Homemade RO membrane question.

[idm1996]

Hello. I am starting to put together pieces for a homemade RO for about 500 taps. I am just wondering if there is an specific things I should look for in a membrane other then the GPD number and psi. Thanks for all the help I really appreciate it.

[mkoehler79]

I would recommend one that has been previously tested on a maple sap system. Some 4X40 membrane examples: XLE-4040, NF-270, Axeon NF3, Maple Expert MS1. These all have been used by other homemade and even the name brand OEM machines for maple sap. Each type/brand of membrane has it's own pros/cons in regards to performance, pressure required, and price.

[bowhunter]

I agree. Any of those mentioned in mkoehler79 post will work fine.

[idm1996]

Ok thanks. I found a cheap Axeon NF3 on ebay and ordered it.

[bowhunter]

My NF3 (2540) is working great this year. It doesn't seem to foul quickly and really takes out the water. I ran 196 gallons yesterday and averaged about 23 gallons per hour taking the sap from 2% to 8-9% in one pass. The pressure was generally in the 200-240 psi range and it cleaned back up to pre run conditions after an hour flush out on permeate at the end of the day.

[Noah's Ark]

Bowhunter,
How much did it cost you to put your system together? trying to decide what to do myself for next year. I want to grow some but don't have the time to boil more sap, need to figure out an RO setup.

[bowhunter]

It was around $950 including all the fittings, etc. Most of it came from Fresh Water Systems and I used all new parts. Pretty expensive, but it was a lot cheaper than another evaporator and it's reducing the wood consumption by 75%.