Using a pump on permeate to increase throughput
A guy on reddit posted his RO setup and it included an additional pump on the permeate line. It's basically providing vacuum on the permeate line.
I asked if he had done any experiments to determine how his throughput improved but he had not had time to do any experiments during the busy sugaring season. It should improve becasue you are creating a higher pressure difference across the membrane.
Has anyone else done this and can provide feedback? I did search for permeate pumps, but they are mainly used in fresh water systems where you are trying to overcome the increasing pressure in the fresh water storage tank.
Interesting idea.
2015 - 8 buckets, 332L sap, 8.5L syrup - Barrel evaporator, 2 steam pans
2016 - 8 buckets, 432L sap
2017 - 10 bags, 470L sap, 9L syrup
2018 - 20 bags, 1050L sap, 17.6L syrup
2019 - 20 bags, 970L sap, 22.2L syrup
2020 - 17 bags, 813L sap, 17L syrup