RO/DI filter problem !!!! help please!

[madmax7774]

I purchased the value series 100GPD RO/DI filter from Buckeye Field supply. Supposedly it has 100GPD rating. I have it plumbed correctly, and I am not getting much flow at all. Supplying it with water from a bathroom sink faucet, I am lucky to be getting 5~10 GPD. Is there some sort of a break-in period for these things? There is good pressure coming from the faucet, and there are no blockages anywhere. I am really upset at how slow this thing is. I removed all of the filters and re-seated them to be sure everything was good. Everything looks ok. I have an adapter screwed into the sink faucet which converts the line to 1/4OD plastic tubing into quick fittings on the unit. It just seems to me like the filters in this thing are not letting the water pass through at any rate approaching 100GPD. Not even close. Anyone use one of the ones from Buckeye field supply and have similar results?????

 

[OnTheReef]

Does your membrane have any kind of film wrapping that you need to remove? My unit shipped fully assembled with the wrapper still in place. Water temperature and pressure are two major limiting factors on production. Does your unit have a pressure gauge? You can get a pressure booster if it's low. Is your water really cold? This will cause the pores in your membrane to shrink, which will severely limit production. You can buy or build a manifold to mix in some hot water if this is a problem. Also, ensure that there are no constrictions on the end of your waste line.

 

[madmax7774]

checked it for a plastic qrap, and there wasn't one. I have turned to medium hot water instead of plain cold. Pressure from my tap is fairly strong, at least as far as I can tell.

 

[OnTheReef]

Whoa there, easy does it! :bounce2: if the water gets too hot you will melt your membrane. Look up the specs for your membrane to see what it's operating temperature range is supposed to be.

 

[smleee]

Optimum operating temperature for almost all membranes is ~77* F. Be careful when using older water heater systems and warm water, deposits built up in the water heater can cause an increase in input TDS to the unit, shortening the life of the membrane.

eee

 

[alten78]

i also have a 100 gpd unit, probably only get a couple gallons made per hour being as cold as it is right now. i wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[MCary]

Normally I'd agree alten but he's only getting 10 gpd, somethings wrong.

 

[madmax7774]

I removed all pieces and parts and checked each one indivdually and then 1 step at a time as I re-assembled it. It is defiantely something to do with the actual RO filter itself in the top chamber. Flow is magnificent until it hits that badboy, and then it just peters off to almost nothing. I wonder if I got a bum RO filter. I am going to call Buckeye's and aske them about it. I would have expectd it to bu much faster than this.

 

[MCary]

Water has to be squeezed through the RO membrane. Do you have a flow restrictor on the waste line. If so you may need to close it some. I think you need a 3-1 ratio, 3 parts waste to 1 part RO, (check on that ratio for your unit)

 

[jq1177]

Sorry to hi jack the thread but where can you get a pressure booster?

 

[MCary]

Most fish places like Foster & Smith have them under RO parts and accessories but they are expensive.

http://www.aquaticreefsystems.com/Common_Water_Problems.htm

 

[Unresistible Blue]

What is your waste to purified water ratio? Its adjusted on your system with the chrome thumb screw on the waste line. If you've not adjusted it properly, you may just be allowing water to bypass the membrane and go down the drain.