RO problem- see page two for a 5/07/07 update

[Anonymous]

I took the flow restrictor (an adjustable one) off my good RO unit and put it on the bad one and it works fine. Of couse I expected it would since it has a needle valve and I had it adjusted for my other RO unit and it only drains a drop every second or two.

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

>...I know it doesn't stop the flow, but it should slow it down to a mere trickle, not a steady stream.

Depends on the diameter, some trickles, some streams. Sounds like you have a defective restrictor.

>.... ASV. How is this test done?

When you block the output completely, it should stop due to the increased pressure.

 

[Buckeye Field Supply]

Let's back up a little. Sounds like you're reporting 2 problems:

1. Too much waste water when the waste water is flowing.
and
2. The waste water is flowing all the time.

These are really to independent items - let's tackle them one at a time.

1. Too much waste water. You won't know how much is too much until you compare the waste water volume to the permeate (purified water). You should have 4 times more waste water than permeate. Anything between 3:1 and 5:1 is ok.

If you are used to seeing waste water trickle out at a drop or two every second you are undoubtedly over-restricting your waste water and damaging (scale build up) your membrane. You should either adjust your restrictor correctly or get a static (e.g., capillary) type flow restrictor that is preset for your membrane capacity.

2. Waste water flows all the time. You are right - this will have you going through prefilters quickly, and you'll likely exceed the chlorine capacity of your carbon prefilter much quicker than expected, and thereby expose your membrane to chlorine and ruin it. So - what to do?

There are two easy fixes here:

A. Manually shut off the water supply to the RO system when you are not using it.

If that's not practical (for any number of reasons), then go to "Plan B."

B. Replace or install an automatic shut off valve (and its check valve). An ASO valve is a small device with tubing leading to 4 ports - on systems that are plumbed well the ASO valves are typically hidden from view somewhat behind the RO membrane housing. The ASO valves senses when the flow of permeate has been stopped (by a float valve for instance), and it then stops the flow of waste water as well.

You may or may not have one of these ASO valves on your systems. They are easy to install as an after-market add-on.

Louie - I'll send you via email to your work address instructions for installing an ASO valve - the instructions include a picture of an ASO valve too.

Russ

 

[Anonymous]

I will order a new flow restrictor, ASV and check valve today.

Louey

 

[Buckeye Field Supply]

We rec'd you order. Should go out tomorrow morning.

Russ @ BFS

 

[Anonymous]

Got the tracking info, thanks Russ.

Louey