hodorskib's Small Scale RO Build

[Clinkis]

One thing to consider as a future upgrade is to replace the pump with higher capacity pump like a small Procon. This would help you achieve a lot closer to your goal and take better advantage of your membranes capacity.

[Mark B]

Definite upgrade. Already researching and pricing.

[Clinkis]

So just keep in mind that membranes are rated based on permeate flow and that a certain processing flow rate is recommended to achieve this and minimize fouling. So for example your membranes are rated 400 gpd and usually most membranes require a minimum 5 to 1 feed rate to permeate flow rate (check the specs for your membranes) thus you should be feeding each membrane with 2000 gpd or 80 gph. Since your membranes are plumbed in parallel you will need 3 times that around 240 gph. This is usually why it is recommended for these types of RO’s to have membranes in series to obtain higher flow rates across the membranes without having to use a larger pump. I’d say your best plan would be to plumb your membranes in series and get a 100 gph Procon pump or something equivalent.

[Mark B]

I continue to be thankful for the generous outpouring of advise here. Again I'm just learning and this will be an interesting season. We will see if ambition, time, effort, and results all merge. Thxs again for the help.

[Blacksheep7]

Could some tell me if this tubing would work? It is listed at 140 max PSI. Menards is having a sale on anything you can fit in their recyclable bag for 15% off.

https://www.menards.com/main/plumbin...0660864282.htm

Putting my shopping list together right now to get everything bought or ordered this week.

Thank you,
Jason

[hodorskib]

You should be OK - I have used similar without issue

[Blacksheep7]

Thank you. I have either bought everything or have it on order. Do you or anyone use a low pressure shutoff or the pump? I am a bit afraid to leave it run.

Here is one I found.

https://www.freshwatersystems.com/p-...ng-wiring.aspx

Thank you,
Jason

[Clinkis]

It probably wouldn’t hurt but dont really need one. These pumps can run dry without damage. I used to put a plug in timer on mine so it would shut off when I figured it should be finished. But that might be easier and I guess it not that expensive.

[Blacksheep7]

Thanks to everyone for the great information here. I finally have everything put together(with many trips to Menards) and ready to run. I went with 3 - 400 gpd membranes and 1/4" line. I figure I can upgrade the line in the future. We are on well water and have a water softener. Can I use this water for the initial rinse of the RO membranes and then follow the water/peroxide mix that has been described in other posts? I would like to run this over the next couple of weeks to see if I have any troubles.

Thank you,
Jason
Pingel Home Built RO.jpg

[Mark B]

Biggest problem with the low pressure shut off is that you have to override them to start back up again so you will either have to use the override button on the low pressure shut off or you will have to make yourself an override switch and wire it in place.

I'll pretty much leave the initial rinse question to others but if you're talking about rinsing after your initial run you should be able to use your permeate for that.