I'm having a problem with me RO unit

pfoster40 · 10/18/2009, 07:12 PM

ok so I just replaced all of my filters in my RO/DI unit, which is a 5 stage set up. I replaced all of the pre filters, the ro membrane, and the di resin. I upgraded to a 150 gpd ro membrane, and I have had my unit running for about 12 hours now to prolly get about 12-16 gallons made. How is this possible. My waste water has almost tripled it seems like by watching the amount that comes out of the line. What is wrong here? Why is there so much extra waste water now, and my unit isnt making alot of pure water?

Spinny · 10/18/2009, 07:50 PM

Did you replace the flow restrictor for the 150gpd membrane? What is the pressure to the membrane?

pfoster40 · 10/18/2009, 08:12 PM

I did not see a restrictor inside the unit at all, and I do not have a pressure gauge. I have it on the same amount of power as I did before through my water spic it which is wide open almost.

lllosingit · 10/18/2009, 09:49 PM

The restrictors on my RO units were on the waste water side, Just remove the line and you should see it either stuck in the end of the line or in the fitting on the RO unit. You will need the correct restrictor for the membrane you use.

Spinny · 10/18/2009, 10:26 PM

Exactly as lllosingit stated.

Also, if your ordering the proper restrictor, you should look into an inline pressure gauge for your system. I went years running my R/O system at about 40 psi with minimal results. I installed a booster pump, and now operate my system at 80psi, and I couldn't be happier. Remember that the 150gpd is rated with proper operating conditions (Pressure and Temperature).

Buckeye Hydro · 10/19/2009, 06:09 AM

Good advice above.

Look INSIDE the upstream end of the waste line and you'll likely see a capillary flow restrictor. Get a new one matched to the 150 gpd membrane.

Realize that the 150 gpd membrane is factory rated at 65 psi and 77 degrees water. You really ought to get a pressure gauge add on kit, and if you don't have one already, a tds meter. Those two tools are must-haves if you are going to do any troubleshooting with these systems.

Russ

10/18/2009, 07:12 PM	#1
pfoster40 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 287	I'm having a problem with me RO unit ok so I just replaced all of my filters in my RO/DI unit, which is a 5 stage set up. I replaced all of the pre filters, the ro membrane, and the di resin. I upgraded to a 150 gpd ro membrane, and I have had my unit running for about 12 hours now to prolly get about 12-16 gallons made. How is this possible. My waste water has almost tripled it seems like by watching the amount that comes out of the line. What is wrong here? Why is there so much extra waste water now, and my unit isnt making alot of pure water?

10/18/2009, 09:49 PM	#4
lllosingit Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Des Moines Iowa Posts: 3,190	The restrictors on my RO units were on the waste water side, Just remove the line and you should see it either stuck in the end of the line or in the fitting on the RO unit. You will need the correct restrictor for the membrane you use. __________________ It Was Funny Until Someone Got Hurt..........Then It Was Hilarious! Current Tank Info: DD 250 60x36x27 450 gallon total system.

10/18/2009, 07:50 PM	#2
Spinny Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Greenville, WI Posts: 114	Did you replace the flow restrictor for the 150gpd membrane? What is the pressure to the membrane?

10/18/2009, 08:12 PM	#3
pfoster40 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 287	I did not see a restrictor inside the unit at all, and I do not have a pressure gauge. I have it on the same amount of power as I did before through my water spic it which is wide open almost.

10/18/2009, 10:26 PM	#5
Spinny Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Greenville, WI Posts: 114	Exactly as lllosingit stated. Also, if your ordering the proper restrictor, you should look into an inline pressure gauge for your system. I went years running my R/O system at about 40 psi with minimal results. I installed a booster pump, and now operate my system at 80psi, and I couldn't be happier. Remember that the 150gpd is rated with proper operating conditions (Pressure and Temperature).

10/19/2009, 06:09 AM	#6
Buckeye Hydro .Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 4,857	Good advice above. Look INSIDE the upstream end of the waste line and you'll likely see a capillary flow restrictor. Get a new one matched to the 150 gpd membrane. Realize that the 150 gpd membrane is factory rated at 65 psi and 77 degrees water. You really ought to get a pressure gauge add on kit, and if you don't have one already, a tds meter. Those two tools are must-haves if you are going to do any troubleshooting with these systems. Russ