creates evaporator chamber vacuum condition by driving sea water
pass through air/brine ejector, and sea water supplied by the ejector pump to be delivered to
ejector for taking out the brine (concentrated seawater) and air. A simple fresh water generator
diagram is shown below.
Fresh Water Generator Safety Devices Which is Necessary for Safe Production of Fresh
Water on Ship

1. Vacuum Breaker For Releasing The Vacuum At The Time Of Shutting Down. 
2. Relief Valve For Releasing The Excess Pressure. 
3. High Salinity Alarm: It Is Fitted To The Salinometer As It Measures Higher Salt
Content In The Water Produced, It Sounds The Alarm. 
4. Temperature Gauge.

-These Safety Devices Help in Finding the fault and keep it in good working
conditions.