RO/DI

[dschflier]

I just started using a 5 stage RO/DI and changed out from my Maxxima 60. I am pretty sure the 5 stage was rated to about the same gph as the maximma. I just got new filters for the 5 stage and hooked it up in place of my maxxima. It appears the filters, which I got from filter guys, are getting dirty quickly but it also seems that the new RO/DI is not producing as much water.

 

Would anyone have any answers as to why this might be?

 

My maximma was actually 5 stage in that I have a pre-filter before the RO and the new one is actually 6 stages. The 6 stages are as follow.

the gauge shows 20 PSI going in

1: sediment

2: sediment

3: charcoal

4: RO

I then have a TDS meter inline

5: DI

6: DI

TDS output

 

I am thinking of setting up the maximma again with the new filters and adding a stage to see if it is the filters causing the slow down.

[flowerseller]

Our IN pressure runs between 60-80psi.

The higher the IN pressure, the more efficient they become.

 

We use an Aquasafe 6 stage from the web

our filters are 5 micron

sediment

carbon (granular)

carbon block

R/O

DI

collect for use

 

we use the 6th stage ofr our ice machine

 

I replace reflters and DI resins 3x a year and the R/O membrane after about 16-18 months.

[Gatortailale]

did you match the correct size Flow Restrictor with your membrane size you replaced in the unit?

 

http://www.aquariumwaterfilters.com/index....p&Itemid=28

[dschflier]

Will the flow restrictor raise my PSI? I do not have a flow restrictor installed. I have to check my PSI before my first stage. I am going to try one change to possiblly get my PSI raised. My first stage is a canister from home depot that I use with a sediment filter. Myabe the fact that the water goes through that and then is reduced to the standard 1/8"ID is what effects the pressure. I do have a canister from my dialyseas that is a small opening and exit. Maybe using that one will bring up the PSI. What do you think?

[dandy7200]

My pressure gauge is installed between the third stage and the membrane and reads about 30 psi.

My TDS meter IN is installed between the two DI's and OUT after last DI.

[extreme_tooth_decay]

I'm one of those guys who doesn't see the need for all those stages...

 

sediment (1 micron) (replace every 6 months)

1 carbon block (replace every 6 months)

R/O (will replace when I start getting bad water. I flush it every couple weeks)

 

My water usually comes out with TDS 2-4. I've tested things like chlorine and phosphates,

they always comes out 0.

 

tim

Edited August 14, 2007 by extreme_tooth_decay

[davelin315]

Almost all membranes require 40PSI minimum in order to work correctly. You will lose some water pressure going through different stages, but it won't cause the initial PSI to change. The PSI from your water source is what matters, you lose PSI as filters get clogged. The restrictor only makes sure that the water pressure is being exerted in the right place. I'm surprised your water pressure is down to 20PSI (and even more surprised that it's producing anything). Even at school where there's no pressure we have 40PSI from the tap. I use a RO pressure boosting pump in order to get water out of it. Without the pump, we get about a drop per hour (if we're really lucky).

[dschflier]

Well for all I know the gauge is not reading correctly because my maxxima has worked fine for years.

[fab]

The important pressure reading is right in front of the RO stage. Not enough pressure and you will not produce much and you will waste a lot.

 

fab

[flowerseller]

The important pressure reading is right in front of the RO stage. Not enough pressure and you will not produce much and you will waste a lot.

 

fab

That's a good point to remember. We have ours between the auto shut off and the RO membrane.

Back flushing the membrane in conjunction with prefilter replacement plays a huge roll in longevity of the membrane itself.

 

 

dschflier

Hook the psi gauge right up to your tap and see the psi from there.

Then check that your psi gauge is located as above and that the pinhole in the gauge itself is not partially clogged.

We typically collect 1 - 2.5g

 

This link shows the prefilters cut away.