Fixing Pumps and Making a Video

We have kept our system off because we thought our container was going to be repaired. Since they will need to use grinders, which will make sparks, we want to keep our batteries from charging (and releasing hydrogen). The EDM also produces hydrogen when we are desalinating, so everything has to be off for the repairs. We have had miscommunication about timing, but hopefully we can operate for the rest of the week to obtain data for our final report to USAID.

I meant to include a picture earlier of Mr. Rusbel. Occasionally, Clara and I find something that we can't do without a little help. As I mentioned in my troubleshooting post, we needed to install cartridge filters with smaller pores to protect our membranes from particles from the well. Clara and I were able to get one replaced, but it was leaking. But, we couldn't get the other one replaced because we couldn't get the housing loose. Mr. Rusbel, with his characteristic smile, jumped right in and (with Clara's assistance) tightened the loose one and replaced the other. He's a great guy.

Mr. Rusbel & the cartridge filters (the bottom one is the one we couldn't remove without his help)
(Photo Credit: Clara Borrego)

So, what did we do today? Well, first, we performed surgery. Some of the previous problems with previous precipitation in the EDM feed ended up causing our pump to fail last night. The stack is operating fine, but the pump wouldn't pump. The scale (precipitated salts) were causing friction on the pump. These are really cool pumps, by the way. They have a magnetic drive, so there are very few moving parts. Another cool thing about them is that they use DC energy, so we can use power directly from the sun - no need to convert to AC power! This and other modifications reduced our electrical load by at least 33%. We took apart the pump and scrubbed off the scale. It's working like a champ now!

Before (left) and After (right) pictures of EDM pump

While waiting for the repair guys to arrive today, Jose Eveline (UPi student) came by to get some more footage for a video he is preparing for our UTEP-UPi project. He already has some footage of the system operating and today was slated for interviews. It was a lot of fun. Jose is also the one that took us to get coffee on our first weekend here in Tegucigalpa. 

How to get a shot with a short interviewee (haha!)
(Photo credit: Clara Borrego)

Clara, the sound engineer 

Clara, being filmed