GE Merlin User Manual

GE Infrastructure Water and Process Technologies

Merlin™

Point of Use

Drinking Water System

Installation and Maintenance Manual

SAFETY GUIDES

Read and follow all steps and guides carefully before installing and
using your reverse osmosis system.

Do not use this product to make safe drinking water from non-potable
water sources. Do not use the system on microbiologically unsafe
water, or water of unknown quality without adequate disinfection
before or after the system.

This reverse osmosis system contains replaceable components
(membrane elements). These components are critical for the effective
reduction of total dissolved solids and specific contaminants that are
listed in the Appendix.

The Merlin drinking water system does not have a monitoring device
for contaminants. To verify that the system is performing satisfactorily
the product water should be tested periodically by the system’s
installing dealer every six months. See the back cover of this manual
for the installing dealer’s contact information.

Consult your local public works department for plumbing and sanitation
codes. Follow your local codes if they differ from this manual.

The reverse osmosis system works on water pressures of 40 psi
(2.8 bar) minimum to 80 psi (5.5 bar) maximum. Water pressure can
be reduced by installing a pressure reducing valve in the water supply
pipe to the RO system. A booster pump should be used for low
pressure applications.

Do not install the reverse osmosis system in extreme hot or cold
temperatures. Temperature of the water supply to the reverse osmosis
system must be between 40°F (°C) and 100°F (38°C). Do not install on
hot water lines.

The reverse osmosis membranes contain a foodgrade preservative for
storage and shipment. New membranes should be flushed for one
hour prior to use. This flush removes the preservative. The
preservative is not harmful but makes the product water taste
objectionable.

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THE BASIC REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM

Your Merlin™ Reverse Osmosis (RO) Drinking Water System is a
water treatment unit. It uses water pressure to reverse a natural
physical process called osmosis. Water, under pressure, is forced
through a semi-permeable membrane to filter out minerals and
impurities. Clean drinking water goes to the faucet. Minerals and
impurities are sent to the drain with RO waste water.

The system includes replaceable filters and membrane elements. The
prefilter removes sand, silt, dirt, rust particles, other sediments, and
chlorine from the water supply before they enter the RO membrane
elements. The postfilter removes any tastes and/or odors that may
remain in the water after passing through the RO membrane elements.

BEFORE INSTALLING THE RO SYSTEM

• Best performance of the system will be achieved when the
incoming water has been treated (softened).

• The water coming into the system must be within certain limits for
sediments, pressure, etc. Refer to the specifications to determine if
your installation is within the limits.

• A water quality analysis can be performed to determine if incoming
water requires any treatment. Contact your dealer/installer.

• The filters and membrane elements in the RO system need to be
replaced on a regular basis. Follow the instructions for replacement
that are in this manual.

NOTE: For optimal system performance, use the system for at least
2 minutes continuously each day.

WARNING: The Merlin RO system is designed to work without the
aid of a storage tank. DO NOT connect a pressurized storage tank to
the Merlin permeate line. Damage to the system may occur if a
pressurized storage tank is used with the Merlin RO system.

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REVERSE OSMOSIS PACKAGE

The reverse osmosis system is purchased as an installation kit.
Before starting installation check that the following components are
available:

Quantity Item Part Number

1 Manifold 1244617
1 Support Leg 1239708
1 Locking Bar 1239731
1 Disconnect Elbow and O-ring—Flush Mechanism 1240119
1 1/4-inch Collet Lock Clip 1240626
1 1/4-inch Plug 1240624
1 Disconnect Elbow and O-ring— Feed Water 1240117
2 1/2-inch Collet Lock Clip 1240628
1 Disconnect Elbow and O-ring—Concentrate Stream 1240116
1 Disconnect Elbow and O-ring—Permeate Stream 1240118
5 3/8-inch Collet Lock Clip 1240627
3 White Sumps 1239705
3 Sump O-ring 1240326
2 Lubricant, Silicone 1013501
1 3/8-inch Tube-To-Threaded Tu bing Connection 1240625

Tubing

4 feet 1/2-inch Natural Color Inlet 1240622
4 feet 3/8-inch Blue Color Product 1240621
4 feet 3/8-inch Black Color Concentrate 1240620
3 feet 1/2-inch Red Color Drain 1240623

Faucet Kit

1 Faucet and Air Gap 1254894

Drain Connection

1 Packa ged Drain Boa Kit 1240564

Filters

2 Membrane Elements 1238342
1 White Carbon Prefilter 1237460
1 In-Line 3/8-inch Carbon Post Filter 1244746

NOTE: The system inlet (feed water) connection/valve is not
included in the standard package. Contact your system supplier.

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LOCATION OF SYSTEM

The reverse osmosis system is designed for installation under a sink,
usually in the kitchen or bathroom. The RO assembly can be placed on
the cabinet floor in any position that does not apply pressure on the
disconnect elbows. The RO product water faucet installs on the sink or
on the countertop next to the sink.

The RO system can also be located in a location away from the faucet.
A nearby water source and drain point are required.

NOTE: Keep the lengths of tubing short. Longer lengths of tubing
will decrease system performance. A booster pump can be used on
the supply line.

Water Supply: To provide supply water to the RO system inlet, a feed
supply fitting is required or install pipe fittings as needed.

Drain Point: A suitable drain point is needed for reject water from the
RO system. A floor drain, laundry tub, standpipe, sump, etc. are all
acceptable. A sink p-trap drain adapter is included to install as an
optional drain point where codes permit.

All components and tubing should be located in an area which is not
exposed to freezing temperatures. Do not expose unit or tubing to
direct sunlight.

Dispensing Faucet: The faucet should be placed near the sink where
drinking water is normally obtained. Convenience of use (filling of
water pitchers and glasses) and an open area beneath the faucet
under the sink for attaching product and drain tubing are
considerations. A 2-inch diameter flat surface is required above and
below the installation site. The thickness of mounting surface should
not exceed 1-1/4 inches. Avoid any strengthening webbing on the
underside of the sink.

RO Manifold Assembly: The manifold can be installed on either the
right or left side of the under-sink area or cabinet. Installation in the
basement is also an option. One possible location is near the
laundry/utility sink where cold potable water and drain access are
close. The location chosen should allow adequate clearance and
accessibility for membrane element changes.

Feed Water Connection: The feed water valve should be located as
close to the manifold assembly as possible. USE A POTABLE COLD
WATER SUPPLY ONLY. Softened water is preferred as it will extend
the life of the RO membrane element.

NOTE: The feed water connection is not included in the package.

THE BASIC REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM 5

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Drain Connection - Depending on plumbing codes, the waste water
may need to go to drain through an anti-siphon air gap. A detachable
faucet air gap is included with the system. If discharging into the utility
sink or standpipe, an air gap of greater than 1.5 inches above the flood
rim must be provided.

Do not connect the system drain line to the dishwasher drain or near
the garbage disposal. Back pressure from these units may cause the
air gap to overflow.

NOTE: All plumbing should be done in accordance with state and
local plumbing codes.
Some codes may require installation by a licensed plumber; check
with the local plumbing authority prior to installation.

In restricted under-sink areas, it may be easier to install the faucet first.
Allow adequate tubing lengths for final system placement.

Figure 1 Typical Under-Sink Installation

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Figure 2 Typical Basement Installation

THE BASIC REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM 7

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REQUIRED TOOLS AND MATERIALS

• Adjustable wrench, and larger adjustable jaw pliers or pipe wrench
to fit sink drain

• Saw for cutting drain pipe

• Slotted and Phillips head screwdrivers

• Tubing cutters

• Electric drill and bits for cutting the faucet mounting hole

Note that some sinks will have a pre-drilled hole with a plug for the
faucet.

INSTALLATION

STEP 1: Install cold water supply valve
STEP 2: Install drain adapter
STEP 3: Install faucet
STEP 4: Make tubing connections
STEP 5: Install RO assembly
STEP 6: Put system into operation

NOTE: Consult a licensed plumber if you are not familiar with
plumbing procedures.

STEP 1: INSTALL COLD WATER SUPPLY VALVE

Comply with local plumbing codes. A typical connection using a water
supply valve is shown. The feed water valve is not included with
system. Contact supplier for this item.

Water Supply Valve

NOTE: Be sure to turn off the water supply and open a low faucet to

drain the pipe.

Cold water pipes vary in size and style. The installer will determine
type of valve that will be used. Install a valve on the cold water supply
pipe to adapt 1/2-inch OD tubing. If threaded fittings are used, be sure
to use pipe joint compound or Teflon tape on outside threads.

Turn the valve off.

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STEP 2: INSTALL DRAIN ADAPTER

Follow the instructions in the Appendix for installation of the Drain
Boa™.

The drain adapter is designed to fit 1-1/2-inch (3.8 cm) sink drain pipe.
The adapter installs directly to the sink tailpiece.

STEP 3: INSTALL FAUCET
A. Prepare Mounting Hole

1. Select a location for the faucet. Be sure it will fit flat against the sink

or counter and that there is space underneath for tubing.

2. If drilling is needed, make a 1-1/8-inch to 1-1/4-inch diameter hole.

WARNING: To avoid damaging a sink, consult a qualified plumber
or installer for the proper method of drilling holes in porcelain or
stainless steel.

Gasket

Horseshoe

Clip

Washer

Water In Connection

Air Gap Module

Trim Ring

Standoff

Nut

Figure 3

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