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The pump should be able to handle the 200gpd membranes but it may be more cost effective to go with an extra 150gpd membrane. This year I am trying to run 6 in series with a 10ml flow restrictor. Hoping to increase rate of process while keeping the concentrate at around 7%.
Not to hijack this thread but what type of chemicals have people used to clean the membranes?
I've used the h2o2 routine, but my sister who is a chemical something or other said i was just using glorified water. How long do the membranes last?
I want to give the system a really good cleaning this year.
SDdave
I have always used a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water: Cleaning the membranes
https://sites.google.com/site/mattat...osmosis-system
This will be my third year with 150gpd membranes.
Bret,
My system is finally up and running! This thing is awesome! However, I have a question... In testing my water, I'm reading a 0.2%. Brand new everything as far as membranes and filter. What can I change to get that to read 0%?
I can't believe how sensitive the valve is c/o output pressure and sugar content! Amazing.
Thanks again,
-Tim
(PS - My initial sap content was 2.3%. It's now a steady 7.3% straight from the barrel.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIX5...ature=youtu.be
I find with my Hanna digital refractometer, If I leave the sap or syrup whatever I'm testing in the stainless test cup, eye or whatever you want to call it for 20 seconds to let the temp level off it will get a better reading. The temp compensation reading is the numbers on the bottom. And after you test your concentrate put a couple drops of permeate in there and slosh it around to get the eye clean then wipe it. Might have a little residue in there. They are pretty finicky. and 0.2% sugar is basically nothing. I bet if you clean it then test it will be 0.0%
That's the ticket! I'm back to 0%. I was rushing it....
Thank you,
-Tim
troynh
glad to hear everything worked out - I did add two additional membranes this year (6 total) and I am getting a process rate of 10 gallons per hour to a 7.5% concentrate starting with 1.5% sap. I installed 3/16" tubing and I have been flooded with sap so this really helps.
Excellent! So that flow resistor is working! This is next years project. lol...
The flow restrictor (150ml) did not work as well as I was hoping I was only getting it to 6% with 6 membranes so I went back to the needle valve. However, another guy shared a pressure relief valve that is more precise and once it is set you are all set. Will be trying it later this year. Here is a link for it:
http://www.sprayerdepot.com/Shop-by-...ves/AA11014300
Thanks for the update! Yeah, the needle valve needs to be babysat every hour or so. I'm finding it likes to wander slightly. Overall though, this setup is the ticket for small scale! :-) Very happy!
-Tim