Changed membrane / filter - now no RODI water?

GlassJoe · Aug 5, 2023

Sorry for the basic post. Our system has been up and running for a year and a half but I just changed out our RO membrane + filters for the first time. Our membrane has been flushed and there is still adequate pressure but the system is barely producing any water. I let it run all day as I read that it can take a while for the membrane to break in and it probably produced a gallon or a gallon and a half. Is this normal?

The only thing I can think of is this new membrane had been sitting on my shelf for a year and a half or so, sometimes in very hot weather out in the garage? Is the membrane just non-functional at this point?

I've checked all my connections. Removed and re-seated the RO membrane. Not sure what else I should be trying to do to trouble shoot things. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

blaxsun · Aug 5, 2023

Low water pressure maybe?

Jason_MrFrags · Aug 5, 2023

correct flow restrictor for the membrane size?
What is your PSI at the tap?
What is the temp of the water you are feeding it?
What is the rejection rate on the membrane?
Have you measured the amount of waste water that it is producing?

KrisReef · Aug 5, 2023

The membrane is either installed incorrectly or it is junk/defective. I don’t remember if they are supposed to be stored wet, but for some reason it’s not working. A good membrane would allow water to flow through it.

GlassJoe · Aug 5, 2023

Jason_MrFrags said:
correct flow restrictor for the membrane size?
What is your PSI at the tap?
What is the temp of the water you are feeding it?
What is the rejection rate on the membrane?
Have you measured the amount of waste water that it is producing?

Thanks for your reply.

I forgot about the flow restrictor - like I said I am new. I bought a new flow restrictor last year and it's possible this membrane predates the new flow restrictor I bought so they could be mis matched. That's a great idea.

65PSI at the tap.

The temp of water has ranged from low 70's to high 80's. It's the same tap that I have been using for the last 1.5 years and the temp varies based on the time of day.

98.6% rejection rate.

I haven't measured the waste water. Subjectively it seems to be producing much more waste however.

GlassJoe · Aug 5, 2023

blaxsun said:
Low water pressure maybe?

Using the same tap I have always used and pressure it definitely still high so unfortunately that is not the case. Producing lots of waste water which my plants enjoy (but not the fish)

Buckeye Hydro · Sep 2, 2023

If you've not resolved this yet, give us a call when you are in front of the system. 513-312-2343

Russ

Buckeye Hydro · Sep 2, 2023

Close your flush valve

Sisterlimonpot · Sep 2, 2023

Buckeye Hydro said:
Close your flush valve

I've had those moments... haha over looking the obvious is definitely a thing.

GlassJoe · Sep 2, 2023

Got it figured out. My "new" RO membrane had dried out. I had had it for a couple years (still sealed) but out in my garage which gets very very hot so I assume that did it. I swapped it out for a new RO membrane and the system started pumping out plenty of water just like before. Thanks everyone.

Buckeye Hydro · Sep 3, 2023

GlassJoe said:
Got it figured out. My "new" RO membrane had dried out. I had had it for a couple years (still sealed) but out in my garage which gets very very hot so I assume that did it. I swapped it out for a new RO membrane and the system started pumping out plenty of water just like before. Thanks everyone.

So you must have bought a wet membrane. Filmtecs are always shipped dry and have an indefinite shelf life.