Issues Configuring Dual Purpose RODI

[Fish_Fry]

I need some ideas and help on my RODI plumbing to better understand if what I want to do is possible.

The first part is very straightforward. I have a RODI in the basement which fills up a 55 gallon container. There are two float valves that turn the booster pump on and off depending on the level in the container. This part works as designed.

After the RO stage I have a splitter that sends RO water upstairs for drinking. I have a Spectrapure drinking water add on which includes a small, pressurized tank and faucet under my kitchen sink. This is where I am running into difficulties.

The issue:

If the booster pump is off, the system will not send water to the kitchen. I make tank water about once a week so most of the time the pump is off. I can manually turn the booster pump on, and while this feeds the kitchen it also wastes 3 gal /hr.

Is there anyway to have the system (booster pump or whatever is needed) turn on and off based upon the level of the pressure tank in the kitchen? I would still need a way to override this to make aquarium water.

I tried having the booster pump on a timer, so once or twice a day it would come on long enough to fill the pressurized tank. It worked but it wasn’t ideal as my daily kitchen RO water usage tends to fluctuate. Rightfully so, my wife gets frustrated when it doesn’t work like I promised.

Thanks for the ideas,

Tom

 

[Elite Coral Supply]

we use a permeate pump to fill our pressure tanks. it increases the efficiency of the RO membranes and uses the waste water to drive the pump. Works like a charm.
Also, Do you have a check valve on the supply to the pressure tank?

 

[Fish_Fry]

I don't use a permeate pump or check valve.

My understanding is that a permeate pump might make the water production more efficient but it wouldn't solve my issue. Same for the check valve. If my booster pump is off, water remains in the pressurized tank. Perhaps it would prevent some water from flowing back through the lines but the savings would be minimal.

That said when the booster pump is running and both the pressurized tank and mixing station are full I am wasting 3 gallons an hour. Would the check valve eliminate this waste?

 

[Buckeye Hydro Verified Sponsor]

Feel free to give us a call and we'll get you set up.

Russ

 

[nosduj]

I would suggest a pressure switch installed on the line going from your pressure tank to your faucet, that would make the pump turn on and off automatically when the pressure drops below a preset psi. A check valve is always a good idea as well. Something like this would work,

8800 PSW Pressure Switch 1/4" Push Connect

The Aquatec pressure switch is used to shut down the pump when the switch detects pressure build up caused from your holding container becoming full. Most often triggered with a float valve Your system must have a working auto shut off kit for this switch to work properly. ¼” Push Connect...

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