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Thread: DIY RO - Need suggestions and direction

  1. #11
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    CT
    Posts
    247

    Default

    What would be the theoretical concentration factor and flow of the two options:

    1. 2x150 in parallel then 2x150 in series...

    or

    2. 4x150 is series

    All assuming the 8852 pump with a 5 micron pre filter.

    Thanks.

    Bryan
    2024 - 160 taps, Shurflo 4048. Sap Sucker 4-D. Mason 2x4 Raised Flue. 5x400 RO.
    2023 - 121 taps. Shurflo 4008. Sap Sucker 4-D. Mason 2x4 XL, 4x150 RO. 20 gallons.
    2022 - 103 taps. Shurflo 4008. Sap Sucker 4-D. Mason 2x4 XL, 4x150 RO. 23 gallons.
    2021 - 77 taps on Shurflo 4008. Sap Sucker 4-D. Mason 2x4 XL, 4x150 RO. 22 gallons.
    2020 - 70ish taps on Shurflo 4008. Mason 2x4 XL. DIY R.O. ~24 gallons.
    ______________________________________________
    Trout Brook Valley
    Weston, CT

  2. #12
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    124

    Default Flow Rates

    Hey Bryan,

    The 2x150gpd membranes will get you about 5gph on a single 50/50 pass (taking 2% sap to 4% sap, at 40 degrees fahrenheit). Series and parallel are going to give you virtually the same performance. The membranes will last longer in series and I would suggest plumbing in series. (The reason is that each membrane is subjected to a higher flow rate).

    4 x 150gpd membranes in series should get you around 10gph on a single 50/50 pass (taking 2% sap to 4% sap, at 40 degrees fahrenheit). You could run a higher restriction with four membranes in series (like 75% permeate and 25% concentrate) and get a single pass concentration of 6 to 8% sugar (however the flow rate would be closer to 5gph).

    You would be pretty close to the limit of an 8852 with 4 membranes (unless you use a low pressure feed pump or have a tank with head pressure). The 8855 is a better option and they aren't that much more expensive. You would want something close to a 400gpd rating once you get up to (or over) 4 150gpd membranes.

    Hope this helps!

    Carl
    The RO Bucket LLC

  3. #13
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Location
    eau claire
    Posts
    101

    Default

    Parallel will process the sap faster, but require recirculation and a close eye on regulator. As sap % builds you lose efficiency which is why you can do more in parallel. In series you'll pull less water out per minute but it will be a one shot deal. Pm me if youd like more info. Assuming you are building your own from the mattatuck madness plans? That's great info and easy to build saving you alot of money over the RO Bucket. I did that way 1st year and then expanded to a parallel-ish piping setup. I now have a 4x40 setup going.

    Bigger membranes increase volume.
    2016 7 taps= 1-2 gallons of syrup
    2017 135 taps making 17 gallons syrup
    2018 75 taps =50 gallons syrup
    2019 70 taps making 20 gallons. Single 4x40 RO
    2020 bought 40 acres installed 250 tubing taps, 100 bags. 70 gal
    2021 500 taps with guzzler. 80 gal syrup + sold sap
    2022 600 taps 27 gal sap per tap on guzzler!!! 110 gal + sold sap

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