Cannot get anything to flow out of permeate line

[GramaCindy]

I'm finally starting my RB15 bucket and cannot get anything to come out of permeate line to reach a 50/50 flow rate. I've checked all connections. Doe anyone have any ideas?

[wobbletop]

Give them a call. I've heard they have good support.

Crank down the restrictor on the concentrate line.

[GramaCindy]

I tried that. It's almost like the needle valve isn't working. It doesn't change anything, no matter how much I turn it.

[wobbletop]

Mine basically has to be closed, with just a smidge open.

[ecolbeck]

When you say you checked connections I assume you mean you checked that they are tight. Did you double check that it is plumbed correctly?

[GramaCindy]

I'm almost positive it is. I'll look into it. Thanks

[BoerBoel]

Check to make sure you have your neddle valve on the concentrate line and not the permeate line. The permeate line if the one coming from the centre of the RO housing. The line coming from the outer edge is the concentrate line.

[wilfredjr]

This just happened to me. It was pointed out that the pink elbow connectors did not have to go first in line, at the top of the cap. Turned out, they went last, taking the sap to the next membrane. Can you guess who pointed it out? ;)

[wilfredjr]

taking the sap to the next membrane.
Actually, this is wrong. Should be "carrying the permeate off"
Can't trust anybody

[therealtreehugger]

I just got a RB10 kit this year. It is great, once I figured it out. The needle valve wouldn’t go down (closed) very far, but then I realized that little ring like thing was in the way. It is threaded onto the needle valve. If you don’t loosen it, you can’t tighten down on the needle valve. It’s like a stop. Make sure it’s not in the way when you think your needle valve is closed, and won’t tighten any more.

[GramaCindy]

Thanks everyone for your help. I spoke with Carl and he is sending a new needle valve. It appears that I am having the same issue as you therealtreehugger. Carl is great to work with, awesome customer service!

[therealtreehugger]

Glad I could help. I didn't see it as an issue or problem, I thought that was just how it was supposed to work. Get it to a point you like it, tighten the threaded ring, and you have a reference. As long as it works, you're good!

[30AcreWoods]

That stop is really helpful to lock down the exact location (setting) of the needle valve if you take a break midway through processing the sap and wash the membranes with permeate. When you open up the valve wide for the wash, don't move the ring as you back off (release) the valve. That way, when you are done with the wash, you can close the valve until it stops at the ring and you will be producing the same % concentrate as before. I've found that a 10-gallon wash after about 120-150 gallons of raw sap processed really makes a difference if you have to work through 200-300 or more gallons of sap.