Velero Reginavideo

Purifying water in Trinidad despite the large amount of sediment

June 27, 2025 · 7 min · 1K views · Chacachacare Island

What this video covers

Javi, aboard the sailboat Regina, operates a watermaker while anchored at Chacachacare, Trinidad, to address the challenge of producing potable water from highly sedimented coastal waters.Watch The vessel is positioned approximately six miles from Chaguaramas, where the Orinoco River delta deposits significant silt into the bay.1:00 The watermaker produces between 25 and 30 liters of fresh water per hour.3:57 To manage the high sediment load, the system utilizes a two-stage filtration process: a reusable 30-micron pre-filter for large particles and a replaceable 5-micron filter.4:15 While the 5-micron filter typically lasts six months in cleaner water, the heavy sediment in Trinidad necessitates replacement every one to two months.5:04 The system also employs a vane pump, which the crew expects will experience a reduced service life of less than 150 hours due to the abrasive nature of the water.5:40 Despite the increased maintenance frequency and cost of filters, the system remains essential for sustaining the crew's water supply while anchored in the region.

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