RO systems: Difference between revisions

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Every RO system is under constant threat of excessive microbial growth and/or mineral concentrate forming a biofilm or mineral scale respectively.<ref name=flemming>Flemming HC. [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hans-Curt_Flemming/publication/289774253_Biofouling_on_Membranes_-_A_Short_Review/links/5779259108ae1b18a7e61f1a.pdf Reverse osmosis membrane biofouling.] ''Exp Therm Fluid Sci.'' 1997;14(4):382–391.</ref> Both of these can result in significantly decreased system performance (i.e. "fouling" of the membrane) and decreased life of the RO membrane.

The simplest way to prevent RO membrane fouling (thereby significantly prolonging the lifespan of the RO membrane) is by regular use of a flush valve.<ref>[https://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium-reverse-osmosis/upgrades-and-add-ons/flush-valves Flush valves for RO systems.] Marine Depot website. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/membrane-flush-valve.html Reverse osmosis membrane flush valve.] Bulk Reef Supply website. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[http://www.purewateroccasional.net/hwautoflush.html How reverse osmosis flush valves work.] Pure Water Gazette How It Works Series website. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.purewaterproducts.com/img/docs/manuals/FLEXEON-210-LT-SERIES-USERS-MANUAL.pdf Reverse osmosis user's manual.] Pure Water Products. 2012.</ref> Ideally it should be at least flushed every day, but at least once every 1–2 weeks may be acceptable in home systems.<ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/reverse-osmosis-equipment-advice.599894/ Reverse osmosis equipment advice.] HomeBrewTalk website. 2017. Accessed October 2020.</ref><ref name=hbtguide/><ref name=fws/><ref>[https://www.yourhealthywatersource.com/product-page/ro-membrane-flush-valve-john-guest-mur-lok-fittings RO membrane flush valve (John Guest/Mur-Lok Fittings).] Jett Water Systems website. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.condair.com.ar/m/0/2594385-a-ro-u-installation-manual.pdf Reverse osmosis system | Installation, operation, and maintenance manual.] Conair. 2018.</ref> It should be flushed for around 15–30 seconds periodically during use and immediately after each use (ideally until concentrate TDS matches feed water TDS). Short flushing intervals are more effective than long flushing times—flushing for 30 seconds every 30 minutes is better than flushing for 60 seconds every 60 minutes.<ref name=filmtec/> Note that flushing can cause a small spike in TDS of the permeate if it continues to flow (depending on your water pressure). It's best for the flush water to also bypass the DI stage, if present.

The simplest way to prevent RO membrane fouling (thereby significantly prolonging the lifespan of the RO membrane) is by regular use of a flush valve.<ref>[https://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium-reverse-osmosis/upgrades-and-add-ons/flush-valves Flush valves for RO systems.] Marine Depot website. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/membrane-flush-valve.html Reverse osmosis membrane flush valve.] Bulk Reef Supply website. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[http://www.purewateroccasional.net/hwautoflush.html How reverse osmosis flush valves work.] Pure Water Gazette How It Works Series website. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.purewaterproducts.com/img/docs/manuals/FLEXEON-210-LT-SERIES-USERS-MANUAL.pdf Reverse osmosis user's manual.] Pure Water Products. 2012.</ref><ref>[https://www.yourhealthywatersource.com/product-page/ro-membrane-flush-valve-john-guest-mur-lok-fittings RO membrane flush valve (John Guest/Mur-Lok Fittings).] Jett Water Systems website. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.condair.com.ar/m/0/2594385-a-ro-u-installation-manual.pdf Reverse osmosis system | Installation, operation, and maintenance manual.] Conair. 2018.</ref> Ideally it should be at least flushed every day, but at least once every 1–2 weeks may be acceptable in home systems.<ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/reverse-osmosis-equipment-advice.599894/ Reverse osmosis equipment advice.] HomeBrewTalk website. 2017. Accessed October 2020.</ref><ref name=hbtguide/><ref name=fws/> It should be flushed for around 15–30 seconds periodically during use and immediately after each use (ideally until concentrate TDS matches feed water TDS). Short flushing intervals are more effective than long flushing times—flushing for 30 seconds every 30 minutes is better than flushing for 60 seconds every 60 minutes.<ref name=filmtec/> Note that flushing can cause a small spike in TDS of the permeate if it continues to flow (depending on your water pressure). It's best for the flush water to also bypass the DI stage, if present.

===Cleaning and sanitation===