15.0 CE Cert..................................................................................................................................................23
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1.0GENERAL NOTES
These instructions cover the B Series Range of Commercial Reverse
Osmosis Systems, which includes models with nominal outputs ranging
from 300 to 780 litres per hour.
It is recommended that these instructions are read throughout before
commencing any work on the unit, particularly if you have no previous
experience of installing and using a high pressure Reverse Osmosis
System.
The instructions have been written in such a manner that the vast majority
of the text applies to all the models in the range. However, in some cases,
there are differences between different models, and when these result in a
requirement to undertake a task in a different way, individual sections
have been written to cover each case. These are clearly marked, and
should be easy to identify.
B Series RO
Installation Operation and Maintenance Manual
2.0 THE REVERSE OSMOSIS PROCESS
2.1Introduction
Osmosis is a natural process involving fluid flow across a semi-permeable
membrane barrier. It is the process by which nutrients feed the cells in our
bodies and how water gets to the leaves at the top of trees.
If you separate a solution of salts from pure water using a basic thin semipermeable membrane like a sausage skin, the pure water passes through
the membrane and tries to dilute the salt solution. If the salt solution is
connected to a vertical pipe then the progressively diluted solution will fill
the pipe until the 'osmotic pressure' drawing the pure water though the
membrane is the same as the head of solution.
This process can be reversed - hence 'Reverse Osmosis' - by applying a
higher pressure to the salt solution. Pure water will then pass the other way
through the membrane in a process that is easy to visualise as 'filtration'
where the filter will only let through the small water molecules and retain
almost all of the other molecules.
The mechanism of water and salt separation by reverse osmosis is not fully
understood at the 'atomic' level. Current scientific thinking suggests two
transport models: porosity and diffusion. That is, transport of water
through the membrane may be through physical pores present in the
membrane (porosity), or by diffusion from one bonding site to another
within the membrane. The theory suggests that the chemical nature of
the membrane is such that it will absorb and pass water preferentially to
dissolved salts at the solid/liquid interface. This may occur by weak
chemical bonding of the water to the membrane surface or by dissolution
ofthewaterwithinthemembranestructure.Eitherway,a salt
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Installation Operation and Maintenance Manual
concentration gradient is formed across the solid/liquid interface. The
chemical and physical nature of the membrane determines its ability to
allow for preferential transport of solvent (water) over solute (salt ions).
2.2Membrane construction
The semi-permeable membrane for reverse osmosis applications consists
of a thin film of polymeric material a fraction of a millimetre thick cast on
a fabric support. Commercial grade membranes have high water
permeability and a high degree of semi-permeability; that is, the rate of
water transport is much higher than the rate of transport of dissolved ions.
The membranes are stable over a wide range of pH and temperature, and
have good mechanical integrity. The stability of these properties over a
period of time at field conditions defines the commercially useful membrane
life, which is in the range of 3 to 5 years. There are a number of different
materials used for membranes and several ways of constructing them.
This system uses a Composite polyamide spiral wound membrane.
In a spiral wound configuration two flat sheets of membrane are separated
with a permeate collector channel material to form a leaf. This assembly is
sealed on three sides with the fourth side left open for permeate to exit. A
feed/brine spacer material sheet is added to the leaf assembly.
B Series RO
A number of these assemblies or leaves are wound around a central plastic
permeate tube. This tube is perforated to collect the permeate from the
multiple leaf assemblies. The feed/brine flow through the element is a
straight axial path from the feed end to the opposite brine end, running
parallel to the membrane surface. The feed channel spacer induces
turbulence and reduces concentration polarisation.
The spiral membrane is then enclosed by wrapping with glass reinforced
resin into which is bonded an adapter cap at each end. Water under
pressure is introduced into one end of the membrane assembly so that it
runs between the feed channel spacers, with the concentrate and permeate
output piped away at the other
2.3Pressure pump
In order to develop sufficient water pressure to overcome the Osmotic
Pressure of the feed water and produce an acceptable volume of
permeate, a vertical multistage pump is used to boost the supplypressure by
approximately 100 -150 psi which results in the system running at 140 - 200
psi in normal service.
This type of pump is both quiet and reliable in continuous
applications, requiring minimal maintenance.
2.4Recirculation
Single membranes will normally recover only 10-15% permeate from the
raw water without fouling. However by returning a proportion of the
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B Series RO
Installation Operation and Maintenance Manual
concentrate exiting from the membrane to the inlet of the pressure pump,
the flow across the surface of the membrane is dramatically increased
allowing a recovery ratio of up to 75% to be achieved without significant
fouling. Recirculation also allows a higher flow of water through the pump,
reducing the load on its bearings and helping the pump to run cooler.
The recirculation rate on the B Series is adjustable but will be factory set at
15 litres per minute.
2.5Recovery
The recovery of a Reverse Osmosis System is a measure of the proportion
of the total input water that is converted to high quality permeate. A
recovery ratio of 10% means that only 1 part in ten of the input water is
converted to permeate. At 50% recovery, half of the input water is
converted. At 75% recovery, three quarters of the input water is converted
to permeate.
The recovery ratio on the B Series is adjustable, and its setting will affect the
final water quality. At high recovery ratios, the amount of solids in the
concentrate water as it exits the membrane will be high which will result in a
higher level of solids in the permeate. However by reducing the recovery,
the operating pressure in the system will also be reduced, which in turn can
also result in a raised level of solids in the permeate since rejection rates
are better at higher pressures. The recovery is factory set at 75%.
2.6Rejection
The rejection ratio is a measure of the amount of solids dissolved in the raw
water that are rejected by the membrane. A rejection rate of 99% means
that that only 1% of the dissolvedsolidswill pass throughthe
membrane, and these are usually of low molecular weight.
At 99% rejection on a raw water supply of 400 ppm, you would therefore
expect a permeate quality of 4 ppm. However by running single
membranes at high recovery levels with considerable recirculation will mean
that the membrane actually sees a raw water of 1000-1500 ppm which could
give a product water quality of 10-15 ppm. This is still a very pure water, but
may need additional polishing through a mixed bed ion exchange resin if
ultra-low TDS water is needed for process.
2.7Flush
In orderto remove fouling thataccumulates duringservice it is essentialto
periodicallyflush the membrane at a high water flow.
The controller fitted will automatically flush the membrane at the end of a
production run, and also flush it periodically during standby.
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Installation Operation and Maintenance Manual
3.0UNPACKING AND IDENTIFICATION
3.1Basic Packages
The Reverse Osmosis unit will normally be delivered as a single item
strapped to a small pallet. Additional items may also be supplied if ordered,
such as a product water storage tank, pre-filter or water softener.
3.2Unpacking notes
The unpacking of the system off of the pallet is straightforward and
there are no 'hidden' items. It is advisable to keep the system on its
pallet with any external wrapping until ready to complete installation to
prevent dust or water ingress.
Care must be taken if carton slitters or hobby knives are used to remove
any external wrapping since there are control cables and high pressure
hoses routed around the system frame.
B Series RO
3.3Lifting
Caution: The system will weigh between 85-100 kg depending on the
model. It should be moved on its pallet using appropriate equipment to
its point of installation. It can then be removed from the pallet by rocking
and spinning on one edge of the base frame.
If the system must be lifted clear of the ground when off the pallet, suitable
lifting straps must be used which will lift the system by the base without
stressing components on the frame
.
4.0Temporary Storage
If installationis not to start immediately afterdelivery, the equipmentshouldbe
stored in a clean dry area, where it will not be damaged, or be subjected to
temperatures below freezing.
5.0DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM
Single B Series frame with one or two single length ESPA1 membranes,
electronic controller, valves, Carbon filter, vertical multistage pressure
pump and all interconnecting pipe work.
The inlet connection is positioned prior to the Carbon filter on a manifold
with the inlet solenoid . After the filter is the low pressure switch and then a
flexible hose takes the supply water to the inlet of the pressure pump, and
the pump pressure gauge.
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B Series RO
Installation Operation and Maintenance Manual
The control panel will not initiate service unless the water pressure is
above the minimum set point, currently 1.0 bar. This level is set low since
the high pressure pump draws water at a very high rate during flushing with
the effect that the monitored inlet pressure will drop.
From the pump, high pressure water is piped to the inlet on the bottom of
the first (or only) membrane housing. The permeate outlet from the housing
is connected to the permeate outlet (1/2” John Guest fitting).
The concentrate outlet from the membrane housing is connected to a
manifold with a tee to a recirculation flow regulating valve, tee to the
flush line and tee to the concentrate flow valve. The concentrate flow valve
is used to control the back pressure in the concentrate line and the flow of
concentrate to drain.
The recirculation flow valve directs a proportion of the concentrate water
back to the inlet of the high pressure pump which maintains the water
velocity over the surface of the membrane. Water is recirculated to help
give high recovery of permeate from the concentrate water, and also to keep
up the flow across the surface of the membrane to prevent fouling.
The flows have been factory tested and set under working conditions.
Pressure gauges suppliedare glycerine filled to minimise bounceand
prolong the service life.
6.0PRE INSTALLATION CHECKS
6.1MECHANICAL
6.1.1 Foundations/Drainage
The Reverse Osmosis unit will not require any special foundations, provided
that a firm, level area which is capable of supporting the working weight
(see Engineering Data) is available.
Reject/concentrate water from the process must flow to drain, or to a
nearby storage tank where it can be utilised for other processes that do not
require high quality water, such as washdown or lavatories.
If the system is simply run to waste this must be to an open drain or gully,
capable of passing the necessary flow as required (see Process and
Operating Data for relevant flows). The total flow of water to drain
depends on site conditions, but will typically be between 50-100% of the
product water flow. The drain must not be at a level higher than the
Reverse Osmosis unit and preferably should be installed with an air
break at the same height as the drain outlet.
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6.1.2 Operating Space
It is difficult to be precise with regard to the floor space which will be
occupied by the assembled unit, since there will usually be associated pretreatment and product water storage. However, an idea can be gained
from reference to the Engineering Data. The RO frame has a 400mm W x
575mm D footprint
Access will be required to monitor the operating pressure and permeate
conductivity. Access will also be needed to carry out adjustments or
maintenance on the equipment. It is therefore recommended that a
minimum of 500mm clearance be allowed around the base for this
purpose.
6.1.3 Incoming Water
The raw water to be fed to the Reverse Osmosis unit must comply with the
following:
(a)Available at all times at a flow equal to the required maximum
service flow or
greater.
(b)At a pressure between 2.0 and 5.0. bar at the service flow required.
(c)Temperature between 10
(d)Pre-filtered to below 5 micron nominal.
(e)Iron less than 0.2 p.p.m., Manganese less than 0.1 p.p.m.
(f)Free Chlorine less than 0.2 ppm
(g)Softened to no greater than 1 0ppm hardnessas CaCO3.
B Series RO
Installation Operation and Maintenance Manual
q
C and 40qC.
6.1.4 Pipework
Pipework to be connected to the Reverse Osmosis Unit should not have an
excessive amount of Iron or hardness scale deposit. Piping that is
heavily built up with scale or Iron deposits should be replaced.
Make sure that the pipework can be connected to the Reverse Osmosis
Unit in such a way as to impose no stresses on the inlet connection, and
so that it is properly aligned and supported. Excessive vibration can cause
erratic operation of the solenoid valves, so, if required, a suitable vibration
damper should also be installed. Final connections to the Unit should be
made where possible using flexible connections to avoid stresses during
operational cycles.
6.1.5 Water Supply Company Requirements
It is essential that the equipment is connected to a pressurised water
supply. If connected to a mains supply the local bye laws must be adhered
to. These cover both plumbing and the prevention of back flow into the
mains. If there is any doubt, the local water inspector should be consulted,
but in general, the installation of a 'Double check valve assembly'
conforming to BS.6282 part 2 will be required in the supply pipework to the
BROEWS-Rev 2 Page 8 of 23
system.
6.2ELECTRICAL
6.2.1 Single phase system
A continuous single phase supply of 230v, 50 Hz with a rating of 13 Amps
is required by the Reverse Osmosis Unit.
7.0INSTALLATION
7.1MECHANICAL
A flow diagram showing the suggested overall layout of the system is
included as Fig 14.1 ,and should be referred to for guidance.
Check all the items against the parts list and shipping documents, and
ensure you have them all before starting work. In addition to the
components you will require basic tools, (i.e. spanners, screwdrivers etc.,
and P.T.F.E. tape).
B Series RO
Installation Operation and Maintenance Manual
7.1.1 Inlet Pipework
Pipework should be assembled incorporating the features shown in the
Flow Diagram, Fig 14.4. It is essential that an inlet isolating valve is
provided, and that the water main is protected by a double check valve
where appropriate (see Local Water Bye laws).
Pipework can be constructed from any normally acceptable material
(Copper, Galvanised, Plastic), provided it is properly supported and
aligned. Ensure that the pipe is sufficiently large to accommodate the flow
of water required.
NOTE: IF BRAZED OR SOLDERED FITTINGS ARE TO BE USED, THE
PIPEWORK MUSTBEDISCONNECTEDFROMTHESYSTEM
CONNECTIONS DURING HEATING AND COOLING. EXCESS HEAT
CAN CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE TO SOME OF THE SYSTEM
COMPONENTS.
The inlet pipework should be connected to the upper left hand piping
supplying the filter (3/4" BSPM.) See Drawings Section 14
7.1.2 Drain Connection
The drain pipeworkshould be connectedto the port on the lower manifold
The drain outlet connection is 3/4" BSPM.
This should be run to a drain or concentrate storage tank capable of
taking the maximum flow during flushing, using flexible tube if at all
possible An air gap is necessary on the drain line from the system to
prevent negative pressures acting on the membrane, which can result in
BROEWS-Rev 2 Page 9 of 23
membrane failure.
7.1.3 Permeate Connection
The permeate connection is made to the outlet John Guest fitting. This will
accept 1/2" OD tube.
Install a suitable overflow in the permeate storage tank. This must be
below the level of the permeate inlet and must also make allowance for
permeate production during flushing.
The top of the permeate storage tank should be no higher than 500mm
above the outlet fitting on the top of the membrane to prevent operating
back pressure on the membrane during production or static pressure on the
membrane during standby. Back pressure during production reduces the
output of the system. Static pressure on the membrane from a column of
water can de-laminate the membranes during standby.
The permeate inlet to the tank must be open with no restriction.
Under no circumstances must a float shut off valve be used to close off
the permeate delivery line.
B Series RO
Installation Operation and Maintenance Manual
The permeate inlet must be at least 100 mm above the overflow level in
the storage tank to prevent permeate being drawn back through the
membraneby osmosis duringstandby.
Prior to making the permeate connection final, make a temporary pipe
connection from the permeate outlet to drain so that the system can
be fully flushed during commissioning.
7.2ELECTRICAL
Electrical installation is very straightforward, but should still be carried
out by a competent electrician, and must conform to the appropriate
standards of safety.
7.2.1 Mains Supply
The mains supply connection should be made through a separate,
switched supply, fused and earthed in accordance with Institute of
Electrical Engineers Regulations. Current rating should be 13 amps.
7.2.2 Level sensor installation
The system is shipped without a remote start switch or tank level sensor,
and the control connections in the controller looped out. It is recommended
that a tank level sensor is installed to give fully automatic control and
interval flushing, and this should be a volt free contact across controller
terminals 16 & 17 that close when RO water is required. The control
voltage on these terminals is below 12v.
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B Series RO
Installation Operation and Maintenance Manual
Installa level switchon the treated water storagetank and connect to the
controller as shown in section 14.3
Important: When installing the level sensor in the permeate tank, the
top of the sensor must be at least 100 mm below the overflow since
permeate will flow to the tank during the post-service flush.
8.0COMMISSIONING
The membrane(s) are shipped in preservative which will need to be
flushed prior to putting permeate water to service. Commissioning and
flushing should take place immediately before the system is put into service
8.1Pre Service Flush
Do not turn on the power at this point
After connecting the water inlet, run a line to drain from the concentrate and
permeate outlets. Turn on the water supply to the system and check the
inlet side for leaks up to the inlet solenoid.
Turn on the power supply, and press the system ‘On’
switch. The controller should default to Service.
The inlet solenoid will then open allowing water to flush through the
system but the pump will not operate for one minute which will allow the
pump to prime under feedwater pressure.
Check for leaks with low pressure runningin the systemandturnoff the
power supplybefore the pump starts is any leaks are seen.
8.2Pressure flush
After one minute the pump will power up and the system will run up to
pressure.
The concentrate and recirculation flows have been set up and balanced
in the factory, and the regular knobs removed to prevent adjustment by
unqualified personnel.
Thisshould give a backpressureon the pump (centre) pressure gauge of
140-200 psi depending on the raw water pressure.
Do not adjust the concentrate valve so that the pump pressure
exceeds 200 psi.
Leave to run to drain for 30-60 minutes to flush the preservative out of the
membranes. If the permeate is then to the correct quality, the system can
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B Series RO
Installation Operation and Maintenance Manual
be put into service.
8.3Service connections and checks
With the system switched off, connect the permeate tube to the storage
tank. Turn the system on and leave to run to service.
Test the flush circuitry by lifting the permeate float switch. This will
initiate a 'post service' flush. The pressure pump will cut out as the float
switch is operated. Shortly afterwards the flush solenoid will open and then
the pump will start up again. This will flush the membranes at a high flow
rate for the time set in the controller. Lowering the floats will immediately
switch the system back to service.
If the pump draws a massive amountof water during flushingit may be
necessary to adjust down the low pressure threshold. Monitor the inlet
pressure during flushing.
The system is now commissioned.
9.0Operation
The B Series Reverse Osmosis systems are designed to run and flush
automatically and should not be turned off at the mains after a production
run of permeate.
For the first few days of use, the operating pressure, permeate and
concentrate flows should be monitored every few hours and the system
fine tuned as the membrane settles down to its working environment.
Thereafter the flows, pressure and permeate conductivity should be monitored
daily at a regular time when production is taking place. These readings will
vary slightly due to variations in incoming water temperature and pressure.
An example data recording sheet can be found in section 9.3
If a variation of more than 15% is noted in the permeate flow at usual
operating pressures then the system should be cleaned with an appropriate
recirculating cleaner. This must be done by a service technician with a
thorough understanding of reverse osmosis systems and their cleaning
regimes
MonthlyInspect system for leaks and tighten fittings where necessary
3 MonthlyReplace inlet filter cartridges
AnnuallyClean membrane with a recirculating cleaner if normalised
output has
fallen by greater than 15%
9.2Temporary Shutdown
If permeate is not requiredfor up to fivedaysthenthesystem shouldbe
leftwith the permeate tank empty, the level probes disconnected and the
water and power supplies turnedon.The controllerwillautomatically flush
thesystem every24 hours and a small amount of permeate will flow to
the tank.
If the permeate tank must remain empty, then disconnect the level
probe and route the permeate production line to drain.
If the system needs to be powered down for more than 7 days, then the
membranehousingshould be filled with an appropriate preservative. The
system shouldthen be recommissioned prior to putting back into service.
See Section 8.0
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Installation Operation and Maintenance Manual
9.3 Example Data Recording Sheet
Model
Date installed
Membrane serial no(s)
B Series RO
DatePump
Pressure
(PSI)
Conc
Flow
(lpm)
CF
Perm
Flow
(lpm)
PF
Total Flow
(lpm)
TF=CF+PF
Recovery
R=(PF/TF)*
100
Temp
(OC)
Initials
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B Series RO
Installation Operation and Maintenance Manual
10.0 FAULT FINDING AND RECTIFICATION
ProblemPossible cause
No PowerMain fuse or supply cabling fault
PoweroncontrollerHighlevel probejammed orfailed
Motor does not runMotor failure
Pump motor runsPump motor drive loose
Your Reverse Osmosis unit is covered by a parts warranty for a period of
one year from installation on all mechanical and electrical components.
Filters cartridges and membranes are excluded from this warranty since they
can deteriorate due to operational or site conditions.
Should you have any problems with your Reverse Osmosisunit or
require routine service, please contact your supplier.
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B Series RO
Installation Operation and Maintenance Manual
12Data
12.1 PROCESS AND OPERATING DATA
Model200040005000
ParameterUnits
Max. OutputLit/hr300600780
Flow*
Max InletLit/hr4008001040
Flow*
ConcentrateLit/hr100200260
To drain*
Max flow toLit/hr1500 all
Drain during
Flush
Min salt rejection99% all
Max. Recovery75% all
Important Notes
The data quoted in the above table is affected by the inlet pressure, raw water
quality and period of usage, and so should be regarded as nominal only. * Total
inlet flow and flow to drain will depend on the recovery settings chosen for the
Reverse osmosis unit. Figures shown are based on typical UK mains softened
water at 50 PSI and 12 Degrees Celcius
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B Series RO
Installation Operation and Maintenance Manual
12.2 ENGINEERING DATA
Model200040005000
ParameterUnits
Widthmm400 all
Depthmm575 all
Heightmm1475 all
Inlet Conn.Ins BSPM¾” all
Permeate ConnIns O/D½”
Drain ConnIns BSPM¾”
Delivered Wt.Kg90100110
Working Wt.Kg100115125
PowerV230 all
Hz50 all
kW0.751.11.1
A4.76.86.8
No. of Membrane122
Membrane ref404040404641
Pump ref1-151-231-23
ControllerEWS 3015 all
Flushlpm15 all
Carbon Filter20” Radial Flow all
Drainlpm1.534
Re-criclpm15 all
MAXIMUM INLET PRESSURE 5 Bar MINIMUM INLET PRESSURE 2.0 Bar
MAXIMUM OPERATING TEMPERATURE 40.0C HEADROOM - Allow 1000 mm
greater than overall height.
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Installation Operation and Maintenance Manual
13.0 EWS OS3015
CONTROLLER 13.1
Manufacturers Manual
A manufacturers manual for the EWS OS3015 controller is enclosed with
the system. Please refer to this for information operation and programming
of the controller.
13.2 Factory programming notes
The controller has been set up with a typical operating program suitable for
a reverse osmosis system of this size and type.
The programming includes a post service flush, flush during service and
flush during standby.
B Series RO
13.3 Factory programming
Program StepSettingFunction
1.1ELanguage
5.111 level switch on permeate
5.21sDelay for permeate high level switch
6.110sDelay for low water pressure switch activation
6.2STStop function chosen for input (looped out)
6.41sDelay for stop signal
6.5300sDelay for retrying after low water pressure failure