RO/DI membrane upgrade

[reefman]

has any1 upgrade their membrane (from 50 gpd to 150 gpd)
btw: changing flow restrictor is also needed

the unit makes louder pressure sound over 35 psi.
is this normal?

 

[Buckeye Field Supply]

Many people upgrade to a membrane with more capacity and change the flow restrictor as you suggest.

You have 35 psi to your membrane? That's not enough pressure - you'll not be happy with your system, and changing the membrane won't help. You need more pressure.

Are your prefilters clogged?

Russ

 

[reefman]

no, my psi is 50-65.
its just that when the psi goes above 35 psi, theres a loud hissing noise which i assume is from the increase pressure. i didnt get this before upgrading the membrane. i'm just wondering if this is normal.

 

[Buckeye Field Supply]

A loud hissing noise isn't typical.

 

[reefman]

any suggestions of the cause?
the hookup hasnt change from before. the output is 1ppm.i never was able to get it to 0ppm. maybe i should reinstall the membrane to make sure its put in right.
the noise seem to be coming from the output of the membrane canister and the flush valve.

 

[Buckeye Field Supply]

any suggestions of the cause?
the hookup hasnt change from before. the output is 1ppm.i never was able to get it to 0ppm. maybe i should reinstall the membrane to make sure its put in right.
the noise seem to be coming from the output of the membrane canister and the flush valve.

What is your waste to permeate (purified RO water) ratio? If there is a problem with the membrane not being fully seated, or maybe an internal crack in the RO membrane housing, it will show up as a low waste:permeate ratio.

Another possibility might be a check valve that is stuck - only partially open.

Russ

 

[reefman]

i think theres too much waste water, it is at least 5 waste to 1 purified. maybe even 6 to 1. but i'm thinking maybe the membrane needs to be fully hydrated to yield its normal 4 to 1 ratio.
if the membrane is not fully seated, i would think i would not get 1 ppm water.
i have check the canister n did not find any cracks. i don't think i have any check valve. if i do i dont know where it is.
could a loose flow restricter be a problem? i did notice it did not tightly fit in the tube.

 

[Buckeye Field Supply]

i think theres too much waste water, it is at least 5 waste to 1 purified. maybe even 6 to 1. but i'm thinking maybe the membrane needs to be fully hydrated to yield its normal 4 to 1 ratio.
if the membrane is not fully seated, i would think i would not get 1 ppm water.
i have check the canister n did not find any cracks. i don't think i have any check valve. if i do i dont know where it is.
could a loose flow restricter be a problem? i did notice it did not tightly fit in the tube.

a 5:1 or 6:1 isn't unusual, especially this time of year with the cold tap water temperatures.

Where are you seeing 1 ppm? After the RO or after the DI?

If you had a crak in the RO housing or if the membrane wasn't seated you'd have a low waste:permeate ratio.

The check valve may be inside the elbow fitting in the purified water port on the RO membrane housing, or somewhere in line in the tube going away from the RO purified water port.

Do you have an automatic shut off valve installed on the system?

I wouldn't think a loose flow restrictor would be the problem, but w/o inspecting the system I guess I can't rule out anything. The water pressure should force a capillary flow restrictor (assuming that's what you have) to seal around the edge of the tubing.

Russ

 

[reefman]

1ppm is after the DI. i didnt test what it is after RO.
i'll check the elbow fitting to see if there's any check valve. i dont remember seeing anything.
i dont have a shut off valve. i had one but sold it since i make water on the fly now.
the flow restrictor is just a plastic(grey) piece (red circle). it didnt have the black capillary. i called to ask about it n i was told the 150 GPD flow restrictor dont need the black capillary.

 

[bigbris1]

I switched from 50 gpd to 100 gpd & changed the flow restrictor & get a hissing noise. I just ignore it. I think I got the noise before, too. Just like when you run the bathroom faucet.

 

[Buckeye Field Supply]

The 150 gpd restrictor doesn't have the capillary tube...