Deer Run 125 membrane in PVC Tube with preservative

[Jarwoodcock]

New to me RO that came with the membrane stored in a PVC tube with preservative. Couple questions below

1. Do I just follow the first of year start up just like if I had left it in the RO? If not how long do I flush? Do a soap wash? I don't have any permeate from last year so is from the garden hose ok? I have read about Iron messing them up but not as much for flushing.


2. If I am going to store in the preservative and PVC, what is that process at end of year?

[SeanD]

Follow the directions for the "Start of the Year" with the rinse, soap wash, and flush (100 gal/membrane). You shouldn't need to do anything else. Those directions were created when he was using preservative.

Don't use household water. The chlorine used to treat the water will damage the membrane. Instead use permeate if you have it. At the beginning of the season, when you don't have permeate. use an inline water filter with hose connections. RV places/sites sell them. You want one with charcoal that filters out everything including chlorine. Only use a hose intended drinking water. Again, RVers have all that.

Lastly, it's up to you, but Ray recommends storing the membranes in the machine WITHOUT preservative. He says the preservative damages the fittings and valves. Instead, fill your wash tank with permeate/filtered water and recirculate that for about ten minutes. Do that every 2-3 months. I switched over to doing that for the last few offseasons. It's quick and easy. When I first did it, I expected to see/smell nastiness, but the water (and membrane) stays fresh and clean.

If you do remove the membrane, remember to grab it by the middle, not the outside of it.

Here's an example of the filter:
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-TastePURE-Flexible-Protector-40043/dp/B0006IX87S/ref=asc_df_B0006IX87S/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167140116641&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1677353945880328710&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052160&hvtargid=pla-272506031700&psc=1

Here's an example of the hose:
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-50ft-TastePURE-Drinking-Water/dp/B00480BUZW/ref=asc_df_B00480BUZW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312068134984&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18193541681889808508&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052160&hvtargid=pla-439484195972&psc=1

[Jarwoodcock]

Thank you for responding. This is my first year with it and getting the hang of it. I don't think the membrane was submerged all the way in the preservative. I didn't get the results I was expecting or the flow. Sugar went from 2 to 3 %. Then I had a brain fart when I did the soap wash and took me a couple wash tanks disappearing to figure out that I needed to disconnect the concentrate hose and put in the wash tank to recirc. I did not add anymore soap. So thinking since I didn't wash the membrane great, could have affected its output. Also, to make sure I am doing it right..... I shouldn't build pressure when I am doing the soap wash or acid wash? My issue with the leaving the membrane in the machine is not having somewhere to put it when it is supposed to freeze. But I will work on that.

I live in the country so would have more of a hard water issue. I use the RV hose for all my sap and concentrate needs. Hadn't thought of using one of the filters inline for house water though?

thank you again for the help.

[SeanD]

Correct. No pressure on the membrane during washes and rinses. Leave the recirculation valve closed and the high pressure valve wide open.

You should get better than 3% on your first pass. You might want to give it another soap wash if there wasn't much soap in your first one. Rinse with at least 100 gallons of permeate.
His directions say 10 min rinse in one part, but that's not right - at least my RO can't go though 100 gal in 10 min. Remember to switch filters before running sap through.

[maple flats]

I disagree, have the valves adjusted so the flow meters are pretty much showing equal. otherwise the flow is almost completely bypassing the membrane. With flow about equal on both meters, concentrate and permeate, you are getting the most complete cleaning.
You need both a soap wash which removes the organic, and an acid wash which removes the mineral deposits, repeat if necessary. If the membrane sat the entire off season with either in the membrane, it may require 2 times to clean it. Once clean, each day's cleaning will be easier.
Back when I was doing it, I ran the wash for at least 10 minutes, if busy even 15 minutes. Then I acid washed while I finished cleaning up and shutting down. At that point I unhooked the RO and put it in my small heated room. Follow the directions in the copy of the manual I sent you. Running too long on any step is not a problem, skipping a step or shortening it can be a problem.

[Jarwoodcock]

My worry is more that the membrane is shot because it dried out. It wasn't totally submerged in preservative. I am planning to start with the new one next year and store in the RO. I also sprung a leak so will have to see about getting some parts from Ray.
Thank you to everyone for the help.