Increasing RO capacity

[mol1jb]

Hey all,

So after a great first season on RO I am of course looking to increase taps. However I would also like to increase the capacity of the RO. I have a Deer Run 125 dolly. It has one 4x40 membrane and a 3.5 gpm pressure pump with no feed pump. I also had him add a low pressure shutoff. I was able to remove 60% one pass with re circulation but the flow rates would drop quite a bit with the smaller pressure pump. So after talking with Ray I would like to make some upgrades to make this more of an expandable RO. To do that I will need at minimum a 5.5 gpm pressure pump and 1.5hp motor to run it and a feed pump. This would give me higher flow rates and potentially more water removed per pass. Then if we continue to expand in the future the RO is set for adding another membrane with no pump or motor upgrades needed.

So basically my plan is to use the existing plumbing and replace the pump and motor, along with adding the feed pump. Sounds simple enough unless I am missing something?

[maple flats]

That should do it. However, look at a 1HP or even a 1.5HP sprinkler SS booster pump in 1". it will do far better than the small belt drive feed pump Ray uses.
On my 250 I can run using his feed pump but I almost always use an electric 1" sprinkler pump and that increases to total flow some. My feed pressure using that is about 75 psi, without it I get about 25-30 psi feed pressure. This is what I use https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wayne-1-HP-Stainless-Steel-Portable-Sprinkler-Pump-PLS100/203448494. check around, you might find a better price. I got mine thru Northern tool on sale.
Just use that without any belt feed pump, then to your hp pump. It will give you a slight increase in gpm thru the membrane, but likely not enough to eliminate the need for a larger HP pump. My 250 has a 2hp motor and my HP pump, open discharge moves about 5.5 gpm.

[mol1jb]

Thanks for the tip on the feed pump.

Next question - The current motor on the RO is 1.5hp and 56hc frame. If I go procon pump route they require 56c frame motor. Would a 56hc be compatible? From a bit of research they look quite similar. Perhaps I will get the procon with mount and adapter for a 56c frame motor and see if everything lines up on my current 56hc frame motor.

[wmick]

Thanks for the tip on the feed pump.

Next question - The current motor on the RO is 1.5hp and 56hc frame. If I go procon pump route they require 56c frame motor. Would a 56hc be compatible? From a bit of research they look quite similar. Perhaps I will get the procon with mount and adapter for a 56c frame motor and see if everything lines up on my current 56hc frame motor.

Pretty certain that the "H" in the HC designation is simply that the base mounting bracket has slots for more flexibility for base mounting... the "C" flange (face) dimensions will be the same on both motors.... which is the part you are concerned about with mounting your procon.

[mol1jb]

Pretty certain that the "H" in the HC designation is simply that the base mounting bracket has slots for more flexibility for base mounting... the "C" flange (face) dimensions will be the same on both motors.... which is the part you are concerned about with mounting your procon.

That is what I found as well when I was researching today. That is good news as it will save me from having to buy another motor and wire it in.