Lapierre junior 200

[bj's sugaring]

Hey guys, ive been lurking on here for quite some time, but this is my first post.

Id like to hear some feedback from others that have the same RO I do, I recently ended up with a lapierre junior 200 with 2 4x40 nf 90 membranes.

What are your realistic numbers for processing at various concentrations? Also, Things to look out for, best practices ect. I'm ready for the season to start but id like to re assure myself ive done my homework correctly. Thanks!!

[bj's sugaring]

Bump, nobody running this unit?

[Russell Lampron]

I'm running a 125 turbo so I can't really answer your question. I have used the NF90 membranes and they are good tight membranes that won't pass sugar. Regular rinsing and cleaning will keep your flow rates where they should be. A junior model doesn't have recirculation pumps on the membrane towers so the membranes will foul fairly quickly compared to a turbo model. Set a benchmark when you first start concentrating and do a flush and rinse when the production slows down.

[bj's sugaring]

Thanks, yeah I did notice there werent any recirculation pumps. However, it does seem to me that its plumbed in such a way that the high pressure pump will do some recirculation, which is better than nothing.

[maple flats]

My RO, (different make) has 2- 4x40 NF270 membranes and no recirculation pump but it does have a recirculation loop. I can do 240-260 gph with 37F sap. Having no idea what your pressure is or what your pressure pump is I have no idea if that will help you.

[maple flats]

Based on the numbers I've seen for most rO's, the 200 in your model should be real close to a realistic GPH of sap input.

[bowhunter]

BJ,
The NF90 membrane is a nano-filtration membrane which is a little tighter than the NF270. I believe it was used to prevent passing sugar at higher pressures. Recirculation will work fine from the pressure pump. It is just a little less efficient on the bigger RO's than having a separate circulating pump. As for your question, if the membranes are in reasonably good condition I would expect your performance to be something like this.

Basis: 2% sap with 75% water removal

200 psi 135 gallons per hour of sap producing 42 gallons per hour of 7.5% concentrate.
250 psi 200 gallons per hour of sap producing 53 gallons per hour of 7.5% concentrate.

If the sap sugar content is higher, it will require a higher operating pressure to remove 75% of the water but the concentrate will also have a higher sugar concentration. Your unit should have two needle valves(one on the recirculation line and one on the concentrate line) and two flow meters (one on the concentrate and one on the permeate). You use the concentrate needle valve to control the flow of concentrate and the recirculation needle valve to control the pressure. The pressure indirectly controls the permeate flow.

Hope this helps.

[bj's sugaring]

Thanks for the relplies! I was hoping to try it out today but we dont have enough sap to make it worth firing up.