RODI Upgrade for High TDS

Azreefr · Aug 7, 2015

I live in Phoenix and our incoming water TDS ranges from 600 - 900 ppm. Because of the high TDS I was going through DI Resin cartridges about once every 2-4 months. After a year of replacing cartridges I finally got frustrated and took my whole unit to SpectraPure in Tempe. They changed the plumbing to run a sediment, carbon block, and 2 DI cartridges (MaxCap & SilicaBuster). They also added TDS meters so I can monitor my membrane efficiency and know when to change out my DI Cartridges. It's been 10 months and I've just replaced my MaxCap for the 2nd time. I'm still on the original SilicaBuster. I just wanted to share this in case anyone else is experiencing the same issue. It was well worth the price.

redfishbluefish · Aug 7, 2015

I'm sure @AZDesertRat can add in his two cents since he lives in that God forsaken desert with you and just loves Spectapure. This is all good information. I'm sure many will find this helpful, so thanks for sharing.

AZDesertRat · Aug 7, 2015

I use only Spectrapure filters, membranes and resins from Tempe AZ and there is absolutely no comparison. I get over a year out of a single DI cartridge and thats with a 100G with a 30G sump and a 16G nano. The best things I did was a RO booster pump running at 95-100 psi and a water softener.
I have personally owned 6 RO/DI systems and from personal experience I can say with confidence there really is a difference and Spectrapure has nailed it with their 25+ years of research and development in the industry. They don't settle for average, they are innovators, not imitators and hold many patents, copyrights and trademarks in water treatment. You will not find another vendor that specially treats all their RO membranes to improve their performance and blends all their own DI resins based on thousands of hours of real world testing. It really does make a difference. If you have not had the opportunity to test systems and components side by side it is hard to comprehend or explain but the difference is amazing an a huge cost savings. Working in the industry I have been able to test their along with others and I will never go back to anything else.

Azreefr · Aug 7, 2015

AZDesertRat I'm running a water softener but not getting any where near the performance out of my DI cartridge as you. My water pressure is pretty constant at 60 psi. Is it because of the booster?

AZDesertRat · Aug 7, 2015

What is your tap water TDS, RO only TDS and final RO/DI TDS from each DI stage? Did you replace your RO membrane, whatever brand it is or was with one of theirs? Do you make water in larger batches or in small spurts? How long does the system sit between uses? Is it hooked up to cold water only and is it in a climate controlled place or in the garage? How do you make water, how often and in what quantities? What is your exact measured waste ratio?

Azreefr · Aug 8, 2015

For filters: 1um absolute sediment, spectrapure 0.5um Carbon, maxcap HC, Silicabuster and a Spectrapure 99% 90 GPD membrane. My system is under my sink. Cold water hookup but it's not very cold. Incoming water temp 80 to 90 degrees. Incoming TDS after tonight's rain is 922 thru membrane 24ppm. 0 TDS post maxcap and Silicabuster. I make about 30 to 40 gals per week. Waste water ratio is about 4.1.

AZDesertRat · Aug 9, 2015

Sounds like you are doing everything right. The two differences I see between your system and mine are the booster pump and water temperature. I am in the Deer Valley area fairly close to the City of Phoenix Lake Pleasant and Union Hills treatment plants and our tap water stays pretty cool year round since it pulls out of the depths of the lake where it is cooler. At times I have recorded 58 degrees at the tap in the summer believe it or not.

azjohnny · Aug 9, 2015

I would get a booster pump and run a higher PSI. Like AZDR I run my water pressure at 100 psi, I get 160 gpd from a 90 gpd membrane and a better rejection rate

I also run a Max Cap system, replacing the Max Cap DI every 6 months and the Silica Buster every 3rd Max Cap replacement

Azreefr · Aug 10, 2015

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will have to look into the cost of adding a booster pump and weigh it against the cost of not having to replace 2 or 3 maxcaps per year.