8" Membrane Recommendation

[Amber Gold]

Hi All,

So after last season, I sent my membrane out to get washed. Report just came in and it's flowing at 64%...not good, so I need a new membrane. It's only 4, maybe 5 y.o., so disappointed in that, and will be starting another thread when I get a chance about proper washing techniques because I thought I was doing things right.

So, I have a H2O machine with their membrane. What would you recommend for a replacement membrane? Should I stick with H2O or look at something else? If you talk to a manufacturer, they're going to tell you there's is the best, but I know only know a little about membranes, and wouldn't know who is better than the other.

Wish I'd gotten more time to look into it, but just finding out now. Appreciate the help.

[SmellsLikeSyrupNH]

Ive heard great things about MES, and they are right here in NH. If im not mistaken Dow makes all the membranes anyways, so you just want to find one that gives you the best price option.

[fred]

I would go with CDL or Leader they sell the MAX membrane. I think it is a better model and definitely gives more flow

[Amber Gold]

Thanks for the input so far.

I've dealt with Clayton before, and they're good to work with.

Does anyone have data on the CDL Membrane? They're offering me a good deal on a membrane, so considering it.

[fred]

I dont have a sheet on it.

[Mark]

I have tried them all and use the MES from Clayton. It is the only membrane that my high recirculation flow does not crack the fiberglass. Looking at the end the MES has a thicker feed spacer. With the other membranes it looks smaller and there is more of a pressure drop across the membrane with the thinner spacer. The thinner spacers seem to foul quicker for me.

[unc23win]

MES $550 I got one last season and they are great.

[S.S.S]

I cant say anything bad about lapierre, i have a 600gph machine bumped up to 900gph machine with second membrane and take my sap up to 21% in a single pass.

[bill m]

I also have an H2O - 600 gph machine and have had great luck with their membranes. Mine is about 6 years old and still flows 600 gph. I was at the CDL store in Rutland Vt. a few years ago and they were selling H2O membranes for their machines. While I don't have a lot of experience with other brands I think I would stick with H2O.

[Amber Gold]

I had an H2O membrane but only got about 4 years out of it. Not knocking H2O at all, just what I got out of it. I love the RO machine itself, and the customer service has been exceptional.

I ended up with a CDL MAX membrane...they gave me a great price for it, so I couldn't say no. They're saying it's comparable to MES's membrane.

I question if there's really much difference between the membranes the companies sell. How many different sap membranes can there be?? I would think the maple market is pretty small compared to the water treatment industry as a whole.

Thanks for the input.

[Ridge Creek]

Lapierre sells, as one of their membranes, the Hydranautic line of membranes. Carl Lapierre said they ran this brand on their own RO for three years, pushing it to the limits, before adding it to the Lapierre product line. At the end of the 3 year test, it was still not passing any sugar. I’m sure proper maintenance of membrane was done during test period. For what is worth!