Manesty Still

MH790
Impact Test Equipment Ltd
www.impact-test.co.uk & www.impact-test.com

User Guide
User Guide

Impact Test Equipment Ltd.

Building 21 Stevenston Ind. Est.
Stevenston
Ayrshire
KA20 3LR
T: 01294 602626
F: 01294 461168
E: sales@impact-test.co.uk

Test Equipment Web Site

www.impact-test.co.uk
Test Sieves & Accessories Web Site
www.impact-test.com

MANESTY WATER STILL

FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
STATEMENT OF INTENDED USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
UNPACKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
RAW WATER SUPPLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
ELEMENTS AND CONNECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
REPLACING AN ELEMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
LID AND BAFFLE PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
PURITY OF DISTILLATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
CLEANING AND DESCALING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
ORDERING OF SPARE PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
OVERALL VIEW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
PARTS LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
WIRING DIAGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
WIRING LAYOUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

ISSUE 4

PAGE 1

INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1.

FOREWORD
Employers and supervisors should ensure that this Instruction Manual, or its
contents, are communicated, or available to all persons who operate, clean,
maintain or work in the vicinity of this still.
We have tried to make this publication as complete and comprehensive as
possible and provide information for.
The correct handling, installation and siting of the still.
The safe operation of the still.
Maintenance.
It is the responsibility of all personnel who will operate the still to read and
adhere to the instructions given in this publication.
If there is something that you do not understand, cannot find or is not covered
in this publication please contact your local agent or
Customer Service Department, where Technical Representatives are
available.

2.

STATEMENT OF INTENDED USE

The Manesty water still has been designed for the distillation of
water and no other substances. Failure to observe this instruction will result
in damage to the still and possible serious injury to personnel.

3.

DESCRIPTION
Raw water enters the still via the flow control needle valve (Item 17 page 9)
at the lower end of the condenser pipe and then circulates around the outside
of the condenser tube. As the water rises it is heated by the condensing
steam, almost to boiling point, when unwanted gases (mostly C02 and NH3
are expelled from the water and are vented to atmosphere.
Thus the water fed to the boiling chamber has a higher quality than the initial
raw water. The water entering the boiling chamber is maintained at a
constant level by weir system, the excess hot water being discharged
through the overflow pipe to a suitable drainage point.
The steam raised in the boiling chamber enters the condenser tube via a
baffle system which prevents the entrainment of solids.
The condensed distillate is discharged from the outlet at the bottom of the
still.

ISSUE 4

PAGE 1

4.

UNPACKING
NOTE: The rubber packing ring should be removed and discarded prior
to operation of the still. Refer to the diagram on Page 9
Carefully remove the cabinet and any loose parts from the packing cases.
Unlock and remove the door from the cabinet. Remove lid, baffle cup and
inner baffle from the boiling chamber.
Remove the clamp screw and clamp.
Lift the still until the two pins below the boiling chamber, are clear of the holes
in the support bracket, and then tilt the boiling chamber forward to lift the still
up and out of the cabinet.

5.

INSTALLATION
CAUTION: It is recommended that there be a minimum clearance of 6
above the top of the cabinet
The still when full of water weighs approximately 20kg.
It is essential that the cabinet / still is fastened to a brick wall or other
substantial structure. Four holes are provided on the internal bracket for this
purpose.
The still should be sited at a convenient height for collection of the distillate
and to allow easy access for inspection of the boiling chamber.
CAUTION: Plasterboard / partition walls, or similar are not considered
suitable for this purpose. It is suggested that a water resistant
board or similar reinforcement be securely fixed to a wall such
that it will safely support a weight of 20 Kg.
The still should now be reassembled into the cabinet, ensuring that the lower
end of the condenser pipe fits into the hole in the bottom of the cabinet, and
that both locating pins at the rear of the pipe, below the boiling chamber are
located in the holes on the bracket, inside the cabinet. Reassemble the
clamp and secure with the clamp screw.
Assemble the inlet hose onto the tailpiece at the bottom of the condenser
tube and secure using the hose clip provided.
Assemble the baffle support, (ensuring that it is properly seated inside the
boiling chamber), internal baffle, baffle cup and lid as indicated on the
illustration. Refer also to lid and baffle parts.
It is not advisable to fit tubing the distillate outlet as this could restrict the flow
of water which in turn will impair the performance of the still and comprising
hygienic operation.
The hot overflow water from the bottom of the cabinet should be piped away
to a suitable drainage point. It is essential that there is no form of restriction
to the free flow of this water, i.e. kinked rubber tubing on the end of the
discharge etc.

PAGE 2

ISSUE 4

6.

RAW WATER SUPPLY

The raw water supply should be uninterrupted. Any variation of pressure in
the mains will be compensated by the inlet regulator. In addition to the inlet
regulator it is advantageous to fit a stop valve in the line for shut-down
periods, at night-time, etc, so that the regulating valve can remain set at the
optimum position. The volumetric flow of inlet water to the still is
approximately nine times the distillate output.

7.

ELEMENTS AND CONNECTORS

WARNING: This equipment is supplied with a lead and plug fused at 13
Amp. If an alternative method of connection is used then it
is ESSENTIAL that the electric supply includes an earth and
current overload protection rated at 13 Amp.
It is strongly recommended that the Electrical Supply to this
equipment includes a residual circuit device (RCD).
The electrical supply must always be disconnected before
commencing any work on the still, with all electrical work
being carried out by suitably qualified electricians.
Prior to operation ensure that both element connectors are pushed firmly
home in their respective sockets and the single mains lead and plug are
connected to a suitable electrical supply.
The elements incorporate a cut-out should the water supply fail and the
elements become overheated. This cut out will switch off the element and
then back on again when it has cooled down. This cycle will continue until the
still is filled with water or is switched off.
CAUTION: In the event of severe overheating, a plastic safety device within
the main body of the element, will be destroyed. The element will
no longer function and will have to be replaced.
When this happens switch off the electrical supply, allow the still
to cool and then determine and rectify the cause.
Qualified electrical assistance should be obtained when dealing
with electrical faults.
Ensure the elements are securely fixed and parallel with the bottom of the
boiling chamber. It may be necessary to re-tighten elements after the initial
installation.

ISSUE 4

PAGE 3

8.

REPLACING AN ELEMENT
Should it be necessary to replace an element the following instructions must
be adhered to.

Refer to the above drawing

Fit the washer to the pan.
Coat the thermal disc with the silicon grease provided.
Fit the element to the inside of the pan.
Fit the connector to the element.
Secure with the three screws and fit the star washer as shown above.
Fit the cover
9.

LID AND BAFFLE PARTS

The baffle system is in two parts. The inner baffle stands on the baffle support
with the drain holes on the lower side. The baffle cup sits on the top of the
inner baffle. The lid rests on the shoulder around the top circumference of the
boiling chamber.
NOTE: The condenser tube is held in position by the black rubber end
cap. It is possible that the condenser tube may have moved
during transportation and installation. The correct position is
when the upper end of the tube protrudes inside the boiling
chamber 9.5 mm above the rim of the baffle support.

PAGE 4

ISSUE 4

10. OPERATION
CAUTION: Except during setting up procedures the cabinet door should
always be fitted and locked when the still is in operation.
WARNING: The water must always be turned on before switching on
the electrical supply. Similarly always switch of the
electrical supply before turning off the water. Failure to
observe this procedure could result in damage to elements.
Open the water supply to the still using the flow control needle valve.
It is suggested that an initial setting would be
A 1/4 turn open from closed if mains water supply is used.
1 complete turn open from closed if a header tank water supply is
used.
Wait until water can be seen flowing from the outlet (approximately 5-6
minutes).
Switch on the electrical supply. When the water in the still is boiling adjust the
raw water inlet (using the regulator valve) until the still runs at constant
temperature of 80 degrees C.
The temperature is shown on the temperature indicator strip mounted on the
condenser pipe at the front of the still.
This procedure will allow the still to function efficiently and economically. A
p.H valve of 6.5 - 7.5 should be expected with a maximum conductivity of 5
microsiemens.
NOTE: It may be necessary to make further minor adjustments.
WARNING: The heating elements fitted to the Manesty still are
of the highest quality, however, under adverse conditions
the elements will fall prematurely if,
a)

the water being heated is corrosive or leaves a corrosive deposit on the

element,

b)

the element is used in a hard water ares, as deposits left on the element
will impair its heating efficiency.

c)

If the depth of deposit is sufficient to retain heat then the element will
overheat and either continually cut out or burn out.

d)

We strongly recommend that all elements are checked

on a regular basis and are descaled as necessary.

e)

The electrical supply must always be disconnected before removing the

element connectors.

ISSUE 4

PAGE 5

11. PURITY OF DISTILLATE

One of the methods of assessing the purity of the distilled water is measuring
its conductivity. In theory pure water should have zero conductivity. However,
even the slighted amount of impurity will allow a small electric current to pass
and the output from a Manesty still should have a conductivity in
the region of 3 to 5 microsiemens, 3 microsiemens is only likely to be
obtained under the best possible operating conditions.
Sometimes an output with a higher conductivity is obtained. One of the most
likely causes is contamination of the distillate by the feed water. This can be
caused by minute droplets of after from the boiling chamber getting into the
condenser.
The baffle arrangement on the top of the condenser tube is designed to stop
this happening but if any of the pieces of the baffle system are not correctly
in place then it is possible for a small amount of the feed water to contaminate
the distillate.
Another possible cause is operating the still at a higher output than that for
which it is designed. In this case the steam is being generated so fast that its
velocity through the baffles would be sufficient to carry minute droplets of
water with it.
A further cause could be from contamination of the condenser tubes. If the
tubes have been cleaned and all traces of cleaning fluid have not been
removed, then this would be an obvious source of contamination. However,
contamination of this type would eventually clear itself through continuous
operation.
The quality of the feed water is also a possible cause. as the
Manesty still is of the single pass type it may not be sufficiently efficient to
remove a very high level of contamination.
There are two possible solutions to this problem, either to remove some of
the contamination from the feed water (for example by using a deioniser or
water softener prior to the still), or by double distillation. The former is usually
the simpler and most cost effective method.
We can supply an electronic water conditioner to use with the
Manesty still. Contact Impact sales department for
further details.
Another problem which can arise when operating a still is contamination of
the distillate by absorption of carbon dioxide. If the distillate is collected at an
elevated temperature it will absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as
the water cools. This will cause a decrease in the pH of the distillate.
To reduce this effect it is necessary to collect the distillate at room
temperature or below. Even this action will not completely prevent the
absorption of carbon dioxide and the amount absorbed will be proportional to
the surface area of the distillate exposed to the atmosphere. If the carbon
dioxide free water is required it is necessary to collect the distillate under an
inert atmosphere.
Alternatively, the distillate can be heated to near boiling point to remove the
carbon dioxide then cooled in a sealed container to prevent re-absorption.

PAGE 6

ISSUE 4

The absorption of carbon dioxide will decrease the pH of the distillate and
even when operating the still with a feed water at pH7 (neutral) it is possible
that the distillate under normal conditions could have a pH value of less than
7.0
NOTE: All Manesty stills operate with the lid as a safety valve.
If pressure builds up in the boiling chamber the lid, which is only
held in place by its own weight, will lift and release pressure. If
the lid on the still is continually lifting, this is likely to be caused
but a restriction on the outlet (i.e, the distillate passing through
a U trap or into an unvented container).
12. CLEANING AND DESCALING
Allow the still to cool
Disconnect the electric and water supplies. Drain the still by opening the
drain valve until water ceases to run. Remove the Lid (Pt No. 8340850, Baffle
Cup (Pt No. 8340360), Inner Baffle (Pt No. 8300200) and Baffle Support (Pt
No. 8305280)
Unplug both element connectors.
Disconnect the inlet overflow and drain hoses from the pipe head and
condenser.
Unclamp and remove the still from its bracket within the cabinet as previously
described.
Remove the Moulded Rubber End Cap (Pt No. 8305160) from the end of the
Condenser Pipe and withdraw the Condenser Tube (Pt No. 8300511).
Remove the heating elements. This is done by removing the locknut and
withdrawing the element from the inside of the boiling chamber.
It is not necessary to remove the condenser pipe from the boiling chamber
for the cleaning and descaling operation, but if for any reason this is done,
then the joints should be remade with a fresh gasket on reassembly.
Deposits of hard and encrusted scale should be removed from the boiling
chamber using a suitable sharp, but soft instrument which will not damage
the surface of the stainless steel. The final cleaning should be carried out
using a domestic nylon pan scrubber or similar. Attention should be paid to
the shoulder of the boiling chamber on which the lid is seated.
During the above cleaning operation the overflow and gas escape tubes
should be checked to ensure that they are clear. The scale which has
collected on the element should be removed by very carefully chipping.
Reassemble using new element washers and replace any other gaskets or
sealing washers which have been disturbed. All spare parts and washes can
be supplied on request.
We do not advise the use of chemical scale removers because, unless they
are handled very carefully, the still will require a lengthy rn-in period before
the after effects of these chemicals can be removed.

ISSUE 4

PAGE 7

In districts where the water is either hard or very soft, the still can be operated
with advantage in conjunction with scale reducer. In the case of hard water,
scale formation is considerably reduced with very soft water, the corrosive
action is greatly minimised.
13. ORDERING OF SPARE PARTS
When ordering spare parts the following information will be required.
Purchase order number.
Serial number of the Still.
Part Number, Description, and Quantities required.

PAGE 8

ISSUE 4

14. OVERALL VIEW

ISSUE 4

PAGE 9

15. PARTS LIST

Item

Part No.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44

8340810
8340550
8340540
8344940
8340840
8340730
8340660
4127030
8340720
4702252
8340590
8340780
8300511
8340560
8305160
6404890
8340970
8340710
8340610
4950190
8340640
8340570
8340670
8305241
4909120
4127020
8305330
8340580
4127010
8305290
8305090
8340850
8340860
8300200
8305280
8305310
8340700
8340830
4702708
4702807
8340990
8340980
4702807
4702728

PAGE 10

Quantity
1
1
1
4
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
6
6
1
2
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2

Description
Mains Lead
Rating Plate
Cabinet
Plastite Screw
Element Connector
Condensate Cup
Overflow Hose
Earth Cable Assembly
Clamp
M6 x 12 Slotted Pan Head Screw - Stainless Steel
Tee Connector
Caution Label
Condenser Tube
Condenser Pipe
Rubber End Cap
1/4 BSP Nippled Connector
Flow Control Needle Valve
Lock
!/4 BSP - 10mm Plastic Hose Elbow Connector
1/4 Fibre Washer
Supply Hose
Drain Valve
Drain Hose
Boiling Chamber
1/4 BSW Dome Nut
Copper Washer
Pipe Head Stud
Temperature Indicator
Element
Pipe Head
Gasket
Lid
Baffle Cup
Inner Baffle
Baffle Support
Upper Collar
Cabinet door
Junction Box
M6 Hexagon Locknut
6mm Diameter Washer
Earthing Pillar
Stud M5 x 11 Long
6mm Diameter Washer
M6 Hexagon Locknut

ISSUE 4

16. WIRING DIAGRAM

ISSUE 4

PAGE 11

17. WIRING LAYOUT

PAGE 12

ISSUE 4