Semler Industries, Inc., for more than 100 years a recognized leader in the liquid-handling field, recently shipped the first potable water cabinet (PWC) designed specifically to meet the unique demands of the Airbus A380. "The world's largest passenger airliner, with a seating capacity of up to 840, must carry significantly more fresh, purified water than a standard-sized aircraft," explained Bill Schulz, Semler's Director of Strategic Accounts and Projects. "The tank capacity must be large enough to ensure that water supplies do not run out before the aircraft touches down." For example, the Airbus 380 must typically carry more than 525 gallons of water to supply all of the passengers with drinking water. To do that effectively and efficiently, airline ground-handling staff need to be able to rapidly fill the water system from a single point. Standard PWCs can deliver water at 10 to 12 gallons per minute. The challenge placed before Semler was to develop a PWC that could deliver fresh water at a minimum rate of 20 gallons per minute. Semler met and exceeded that challenge by creating the SIIF-3000-A380 PWCwhich also includes Semler's IntelliFlush® circuitry that ensures that the water residing in the cabinet stays freshthat delivers 25 gallons per minute. In addition, with the optional water filter deployed, the A380's tanks are still capable of being filled at a rate of 23 gallons per minute. "The aircraft is big and its increase in capacity demands a higher flow, larger potable water cabinet," said Joe Palm, Semler's Plant Manager. The SIIF-3000-A380 has an internal volume of 53 cubic feet that enables it to accommodate its larger diameter hose and hose reel. Its external dimensions are 49" by 36" by 52". At 860 pounds, it weighs 230 pounds more than a standard PWC, but it has the same 3,000-watt heaters and similar thermal efficiency as traditional Semler PWCs. All SIIF-3000-A380 PWCs are sanitized by Semler's AWOCS™ (Aircraft Ozone Water Cleaning System) and sealed prior to shipping.
