Instructions for the Care and Operation of Distilling Plants

First, these instructions and proposals are written primarily for officers performing engineering duties. The instructions apply in general to all types of evaporators, unless otherwise noted. Detailed operating instructions for the installation on this vessel will be prepared and posted by the Mechanical Officer. The purpose of the onboard distillation plant is to produce the required amount of fresh water with minimum steam consumption. This should take place without unnecessary complications with the apparatus and with minimal maintenance and labor on the part of the maintenance personnel. Second, there are high and low pressure distillation plants on naval vessels. The high pressure type is designed to operate primarily using steam from the auxiliary steam line and can be connected to the pipeline for single, double, or multiple (triple or more) action. Typically piping is also installed to handle steam taken from the auxiliary exhaust. When using auxiliary exhaust on large vessels, it is common to use an air pump to create a vacuum of 20 inches or higher on the stills.