So, you own a Reverse Osmosis System….
So, you own a Reverse Osmosis Systems (RO). Did you know that in addition to Annual Cartridge changes it is important to test the Membrane as well.
RO membranes have a finite service life. For most systems the Membranes will usually last 3-4 years. If your system is equipped with Permeate Flush you can expect the Membrane service life to be much longer. This is a process where the membrane is rinsed with Treated RO water whenever the RO comes up to full pressure. By cleaning Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) from the Membrane you eliminate a natural process called TDS creep. TDS trapped on the membrane is naturally attracted to the clean water on the treated side of the Membrane. TDS on the dirty side of the membrane will penetrate the membrane and cause it to decay, and it will also effect the final water quality when the system is re-pressurized. So not only does the Permeate Flush process increase the service life of membranes, it will also give you a more consistent water quality. For information on RO Drinking Water Systems from Kinetico offering permeate flush in the design visit our website at www.secondwindwatersystems.com. Although permeate flush RO Drinking Water Systems have been made available to the public for a considerable amount of time there are many systems out there in the field that do not have permeate flush, and so further discussion of membrane degradation is important.
One of the steps included in any RO Annual Maintenance Package should be to test the TDS before and after the Membrane. This will tell you how efficiently your membrane is working for you. Most Membranes will produce a drop in TDS of 90-95% when operating at maximum efficiency. The TDS results should be documented and compared to the newer results year after year. Eventually the Membrane will require replacement, and you will be on top of it. If your RO is removing primary contaminants it is also important to test for those contaminants before and after the Membrane on a regular basis in addition to TDS.
Other factors can shorten membrane life, such as Chlorine, Hardness, Metals, Bacteria Bio Slime, and over use. These are the things that a WQA Certified Water Specialist will make you aware of as you make your Water Treatment Equipment decisions.
Thank you for your continued support of Secondwind Water Systems. We truly appreciate your business and referrals. If you have any Water questions please visit our website at www.secondwindwater.com or call 1-800-287-5767. Until next time this is Chris Saltmarsh CWS-6 saying, “Thanks for reading!, and remember that RO membranes should be checked every year, enjoy your great water”…
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