membrane freezing

[sapman]

I received a new membrane yesterday by Fedex. Trouble is, they left it at my parents out front, in the open garage and I didn't find it til this morning. So it spent almost 23 hours in temps between 19F and 5F. Needless to say, there was significant ice in the ends. Who knows what condition it's really in now. Anyone else have one freeze before? I'm thinking of complaining to FedEx, but that probably won't get anywhere.

[jimsudz]

If the membrane is new than it should be dry, there for no freezing.

[sapman]

Apparently the XLE440s are tested (unfortunately for me), so they have preservative/antifreeze added. But not protected to such extreme temps. I guess NF270, for example, is not tested, so they do ship dry.

[Flat Lander Sugaring]

Call the manufacturer up who you bought the membrane from and ask them. Aftyer you get their answer call fed x if needed. I would think there would be a warning on the box about freeze hazard.

[sapman]

I did talk to Dow, and they said the only warnings are to allow membranes to thaw completely before using, if temps are below 22, which is where the antifreeze is supposed to protect to. They emailed me the info, as well. So I guess these things are tougher than I thought!

[Thad Blaisdell]

Remember that they are just wet, not full. If they were full of water it would be a much different story.

[maple flats]

Were there any warnings on the package? If not and they were damaged I'd think the vendor should be on the hook. If there was a warning label, I'd think FedEx. Neither is likely to agree with me.

[PerryFamily]

If I am reading this correct, as long as the membrane in drained ( moist ) and not in the vessel submerged in water it can freeze? It kinda makes sense since the small hobby Ro units you can drain and freeze?

Does the membrane being drained hurt it at all? like if it sat froze for a bit?

I ask because I bought 2 used 440 membranes that were soap washed rinsed drained and have sat frozen in the sugarhouse since. Think they are ok? I know I know, used bla bla bla, they are 3 seasons old and I think will still out perform the 270 I have now which was 5 seasons old with 6k taps and $200 looks better at this point than $6-800.

Any thoughts?

[PerryFamily]

bueller, any body, any body, bueller

[sapman]

The box says nothing anywhere about keeping from freezing.

Perry, based on what I'm being told, sounds like your membranes should be OK. The recommendations I got are for elements preserved with 1% sodium bisulfite solution. It says freezing will occur below 22F, but that no damage will be done, as long as it's thawed before installation.

[PerryFamily]

Thanks for the help Sapman.

Greatly appreciated