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RO maintanence

J

Jimmy Buffett

Active member
I have never really done anything to my ro system except change the prefilter. How do you know when you need to do something? We are very busy today and I notice the level is dropping more than I remember. To be honest it has been quite some ttime since we were this busy so maybe it is just a faulty memory.
 
The unit should have flowmeters to indicate the flow to both the tank and the drain, and you should monitor them to know if production starts to drop. There's no maintenance other than replacing the membrane(s) or cleaning them, and every time I've seen one cleaned the product was a higher TDS than before. One guy told me he was charged $150 for membrane cleaning when he could've replaced it for $225.
 
Well I have not monitored the pressure but I guess the fact that my holding tank level is dropping is a good sign it's time. Do you happen to know if Jim Coleman has a proprietary filter for their unit? They are pretty proud of their parts.
 
JB,

I'm not sure what holding tank your speaking of? Are your saying that your storage tank of RO is not filling as fast (as in making water) or it's being used faster (because your washing more or using higher presure... bigger hose, valve open...etc?

There is very little maintenance. What is the TDS on your meter? What are the flow rates? Whan have you last back washed or changed the carbon pre-filter?
 
Etowah
Unless something has changed Coleman used the Dow filmtec membrane. They did make smaller systems for a small SS only wash that had a 2.5x40 but the bigger systems used the very common 4x40" They deliver somewhere between 1500-2000 gpd per membrane. If you are reclaiming your RO reject I wouldn't worry too much about it unless it really struggles to keep up on a regular basis(assuming good quality output).
 
I recycle my waste into my rinse tank so I get to use some of it but I still waste a lot. My auto business is much better than my ss. The membrane is 4.5 years old so I would say that is not bad. S I can get the membrane from KR? Is there a better place.
Thx
J
 
You should get a TFC membrane. Kleen-Rite's prices are about as good as you'll get unless you find a wholesaler that will sell directly to you.
 
I purchased my last membranes from:
WOOD BROTHERS IND
721 Westgate Blvd
Lincoln, NE 68528
USA

I was pleased with the service and the price.
 
Check the temp of the water going into the unit. The colder the water gets the lower the production of R.O. water. If your like us you might have to put a mixing valve on and bring the input temp up.
 
There's a V-seal on one end of the membrane - just put the new one in the same way the old one came out, and lubricate the seal and end tubes with silicone grease before you reassemble it.

I always replace the carbon in the prefilter whenever I change a membrane.
 
I assume the prefilter is the other tube back there. What exactly do you mean by "replace the carbon"? I have never looked inside the tubes.
 
The membranes are directional. Make sure you replace them with the arrows pointing the same way they came out. (Learned that one on my first membrane replacement.)
 
Jimmy Buffett said:
I assume the prefilter is the other tube back there. What exactly do you mean by "replace the carbon"? I have never looked inside the tubes.
Click to expand...

The "carbon" is usually the "spun glass tank" used as a pre-filter to a RO system. In some smaller systems it's about the size of a home water softener system or in a tunnel it's a tall as 5-6' and 14" across. They run about $100-$150 to replace in exchange and should be done when you change out your membranes (since CLORINE CONTAMINATION is usually what kills a membrane).
 
bneckrock said:
The membranes are directional. Make sure you replace them with the arrows pointing the same way they came out. (Learned that one on my first membrane replacement.)
Click to expand...
This isn't quite accurate. The membrane doesn't care which way the water flows through it. The only reason there's a seal on the membrane at one end is to prevent water from flowing around it instead of through it.
 
Turns out my unit has 2 membranes. I had it adjusted today though and it seems to be doing better. No lines today so it's hard to tell. Maybe I'll squeeze another year or 2 out of the membranes. It's just mind boggling how much I still don't know after nearly 5 years!
 
Jimmy Buffett said:
Turns out my unit has 2 membranes. I had it adjusted today though and it seems to be doing better. No lines today so it's hard to tell. Maybe I'll squeeze another year or 2 out of the membranes. It's just mind boggling how much I still don't know after nearly 5 years!
Click to expand...

Dude, I've been dating woman and been married now for 18 years..... need I say more?
 
bneckrock said:
I purchased my last membranes from:
WOOD BROTHERS IND
721 Westgate Blvd
Lincoln, NE 68528
USA

I was pleased with the service and the price.
Click to expand...

Do you know what part number they used for the Coleman membrane? I want to replace the two membranes in my system. All I know is that they are 4"x40" and they are JCC part #62132. It lists a membrane and an element part #62132-2 as well. I want to replace but would prefer to buy elsewhere. It also has a number AKA-1600 which I believe means that it is rated for 1600 gallons a day.
 
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