RO unit failure high water product flow high tds

[dwest]

My RO membrane failed recently and I have since replaced it. However, the failed unit was flowing lots of water through it with high tds coming out. It makes sense to me that the ro water flow should slow down over time, but mine sped up. I then thought the membrane must have blown through somehow. But when I looked at the membrane, I didn’t see a visible hole or blowout like I expected. What am I missing?

 

[120reefkeeper]

My RO membrane failed recently and I have since replaced it. However, the failed unit was flowing lots of water through it with high tds coming out. It makes sense to me that the ro water flow should slow down over time, but mine sped up. I then thought the membrane must have blown through somehow. But when I looked at the membrane, I didn’t see a visible hole or blowout like I expected. What am I missing?

You might have a defective flow restrictor.

What brand of RODI unit do you have?

 

[dwest]

You might have a defective flow restrictor.

What brand of RODI unit do you have?

Thanks. It’s a spectrapure and the membrane was 5 years old.

 

[120reefkeeper]

Thanks. It’s a spectrapure and the membrane was 5 years old.

I’m surprised you got 5 years out of the membrane! You did really well with that lol.

I would check with them to make sure you get the right flow restrictor for your unit. The plus side is that they are very affordable.

 

[Buckeye Hydro Verified Sponsor]

If you left your carbon blocks in too long, you may have holes (internal) in the membrane.

You may have a internal crack in the RO membrane housing.

You may have some mis-plumbing.

Feel free to give us a call when you are in front of the system if you'd like help troubleshooting.

Russ