RO Membrane clogged, can I...

[Anonymous]

Hook it up backwards to flush it? It's only 1 -1/2 years old and this happened suddenly of the course of the last 2 weeks. Went from fine to practically no output at all.

Or do I just have to get a new one?

If a new one is the only way to go, how does this look: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2067287949&rd=1

I would be upgrading from 50 gpd to 75!

Louey

 

[Vixyswillie]

Does it look like there are calcium deposits on the edges of the membrane? The maker of my RODI (http://www.aquaticreefsystems.com) says that under proper conditions, the membrane should last 2-3 years. This, however, is dependent upon the frequency with which you replace your other cartridges AND the hardness of your tap water. If your RO membrane is showing calcification, it's probably best to replace it.

 

[SPC]

Louey, do you use a flush kit?
Steve

 

[Anonymous]

SPC Posted: 09 Nov 2002 13:36 Post subject:

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Louey, do you use a flush kit?

No. Don't really know what that is! I just thought I would reverse the flow for a while. Any problems with doing so?

Louey

 

[dougc3]

Louey,

I posed this question to the guy I buy my RO stuff from a couple of weeks ago. Here are his thoughts:

"Yikes !

Never run water thru your membrane back ward . If you do call me in the morning for a replacement. It is a fast flush, not a back wash . You see back wash every where, it is the wrong term. The people who use it are mistaken. YOU CAN NOT BACKWASH A MEMBRANE with out ruining it. Any membrane any time will be ruined by a reversal of flow."

Go forward with caution if you reverse the flow on your membrane.

Doug

 

[SPC]

Yea, what Doug said. If your membrane is clogged, its finished.
The flush kit is simply a two way valve which enables the full force of the water to flow over the membrane. I run mine for about 2 minutes each time I fill my RO/DI container. According to the manufacturers of the RO/DI systems, this practice will extend the life of your membrane.
FWIW, I purchase all my replacement filters etc from these guys:http://www.aquaticreefsystems.com/
Steve

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
If you have a huge storage tank, you don't need to get the higher GPD membrane because it will not do you anything good other than flush your money down the drain. Of course if you use more than 50 gal per day, then you may want to go higher, but I doubt that anyone need to much.

The permeate pump and the storage tank enables you to use lower GPD membrane, so take advantage of them. Besides, when you upgrade from 50->75, you need to change the flow restrictor, and can complicate thing even more. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Anonymous]

Besides, when you upgrade from 50->75, you need to change the flow restrictor,

Ahh, I didn't know this. I'm glad I asked. I hate plumbing in all of it's forms. I order a new 50 GPD from somewhere.

Sucks not have RO water. I'll have to join the jug club until I get new membrane. It's not a bad deal, $6/Mo for all you can carry. It's just the carrying part the sucks. :roll:

I love reefing!

Louey