I really need a bigger RO...

[bryankloos]

Hey All,

I'm currently collecting batches of about 220-250 gallons of sap, and then setting up my 4x150 RO the night before a boil. By the morning, temp dependent I have about 50-60 gallons of concentrate and 180 gallons of permeate. this usually gets me to about 4-6% depending on where I start.

While the system works well enough, I'm thinking its time to get/build something that can keep up with my pan or even better stay in front of it.

I boil on a 2x4 and get on a good day 12-15 gph.

I tap 90% reds, so my starting concentration is near 1.25 - 1.5%, and my pan really loves getting fed 8-10%.

I'm happy to build something with the guidance of the experts here. Not this season, but maybe for next.

Given my situation, what would you guys think is a good sized unit for me?

All help is appreciated.

Bryan

[wnybassman]

I have 210 taps and boil on an 18"x60" raised flu Lapierre that averages 13gph or so. I have a single post 4x40 that seems to be sized very well for what I need. It's big enough to handle the heavy flow days of 350-400 gallons, and small enough that I don't mind running 60 to 80 gallons of sap if that's all I have.

[bryankloos]

Yes, I was thinking a single 4x40...

Out of curiosity, what is the average dollar/gph in cost of commercial units?
I'm more than happy to build a unit, and outside of my time, I wonder what this would cost comparatively.

I'll do a search or two for single post builds and see what others have done...

Thanks.

[wnybassman]

Yes, I was thinking a single 4x40...

Out of curiosity, what is the average dollar/gph in cost of commercial units?
I'm more than happy to build a unit, and outside of my time, I wonder what this would cost comparatively.

I'll do a search or two for single post builds and see what others have done...

Thanks.

I think you can build one this size for about 50% to 60% the cost of a bought one, take or give. For me, I had never run an RO nor did I completely understand all the different components of the RO and how they all went together. Now that I have run this one for a few years, I would definitely feel more comfortable building one. The extra cost was worth it to me for the learning curve.

[ecp]

I cannot really speak on build costs as I do not know how much that would run. I can tell you that most dealers are pretty competitive on these size units and with a little pushing on open house month you could most likely get a new one for the same price they are selling used ones for. it would be cool to build one, but for me having one that I can call a service guy that will show up with a new turbine on Easter Sunday when the tanks are full is a nice ace to have in the pocket. Just something to think about is how available are parts because down time costs greatly in a short season.

[Russell Lampron]

Try to find a used LaPierre 125 Turbo RO, buy it and don't look back. For the amount of sap that you are producing now it would take about 2 hours for a single pass. You would only have to run it while you're boiling because it will more than keep up with your evaporator. When you expand you can add a second tower to it to turn it into a 250.

The Turbo is the professional model with recirculation and performs like the big ones. The type of recirculation on the LaPierre keeps the face of the membrane clean so it maintains higher flow rates for a longer period of time. The membrane also gets clean easier with that type of recirculation.

[UB29]

WoodButcher (Black Squirrel Lodge) did his own single post 4x40 build a few years ago, and provided his complete parts lists with costs........link below:
Thanks, Bill

http://mapletrader.com/community/showthread.php?29171-100-GPH-RO-Build-for-2-000-Pics-Video-Diagrams...-Oh-My!/page2

[maple flats]

Hey All,

I'm currently collecting batches of about 220-250 gallons of sap, and then setting up my 4x150 RO the night before a boil. By the morning, temp dependent I have about 50-60 gallons of concentrate and 180 gallons of permeate. this usually gets me to about 4-6% depending on where I start.

While the system works well enough, I'm thinking its time to get/build something that can keep up with my pan or even better stay in front of it.

I boil on a 2x4 and get on a good day 12-15 gph.

I tap 90% reds, so my starting concentration is near 1.25 - 1.5%, and my pan really loves getting fed 8-10%.

I'm happy to build something with the guidance of the experts here. Not this season, but maybe for next.

Given my situation, what would you guys think is a good sized unit for me?

All help is appreciated.

Bryan
If you want to build a 4x40 RO, I have 2 SS housings that are rated for 300 PSI. About 3 years ago, I was going to build a second RO to supplement my Deer Run 250 so I could process even faster. That never happened. A single 4x40 will do between 100-125 gph depending on the pump and remove about half of the water in that hour.

[jrgagne99]

I process batches about the same size as you. I started tinkering with the small homemade kitchen-sink RO units 15 years ago. Like you, i was tired of RO-ing overnight and processing next day. I found a used Waterguys 4x40 single post for $1000 a few years back. It works great. I added poor-man's recirc (tees off after the restricter valve) and get 7% at about 25 GPH from my reds that average 1.7%. Perfect speed for my evaporator. I don't process less than 150 gallons at a time anymore.