I wouldn't worry. New membranes are packed with a mix of inert distilled
water and preservative. They do have a shelf life but it is a lot longer
than a year or two. While the membrane may have lost 2 or 3% of its capacity
you don't need to worry about pickling until you have exposed it to the
bacteria in seawater. Even then it is very common to leave watermakers
pickled for 5 or 6 months while on the hard. Also there are acid washes
that can be used to restore some capacity to older membranes.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"beaufortnc" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi,

We bought a 8gph watermaker in the Spring and got quite a deal,
remanufactured by a highly reputable company.

I'm now close to installing, and in my research, I've read several
places that the pickling process is only good for 3 months or so.

This was never relayed to me, and I'll admit I wasn't experienced
enough to know better.

It's now been about 8 months and the pressure vessel's been in storage
all of that time.

Q: Am I screwed? Is the membrane ruined and if so, why?

Thanks,

Mike.