Cleaning fouled RO system and membranes

[ADK_XJ]

Ok, I know I screwed up...after last season I left my newly constructed DIY reverse osmosis setup in our barn because I'm an idiot (and have two little kids, a busy job and a wife who was quite tired of sugar season).

I had drained (most?) the pure water after flushing everything so nothing cracked in the cold but I could tell from the filter housing that there was crud in it when I pulled it out today. Opening up the system emits a smell somewhere between compost and a bad fart so obviously moisture sat in the system.

I prepared a water and hydrogen peroxide solution per a youtube video I watched and begin flushing the whole system but what should I do to actually clean this properly?

I am sort of resigned to the idea that I may just want to start with fresh filters and membranes.

Apparently I learn lessons best the hard way...

[carls47807]

I would follow the directions here.


https://www.therobucket.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Instructions-for-flushing-an-improperly-maintained-RO-Bucket.pdf

It’s possible if your membranes froze they have become delaminates. Also, if they dry out they are no good as well. I would suggest that before you do too much in the way of cleaning, make sure they can make clean permeate under pressure. If there is physical damage there is no need to clean them.


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[ADK_XJ]

Cool. I'll check out the link and, yes, I had a similar thought about the permeate test. It is producing clean, smell free water when I run this hydrogen peroxide solution through.

[barnbc76]

I'm not sure if I screwed mine up too. I ended last year by cleaning with hydrogen peroxide flush but I didn't put them In the refrigerator I put them in zip lock bags (still wet) then left them up stairs in my house. If it is moldy am I going to have to buy new? I bought the preservative and acid wash for this year.