Originally Posted by
carls47807
Parallel or series will give you the same flow rate (gallons per hour). Series will allow the batch to flow across all three membranes, which reduces fouling and helps keep the membranes flushed. There is no benefit to a parallel configuration in these little systems.
Running a series system from 2-4% will be the same flow rate as running a parallel system from 2-4%. With a series system, you can run the water a little faster than the concentrate (but you wouldn't have to), and you could get a higher single pass concentration with less likelihood of fouling membranes (than a parallel system). Each 400gpd membrane will pass 4 gallons of water per hour at sap temp and 100psi (less than 100psi is not really satisfactory).
The aquatec 8800 is really only capable or running up to 600-800 gpd of membranes. The flow rate at 100psi is only around 16gph. The 8855 series could run three. Plan on about 24gph with 3 400gpd membranes and a sufficient pump (making 12gph of concentrate and 12gph of permeate). If you get to 150psi you might be able to do a little better (but the 8800 will probably only make 80-100psi with three membranes).
Great info carls47807, really appreciate the feedback. If I am trying to match my 15-20 gph rig, how could I successfully build a system that would process that even if it were at a lower concentrate level? Maybe multiple pumps and 4 membranes? Because I am a weekend warrior unless we get a really big run and I go up mid-week, my RO has to do a fairly good job of keeping up. I could mix it obviously with regular sap, and maybe that's the answer, but if I at least wanted to take off half the water what would be your suggestion?
Thanks!
Tucker
Tucker Adams
2022 - 105 Taps, 58 on buckets, 40 on shurflo, 5 on 3/16 gravity across southern Maine with primary bush in Norway. Aiming for 30 Gallons this Year.
2021 - 64 Taps in Norway, ME (mostly on 3/16 tubing) - 16 gallons with a 225 gallon sap donation.
2x4 AOF/AUF Oil Drum Evaporator with Badgerland Pan
1/2 finished 12x16 Sugar Shack