CDL Hobby RO

[ScottP]

We have a CDL Hobby RO that keeps blowing up the Feed pump. Wondering if anyone has had this issue and if so what can be done to make it last through a full season. We are doing all the things right. It doesnt freeze, We dont usually even run it at a true 1:1 on concentrate:permeate. We pull from a tank and run for an hour then switch tanks and run a second pass into our pan. We are usually running 400-800 gallons of raw sap a day starting at 2% taking it to 3.5% then on the second pass taking it to 6 to 6.5%. Any ideas?

[asknupp]

Ugh! Which one do you have the 250? Or the smaller one? I'm in the process of purchasing one. Rented it this year with no problems but a Lil concerned now. How many times has it blown?

[Super Sapper]

Are you running it over the rated pressure?

[ScottP]

Ugh! Which one do you have the 250? Or the smaller one? I'm in the process of purchasing one. Rented it this year with no problems but a Lil concerned now. How many times has it blown?

We are running the 250. We have owned it for 2-1/2 years and its blown at least three times. If I were you I would still go ahead with your purchase as the CDL guys are great to deal with and are standing behind it and taking care of it. I honestly have not heard of anyone else having an issue like this other than guys that have started them when they are still froze.

[ScottP]

Are you running it over the rated pressure?

No. It stays right around 150 psi and between gauge 1 and gauge 2 it stays with in 10 psi of each other.

[Clamer33]

I blew my feed motor the first hour, when I bought the hobby 250 3 years ago. CDL came in and replaced the motor under warranty and I requested the motor's to be converted to 220v since I run off generators only. No problems since then. On the note of not running 250gph. No RO unit runs at what they have listed. I Avg about 180gph. On my unit. I double pass all my sap. 2.5 to 5, on the second pass I stay on or under 8%. That is what the tech told me to stay under 8 so you don't damage the membranes.

Only issue since the motor, was last year I plugged the membranes up, and the flow dropped way down. The old manual has the cleaning listed to been done at 9.5 ph. I found last after the issue that the membranes has to be cleaned at 11ph, that the CDL tech dept told me, the manual was outdated. Other than that I pass 600-800 gallons in first pass, flush with 100 gallons of premate. Run second pass, flush with another 100 gallons. Leave it till the next days run. Every two weeks do a complete wash and then flush with 400 gallons, or just before a big freeze up.

I run a wood stove all day and night at the sugar camp. So my unit doesn't freeze. However I do drain it on long hard cold snaps to be safe.

[Maple4444]

I have used the CDL 250 for 2 seasons and have made over 800 lts syrup each year. I run all my sap through twice and end up with the same results you do(6.5% sap after second pass) Most days I do a soap wash and then flush with 200 gallons water and put in new filter. The only issue I have had is that now after completing my second year with it I will need to send the membranes out for cleaning, I think because the pressures are running at 200 as opposed to 150 and the flow rate is definitely down. I have not had any pump issues.

[Clamer33]

My first pass starts around 150psi and finishes around 175. I then flush. Second pass to start 150psi and then I'm just shy of 200 psi on the second pass once adjusted. I have had it up to 225psi when the membranes where plugging up last year.

My membranes go back to CDL every year for cleaning right in the spring

[ScottP]

Installed a new feed pump and motor and things seem to be running good. My pressure runs right around 200psi and I never let P1 get over 210psi as that over amps the motor.

[SmellsLikeSyrupNH]

I bought an submersible pump form HD or Tractor supply, I cant remember. I put it into my raw sap tank and use that to feed the RO. It helps take that load off the feed pump and Ive processed 275 gallons at a time 1st pass and then 150-200 gallons 2nd pass and that's non stop. the submersible makes the process go a heck of a lot faster!

[NhShaun]

I bought an submersible pump form HD or Tractor supply, I cant remember. I put it into my raw sap tank and use that to feed the RO. It helps take that load off the feed pump and Ive processed 275 gallons at a time 1st pass and then 150-200 gallons 2nd pass and that's non stop. the submersible makes the process go a heck of a lot faster! So you run the submersible pump line right into the inlet for the RO? never heard of that before. How has that worked out for you since 2017?