[Paddlewise] Saltwater to Freshwater "Devices"

In the West Marine catalogue (p.430/1999 ed)  I saw a  Pur Watermaker which
claimed the ability to convert seawater to fresh water via pumping through a
semi-permeable membrane. Claim was that 98.4% of the "salt" content was
removed. It's pretty pricey at $500, and its yield of 2 pints per hour
sounds about equal to the perspiration that would be needed generate the
800lb/sq inch force needed  to force intake water through the membrane.

Anyone have experience with such a unit?

For a long trip along the southern coast of Bathurst Inlet NWT  this coming
summer , there are many large islands which may be  (fresh) waterless. I
plan on taking 3-10 liter MSR Dromedary Bags, which are certainly much
cheaper than the above mentioned unit. Mostly I am concerned about a 5-6 day
"involuntary stay" on one of these islands, due to wind.  If there is
sea-ice that far south, I realize that melt water on its surface will
probably be potable, if accessible. Alas, last summers trip to NWT often
reminded me of the biblical phrase " wind and clouds without rain" , i.e.
fresh water doesn't fall from heaven to fill your canoe with distilled
water!

Just curious about other's experience with saltwater to freshwater alchemy.

rich dempsey
ridem_at_msn.com




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