RO System Question
- Thread starter mike90
- Start date
Ron Reefman
Active member
Mike & mbg75,
You do NOT control the flow through an RO system by restricting the flow out of the waste water line. By "flow control" do you mean a handle that turns 90 degrees but doesn't shut off the water flow completely? It could be a backflow or flush for the RO membrane. Better systems have them and it's suggested you back flush when you are going to shut the system down. Did you buy this new? Didn't it have directions? If you bought it used, check with the manufacturer's website. Most offer 'owner manuals' online.
mbg75
New member
Yes you do control the flow in an RO unit through the wastewater line....the flow restrictor goes in the waste line.. its inside the tubing.
If he's talking about a handle, then I was mistaken, and that its a flush.
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Yes there is a small 90 degree valve on my waste water line that says flow. It's on the same end that the product (RO) water comes out. I need to keep this somewhat open while producing RO water correct? A friend gave me the unit and he bought it on ebay. Unfortunately I can't find a manufactor name on it so I can't get manual.
mbg75
New member
Mike that valve is to flush the membrane for longevity. That stays closed while making water. After your done, open it fully to flush the membrane before shutting down...
The restrictor u can't see unless u remove the tubing.
It's called a flush valve..not a flow control...lol, can get confusing. Post a pic.
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The restrictor u can't see unless u remove the tubing.
It's called a flush valve..not a flow control...lol, can get confusing. Post a pic.
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jeff@zina.com
New member
That's not a flow valve, the sticker just shows the direction of flow. It should be fully open while running, fully closed to flush. Never partially open.
Jeff
Jeff
Water does not come out of it when it is closed. Water will however come out of the product (green) line when it is closed. That's all there is to it with the tubing. The only other tube is the main water supply line.
Hal
New member
What he said.
The usual setup is two tubes in parallel that lead from the input side of the RO membrane to wherever you are sending your waste water. One tube has a flow restrictor in it. As said above, it's impossible to see unless you disconnect the tubing and stare inside. The flow restrictor is just a smaller diameter tube within the normal tubing. Its purpose is to build up backpressure that forces the raw water through the RO membrane. The other tube (without the flow restrictor) usually has a shutoff valve in it.
During normal operation the shutoff valve is closed, and all waste water is forced through the flow restrictor. When you open the shutoff valve the water bypasses the flow restrictor and just goes to your waste line. The increased flow against the outside of your RO membrane washes away junk that has accumulated on the membrane.
I've never seen a setup like you have. I'd call the manufacturer and ask them to explain/confirm.
If I leave that fully open while running, a fast strong stream comes out. If I left that open I would never have RO water and my water bill would be insane.
Buckeye Hydro
.Registered Member
Jeff has it right. The entire device is a flow restrictor with a built in flush valve. So move the handle to parallel to the body of the restrictor to flush the membrane, and for normal operation the handle should be perpendicular to the tubing.
Russ
Russ
Buckeye Hydro
.Registered Member
In one position, LOTS of water should come out of the waste line - this is the flush position.
In the full other position (not half way), the waste water should be about 4 times the purified water.
If this isn't the way its working, something is wrong - maybe the flow restrictor is clogged.
A new flow restrictor will run you $4...
Russ
In the full other position (not half way), the waste water should be about 4 times the purified water.
If this isn't the way its working, something is wrong - maybe the flow restrictor is clogged.
A new flow restrictor will run you $4...
Russ
