SpectraPure®

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE FOR RO/DI SYSTEMS

1.Low production rate:

a.

plugged pre-filters.

i. Replace pre-filters.

b.low water temperature. ii. Heat feed water OR use higher GPD membrane.

c.

low line pressure.

iii. Use booster pump OR use higher GPD membrane.

d.

high TDS content.

iv. Use booster pump OR use higher GPD membrane.

e.

fouled membrane.

v. Clean or replace membrane to restore flux.

f.

plugged flow restrictor.

vi. Replace flow restrictor & membrane.

2. Zero production rate:

 

 

a.

Missing flow restrictor.

i.

Put flow restrictor in the yellow line.

b.

Dried RO membrane.

ii.

Try to restore flux by soaking in rubbing alcohol

 

 

 

OR replace the membrane.

c.Plugged flow restrictor. iii. Replace flow restrictor and replace the membrane.

3.Extremely high production rate:

a.

Ruptured membrane.

i.

Replace

b.

Very high line pressure (> 80 psi).

ii.

Use a pressure reducing valve.

4.Pressure gauge does not register pressure when the system is “ON”:

 

a.

Missing flow restrictor.

i.

Put flow restrictor in the yellow

 

 

 

 

line.

 

b.

Pressure gauge screwed in too far.

ii.

Unscrew pressure gauge one

 

 

 

 

turn and retest.

 

c.

Plugged pressure gauge orifice.

iii.

Clean orifice with a needle.

 

d.

Defective pressure gauge.

iv.

Replace it.

5.

Low deionization cartridge life:

 

 

 

a.

Defective membrane.

i.

Replace it.

 

b.

Low pressure (< 40 psi).

ii.

Use booster pump.

 

c.

High CO2 levels in water (> 5 ppm).

iii.

Aerate RO product water or use a

 

 

 

 

straight anion cartridge ahead of

 

 

 

 

DI cartridge. (Call Technical

 

 

 

 

Support)

 

d.

High TDS in feed water (> 1000 ppm).

iv.

NO EASY SOLUTION.

 

e.

High levels of silica, nitrates,

v.

Use straight anion cartridge

 

 

 

 

ahead of mixed-bed for

 

f.

Bad or faulty DI cartridge.

 

phosphates etc. in tap water.

 

 

 

 

g.

High pH tap water (> 9.0).

vi.

Acidify feed water to the RO

 

 

 

 

membrane to improve its

 

 

 

 

rejection.

 

h.

Faulty monitor/probe.

 

Test and Replace if required.

 

SpectraPure®Inc. 480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

18

2167 East Fifth St, Tempe, Arizona 85281

 

SpectraPure®

DM-1 Specifications:

 

 

 

Range 0-1999 PPM

 

Resolution 1PPM

(1-999 PPM)

Accuracy

2%

Probe

¼’’

Power Source

(2) 1.5V button batteries

Battery life

Approx 1000 hours

For service or repair of these monitors, please send to:

HM DIGITAL, INC

5819 Uplander Way

Culver City, CA 90230

TESTING THE RO MEMBRANE REJECTION RATE

Procedure:

1.First, make sure that the system has been turned on and producing water (filling the tank) for 15-20 minutes. (The pressure gauge should be reading > 40-PSI during this time).

2.Turn on the meter by depressing the “ON” switch then locate the slide switch on the front of the meter.

A.Measure the tap water conductivity by sliding the switch to the Left. (Call it X)

B.Measure RO water conductivity by sliding the switch to the Right. (Call it Y).

C.Subtract RO water conductivity from tap water conductivity. (X - Y)

D.Divide this quantity by tap water conductivity. (X - Y) ÷ X

E.Rejection = [(X - Y) ÷ X ] ×100

*Conductivity in the above procedure could be caused by hardness, alkalinity,nitrate, phosphate, silica etc. (The measurement is in ppm or mg/l).

Rejection of the RO Membrane Calculation Example

1.Tap water hardness = 150 ppm (X)

2.RO water hardness = 7 ppm (Y)

3.X - Y = 143 ppm

4.(X - Y) ÷ X = 143 ÷ 150 = 0.953

5.Rejection = [ ( X - Y) ÷ X ] ×100 = 0.953 ×100 = 95.3

Membrane Hardness Rejection = 95.3 % : Rejection rates less than 95% may

indicate that the membrane should be replaced.

As a general rule; the RO membrane would be considered to be in good condition when the rejection rate is = to or > 95%.

NOTE: There are many variables in the input (Tap) water chemistry that may affect the rejection rate of the RO membrane. (If, after testing the membrane, there are questions regarding its condition, please call our Technical Support staff for assistance).

SpectraPure®Inc. Fax 480.894.6109 Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873 E-mail: spectra@spectrapure.com Visit us on the web www.spectrapure.com 7

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Spectra Watermakers MEM-90,150, CF-0.5-10 Testing the RO Membrane Rejection Rate, Troubleshooting Guide for RO/DI Systems
Page 6 Page 8

CF-0.5-10, SF-MT-0.5-10, MEM-90,150 specifications

Spectra Watermakers is renowned for its advanced water desalination technology, providing reliable fresh water solutions for various applications. Among their notable products are the CF-0.5-10, SF-MT-0.5-10, MEM-90, and MEM-150 systems, each designed to meet specific water production needs while maintaining ease of use and efficiency.

The CF-0.5-10 model is a compact and highly efficient watermaker that delivers up to 10 gallons per hour. Its primary feature is reverse osmosis technology, which effectively removes salt and impurities from seawater, resulting in high-quality potable water. The system is equipped with an energy recovery device that minimizes energy consumption, making it a sustainable choice for boaters and coastal residents alike. With a lightweight design, the CF-0.5-10 is easy to install and maintain, ensuring that users can consistently access fresh water in remote locations.

The SF-MT-0.5-10 is another impressive model from Spectra Watermakers. It offers similar efficiency and capacity but includes additional features for marine applications. This model utilizes a high-quality stainless steel frame and marine-grade components, enhancing durability amidst harsh conditions. The SF-MT-0.5-10 includes an intuitive user interface, allowing for easy operation and monitoring of water production levels. Its compact size makes it suitable for installation in tight spaces on yachts or small vessels.

For those needing larger production capacities, the MEM-90 and MEM-150 systems provide impressive output. The MEM-90 can produce up to 90 gallons per day, while the MEM-150 takes it a step further with a daily capacity of 150 gallons. Both systems leverage advanced membrane technology, ensuring robust performance and long-term reliability. Features such as automatic pressure regulation and user-friendly digital controls provide operators with a seamless experience.

Additionally, these systems are designed with energy efficiency in mind, employing innovative technologies to reduce power consumption. Their rugged construction ensures that they can withstand various environmental stresses, making them ideal for use in both commercial and recreational settings.

In conclusion, Spectra Watermakers’ CF-0.5-10, SF-MT-0.5-10, MEM-90, and MEM-150 systems exemplify quality and innovation in water desalination. Each model brings unique features to meet diverse needs, ensuring that users have a reliable source of fresh water wherever they may be. Whether for marine use or land-based applications, Spectra’s watermakers guarantee performance, efficiency, and durability.
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