RO Homemade System Problem?

[clifford5555]

So, I bought a needle valve brass fitting, it was only thing they had. And I can't get it connected without it leaking out the handle or the compression fittings on either side....this thing is a night mare. I've assembled this needle valve like 6 times now before posting.

So I still not sure what the problem is because now this new valve is leaking everywhere.

I'm gonna keep trying, hopefully I get it or you guys respond with a good solution by the time I come back!

thanks for the support so far!

[clifford5555]

Well, I think I wrecked the needle valve I bought. So back to the ball valve to do some testing.

Test 1: I took out 1 membrane and I ran the system thru just 1 empty housing, it took like 5 minutes, but the pressure did get to 100 psi, very slowly with the Sap valve 100% closed!

Test 2: I hooked up the system to just 1 RO filter and bypassed the empty filter. I was able to get some flow thru the RO filter, it was half way decent at about 50 psi.

Test 3: I hooked both RO filters back up and both loaded with membrane, I tried to run it once again in series as it was before...FAIL. it was back to no pressure and no permeate coming out even with Sap Line closed.

Test 4: I hooked the 2 RO filters up in parallel and ran it that way, I was able to get 60psi with Sap Valve closed, but still no permeate coming out! FAIL!

Test 5: I hooked up a ball valve between the 2 parallel RO filters, I am able to turn off 1 filter now and run it solo, Its the ONLY option to get some actual flow at about 70psi. It's still gonna take hours to do 5 gallons of sap!

So is my brand new pump junk? Defective? Or should I be adjusting something on the pump?

so frustrated guys

[clifford5555]

1 last update before bedtime.....

I think I solved my own problem.

So I didn't realize what kind of pump I purchased and come to find out the 8800 is a booster diapharam pump, which means it needs something to keep the polarity straight and allow for a good prime. So I lifted my 5 gal sap bucket onto a chair and left the RO System on the ground and sure as **** it started flowing pretty darn good.

I mean at this rate I do not think I will return the pump unless you guys insist its still not strong like it should be.

But it seems to be holding steady at 80 psi with BOTH filters running and a steady stream on both ends....YEA!

Should have mounted pump under transformer, But it won't fit with the fittings next to the filter inside my pale. Guess it is what it is.

THANKS A TON GUYS!

[carls47807]

That aquatec should draw 5’ vertical with 3/8” od hose. At least it is working, that’s all that matters! You should be getting 4-5gph from 2-4% sugar if it’s working properly.


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[DRoseum]

Agreed - aquatec pumps are diaphragm pumps and self prime. As stated below they can lift sap vertically on 3/8 tubing up to 6 feet. I did this regularly last year with 8852 pump. Did you try other advice such as letting system run without back pressure to ensure all air is removed? Get the needle valve working?

[clifford5555]

Hey Guys, I'll update ya on my results!

So honestly, the only thing I think I needed to do was make sure my source sap/draw line, was higher than the pump. It even says this in the details if ya read thoroughly on amazon where I got it.

As soon as I lifted the bucket of sap onto a chair so it was just above the pump. I pulled about 8 gallons of permeate from 11 gallons of sap in about 3 hours. It had no problem pushing the filtered sap back into the bucket above to keep recycling it thru.

I timed a full 5 gallon pale, it took about 90 mins to get about 70% water removed. It ran at about 80-100psi the whole time. I was impressed.

I couldn't get the needle valve to not leak, apparently the needle valve I bought by souix chief is for metal lines, not poly. So it just leaked. I put the ball valve quick connect back on just for testing and honestly it did just fine. I don't think I will mess with this any more. I'm sure the needle is more accurate, but I got it to work perfectly.

I'm happy with my results. Its portable and efficient. I'll probably drill a few drain holes in bottom of bucket in case I spring a leak. Thanks for TIP!

FWIW: I did make a few adjustment from the pictures I posted. I probably didn't need to make these adjustments. But I'm gonna leave it. I did change my configuration to running in Parallel instead of series in the pic. I also added a ball valve so I can run 1 RO or 2 RO if I want. I did replace the check valve elbows that came with the RO housing for normal fittings!

Thanks for all the help!

[Dusty Road Maples]

WOW ! I am so happy a stumbled onto this thread! I had build a home style RO setup with 4 -150 gpd membranes a pre filter and an 8800 CDP Aquatec Pressure Boost Pump. I was struggling to figure out why it would not build pressure and honestly I was bit disheartened thinking I would not be able to get it to work and since had a bout 110 gallons of sap to get through I was pretty concerned I would be behind and have to do things the hard way. Luckily I googled the issue and this thread popped up. As soon as a read about the need to elevate the source of the sap I put the bucket up on a milk crate. It was a game changer ! Within 1 minute the pump primed and got up to pressure. It seemed to settle in around 70 PSI but it produced clear and obvious pure water and concentrated sap. I was able to dial it in quite well with the needle valve and I had it running bucket for bucket. Such a relief! I now have 50 gallons of concentrated Sap ready to boil! Thank you for sharing your experience, it helped me enormously!