Homemade RO performance

[bowhunter]

I replaced the 2540 NF4 membrane with a 2540 NF3 (equivalent to a Filmtec NF270) for 2016. The performance has been pretty impressive. I ran through 115 gallons of 2% sap in 4.3 hours yesterday. The concentrate averaged ~8% at a pressure of 165 psi on average and a sap feed rate of 26 gallons per hour. I ran the concentrate directly to the evaporator because I don't like to store or reprocess concentrate because it doesn't keep well and it has a tendency to foul the filter quickly. I averaged 6.6 gallons of hour through my 1/2 pint. With the RO I've increased the capacity of my 1/2 pint to handle 200 taps and have reduced my wood consumption by 75%. I rinsed the membrane with permeate for about 1 1/2 hours after the run and it came back to pre run conditions. This was the second run on the new membrane.

[DuncanFTGC/SS]

What temp was your sap at, and is that the only thing that you changed on your set up?

[bowhunter]

I didn't measure the sap temperature. It was probably around 45-50F based on the temperature the day the sap was collected.. I changed nothing other than the membrane.

[DuncanFTGC/SS]

OK, thank you! Seeing how I was not able to build an RO this year, and plans shifted to next year. I am still in learning mode!

[Flat Lander Sugaring]

Wow sounds awesome, I'm almost done with my new ro and how you said to set it up. I posted a couple.pics on the VT post. We might have to exchange numbers when I first start up if you don't mind.

[bowhunter]

Post your numbers and I'll see how it compares. I have a mathematical model I created a couple of years ago. Since theory and real life never match, I use my system to add some correction factors for fouling etc. I believe my model predicts changes pretty accurately, so it can determine the impact of different sugar content, sap temperatures, operating pressures, etc.