Incoming water R/O issue

[zygote2k]

On one of my service tanks, the incoming DC water line has been filled with fine particulate that has now clogged 2) RODI units. This results in zero water production and requires a full tear down to fix temporarily until it clogs again.

 

Is there a scale reduction cartridge that I can buy to "prefilter" the water before it goes to the first stage?

Can I simply place an empty cartridge first in line in hopes that the particles will fall to the bottom of it before going to the first stage?

 

Need some help on figuring this one out.

Thank in advance.

[Jon Lazar]

What about adding a coarse sediment filter (or two) as an additional prefilter?  One µ is common, and I've seen them as large as five µ.  The coarse ones are cheap to replace and won't clog so quickly.  Everyone puts their RODI elements in series, but you could add two prefilters and install them in parallel to extend the time between replacement.  Or install something larger than the standard 10" cartridge.

[AlanM]

On the BRS unit I use the first stage is a 1 micron particle filter and then two 5 micron carbons. Is yours the same? Stuff making it past all that?

[Jerel]

Spectrapure has a 0.2 micron ZetaZorb sediment cartridge. I have one on my Spectrapure unit and it is capable of holding five times more dirt than say, 1 micron.

[John Ford]

Spectrapure has a 0.2 micron ZetaZorb sediment cartridge. I have one on my Spectrapure unit and it is capable of holding five times more dirt than say, 1 micron.

This filter is amazing. Cost 30$ but when I use this in my rodi setup I produce 0 tds before my di chambers. I have a low tds coming into my house to start but I have never seen 0 tds before my di with any other sediment cartridge. (Sorry to stray from the topic)

[molcott]

try this https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/dm-fit-filter-strainer.html

[zygote2k]

try this https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/dm-fit-filter-strainer.html

exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks.

[molcott]

exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks.

Right on only reason I even knew about that was because BRS put a new video on YouTube yesterday that had that on there

 

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[AlanM]

The holes in that filter are really huge at 150 micron.  Do you have your RO attached right to the wall with no pre-filters?  That's the only way I could see this helping, and even then it will just keep the visible doodoo from getting on the RO.  

 

My 1 micron fiber prefilter turns orange over the course of a month with stuff in our water in Gaithersburg.

[Jerel]

If you absolutely need an add-on solution. This 0.35 micron pleated filter is more appropriate.

[Origami]

The holes in that filter are really huge at 150 micron.  Do you have your RO attached right to the wall with no pre-filters?  That's the only way I could see this helping, and even then it will just keep the visible doodoo from getting on the RO.  

 

My 1 micron fiber prefilter turns orange over the course of a month with stuff in our water in Gaithersburg.

My guess, from Rob's original post, is that his first stage sediment filter is clogging - not that his membrane is fouling. A 150 micron stage is probably a good start at knocking out the big particles of scale. A 100 or even a 50 micron stage would be good as well and take some of the load off of the first stage. As that first stage gets clogged, the efficiency and output of the RO falls off drastically. The pre-filter stage that was suggested looks ideal. Even more so because the 100 mesh screen is removable and cleanable as part of routine maintenance. 

 

A quick search on the internet shows that you can buy these straiers in 200 mesh (60 micron) versions, too.  

[zygote2k]

I have a standard 5 stage rodi. The incoming line from the source has had black particles of something in it that clogs the actual tubing as it enters the prefilter. 

[AlanM]

Yikes. City must pump directly from the reservoir.

[Jon Lazar]

I have a standard 5 stage rodi. The incoming line from the source has had black particles of something in it that clogs the actual tubing as it enters the prefilter. 

 

How about this?  It's a spin-down sediment filter.  Plumbingsupply.com carries them.

 

[Origami]

I have a standard 5 stage rodi. The incoming line from the source has had black particles of something in it that clogs the actual tubing as it enters the prefilter.

Plugs the tubing? That's incredible.

 

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[John Ford]

I have a standard 5 stage rodi. The incoming line from the source has had black particles of something in it that clogs the actual tubing as it enters the prefilter.

It's been my experience with plumbing that black particles come from the water heater. Obviously your rodi is tied into the cold water so maybe look for possible backflow from the water heater. Also older fixtures start to rot and the gaskets break apart. Is this unit tied into the main water line or tapped off a sink?

[John Ford]

Of course D.C. Water has its own line of issues as well so I understand my above comments maybe irrelevant..

[zygote2k]

it's tapped off of a sink and it's from one of the main water lines in a lobby hi-rise.

It's the tank that Phil used to work on 7 years ago...

[AlanM]

Sheesh, I'm surprised all of their faucet aerators don't quickly clog.  Surprised they can take showers or wash hands and dishes with that much crud coming through the pipes.

 

Wonder if they have a booster pump in the building to push pressure to the higher floors that has some failing seals or something.