SpectraPure Eliminator 90 Installation And Operating Manual

Two Year Limited Warranty

SpectraPure, Inc. warrants each new Reverse Osmosis system to the original owner
only to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of two years from
the date of receipt. SpectraPure’s liabililty under this warranty shall be limited to
repairing or replacing on SpectraPure’s option, without charge, F.O.B. SpectraPure’s
factory, any product of SpectraPure’s manufacture. SpectraPure will not be liable for
any cost of removal, installation, transportation, or any other charges which may
arise in connection with a warranty claim. Products which are sold but not
manufactured by SpectraPure are subject to warranty provided by the manufacturer
of said products and not by SpectraPure’s warranty. SpectraPure will not be liable for
damage or wear to products caused by abnormal operating conditions, accident,
abuse, misuse, unauthorized alteration, or repair, or if the product was not installed
in accordance with SpectraPure’s printed installation and operating conditions or
damage caused by hot water, freezing, flood, fire, or acts of God.

SpectraPure Inc. will not be responsible for any consequential damages arising from
installation or use of the product, including any water damage due to flooding
which may occur due to malfunction or faulty installation, including, but not limited
to failure of installer to tighten all fittings.

SpectraPure warrants (pro-rated) the performance of membrane elements for one
year from date of receipt by the buyer, providing that the loss of performance was
not caused by fouling, neglect, or water conditions exceeding the feed water pa­rameters listed on page 3 of this manual.
* Most municipal water supplies meet these requirements.

SpectraPure

®

SpectraPure®Inc.

215 S. Industrial Drive, Suite 2A Tempe, Arizona 85281-2941

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

E-mail [e-mail] Visit us on the web www.spectrapure.com

Terms and Conditions of Sale

1. To obtain service under this warranty, the defective system or components
must be returned to SpectraPure with proof of purchase, installation date and
failure date.

2. Any defective product to be returned to the factory must be sent freight
prepaid; documentation supporting the warranty claim and/or a Return Goods
Authorization must be included, if so instructed.

3. SpectraPure will not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages,
losses, or expenses arising from installation, use, or any other causes. There are
no expressed or implied warranties, including merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose, which extend beyond those warranties described or
referred to above.

4. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages and some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on how
long implied warranties may last. Therefore, the above limitations or exclusions
may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may
also have other rights which vary jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

5. Method of Payment: All orders will be shipped C.O.D. or require payment in
advance.

6. SpectraPure, Inc. reserves the right to change prices without notice when
necessary.

Eliminator 90

Compact RO System

Installation and Operating Manual

Reverse Osmosis Water Purification System

SpectraPure

®

REV - 1-25-2001

SpectraPure®Inc.

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

215 South Industrial Drive, Suite 2A Tempe, Arizona 85281-2941

SpectraPure

®

2

Copyright © 2001 by

SpectraPure®Inc

.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written
permission of SpectraPure Inc.

System Information
System Specifications----------------------------------------------------------------3
Reverse Osmosis Feed Water Requirements-------------------------3

Operating Instructions
System Setup------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
Filter Diagram

----------------------------------------------------------------------------4

Checking the Concentrate to Purified Water Ratio--------------5
Flow Restrictor Removal, Adjustment & Replacement-----6

-7

System Maintenance:
Carbon Pre-Filter Replacement------------------------------------------------8
RO Membrane Replacement

---------------------------------------------9 -10

Troubleshooting Guide----------------------------------------------------------10

Water Production Rate
Membrane Output Calculation---------------------------------------------11
Temperature Correction Factor Table----------------------------------11

Membrane Testing
Testing the Quality of the Membrane----------------------------12

-13

System Care
Tips for Long Membrane Life-------------------------------------------------14
Storage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14

Choosing a Mounting Location

--------------------------------------------14

Replacement Parts ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------15

Warranty, Terms and Conditions

---------------------------------------------------------16

Table of Contents

SpectraPure®Inc.

Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

E-mail [e-mail] Visit us on the web www.spectrapure.com

SpectraPure

®

Replacement Parts

Model Replacement Part

CF-IN-10 10 inch Inline Carbon Filter

TFCH-90-ENC 90 gpd (340 lpd) Encapsulated TFC Membrane

(Membrane and Disposable Housing)

FR-90 Flow Restrictor for 90 gpd (284 lpd)

Membrane

GHA-4 1/4” (6.35 mm) Garden Hose Adapter

Replacement Parts

Model Optional Part

PGK Pressure Gauge Kit

FAU-SMP Quick Connect Faucet Coupler

TK-CL-25 Total Chlorine Test Kit

VA-FVK-4 Flush Valve Kit

BPHF-MO-115 Hi-Flow Booster Pump

ASOFK Auto Shut-Off Valve Float Kit

TS-C61 Conductivity Tester

Optional Accessories

15

SpectraPure®Inc.

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

215 South Industrial Drive, Suite 2A Tempe, Arizona 85281-2941

SpectraPure

®

Tips for Long Membrane Life

1. Replacement of 1 micron sediment filter once every 6 months.
This will prevent membrane fouling due to silt or sediment
depositing on the membrane.

2. Replacement of 10 micron carbon block filter at least once
every 6 months or when chlorine breakthrough occurs . This
will ensure good membrane life and prevent membrane from
chlorine damage.

3. Membrane should not be operated at lower than 4:1
concentrate to purified water ratios. If you have a lower ratio,
reduce the length of the flow restrictor to adjust the ratio
to 4:1.

4. Operating reverse osmosis systems on softened feed water
greatly reduces the chances of membrane fouling.

5. Use the optional flush kit valve after each use of the system to
extend membrane life up to 6 months.

Storage

1. It is recommended that you store your Eliminator RO System in
a cool place when not being used.

2. Your Eliminator RO System must be protected from freezing or
temperatures above 110° F (43°C).

System Care

Choosing a Mounting Location

When considering a location for the installation of the System,
consider the following factors.

Light Sources

1. Most of the components of this system are plastic and are
subject to damage by ultra-violet light from the sun and other
sources such as metal halide lighting.

2. Algae is more likely to thrive inside the clear filter housings
when exposed to bright light.

3. Avoid installing this unit in bright light or direct sunlight.

Temperature Extremes

1. The unit must be kept out of areas that are subject to freezing
temperatures.

2. High temperatures greater than

110° F (43° C) must be

avoided. If the unit is used outside, avoid putting the system in
direct sunlight or connecting it to a garden hose that may be
exposed to sunlight.

14

SpectraPure®Inc.

Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

E-mail [e-mail] Visit us on the web www.spectrapure.com

SpectraPure

®

3

System Specifications

Carbon Filter 10 inch inline granulated activated carbon filter
RO Membrane Type Encapsulated thin-film composite
Rejection Rate 98% average
Production Rate Rated 90 gpd (340 lpd) ±15% at 500 ppm TDS
Input Water Pressure 60 psi (4.15 bar) line pressure
Input Water Temp 77° F (25° C)
Recovery Rate 20% (i.e. 20% of the water will be
collected as pure water)

Reverse Osmosis Feed Water Requirements

Operating Pressure 40 – 80 psi (2.75 – 5.5 bar)
pH Range 3 – 11
Maximum Temperature 110° F (43° C)
Maximum Turbidity 1.0 NTU
Maximum Silt Density Index 5.0 (based on 15 min. test time)
Maximum Chlorine less than 0.1 ppm
Maximum TDS 2000 ppm
Maximum Hardness 10 grains (170 ppm as CaCO

3)

Maximum Iron less than 0.1 ppm
Maximum Manganese less than 0.1 ppm
Maximum Hydrogen Sulfide 0 ppm
Langlier Saturation Index LSI must be negative

System Information

SpectraPure®Inc.

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

215 South Industrial Drive, Suite 2A Tempe, Arizona 85281-2941

SpectraPure

®

System Setup

1. Attach the garden hose adapter to your cold water
source. Never run hot water (greater than 110° F or
43° F ) through the system.

2. Place the yellow concentrate tubing into drain. Do not
restrict flow from this line.

3. Place the blue purified water tubing into your storage
container.

4. Open the cold water supply valve half-way. You may

use pressure up to 80 psi (5.5 bar).

Check the system to ensure that all fittings are tight and
leak-free before leaving the system unattended.

Note: It is recommended that at least 2 gallons (7.57 liters) of
purified water be discarded before collecting purified water for
use. If the unit is not used for several days, run the system for at
least 15 minutes before collecting any water.

Operating Instructions

SpectraPure®Inc.

assumes no responsibility for water
damage due to leaks. It is the user’s responsibility to
determine that the system is leak-free.

4

10 inch
Granulated Activated
Carbon Filter
(CF-IN-10)

Filter Diagram

Encapsulated
90 GPD TFC
RO Membrane
(TFCH-90-ENC)

SpectraPure®Inc.

Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

E-mail [e-mail] Visit us on the web www.spectrapure.com

SpectraPure

®

The following chart illustrates the procedure for determination of
RO membrane performance. However, the chart represents only
rough guidelines for determining performance of RO membrane.
Depending on your tap water chemistry, the rejection
characteristics of the membrane may vary significantly.

Testing the Quality of the Membrane

Membrane Testing

Method of
Testing

Calculate % Rejection Test Results Conclusion

TDS/
Conductivity
Tester

Measure feed water and
RO product water TDS/
Conductivity

Is Rejection
greater than
95% ?

No - Replace Membrane
Yes - Membrane OK

Alkalinity
Test Kit

Measure feed water and
RO product water
Alkalinity

Is Rejection
greater than
90% ?

No - Replace Membrane
Yes - Membrane OK

Hardness
Test Kit

*Measure feed water
and RO product water
Hardness

Is Rejection
greater than
95% ?

No - Replace Membrane
Yes - Membrane OK

*Caution: This test is not to be used on softened water sources.

13

SpectraPure®Inc.

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

215 South Industrial Drive, Suite 2A Tempe, Arizona 85281-2941

SpectraPure

®

Membrane Output
Calculation Example

What is the expected GPD from a 50 GPD MPRO-C System at 40 psi
pressure and 60°F water temperature?

PCF = 40 ÷ 60 = 0.666
TCF = 0.754 (from Table 1)
Expected GPD = 50 × 0.666 × 0.754 = 25.1 GPD ± 15%

Testing the Quality of the Membrane

The performance of a RO membrane is measured in terms of its
rejection characteristics.

Important: Test the quality of the membrane once every 6 months.

Note: This procedure will require a Conductivity Meter (TS-C61).

Procedure:

Membrane Testing

1. Measure tap water conductivity.* (Call it X.)

2. Run the system for 15-20 minutes.

3. Rinse test instrument cell 2-3 times with RO water.

4. Measure RO water conductivity.* (Call it Y.)

5. Subtract RO water conductivity* from tap water
conductivity.* (X - Y)

6. Divide this quantity by tap water conductivity.* (X - Y) ÷ X

7. Rejection = [(X - Y) ÷ X ] ×100

* Conductivity in the above procedure could be replaced by
hardness, alkalinity, nitrate, phosphate, silica etc. (measured in
ppm or mg/l).

1. Tap water hardness = 150 ppm (X)

2. RO water hardness = 7 ppm (Y)

3. X - Y = 143 ppm

4. (X - Y) ÷ X = 143 ÷ 150 = 0.953

5. Rejection = [ ( X - Y) ÷ X ] ×100 = 0.953 ×100 = 95.3

Membrane Hardness Rejection = 95.3 % Þ Membrane OK

Rejection of the RO Membrane
Calculation Example

12

SpectraPure®Inc.

Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

E-mail [e-mail] Visit us on the web www.spectrapure.com

SpectraPure

®

Checking the
Concentrate to Purified Water Ratio

This procedure will be the most important factor in insuring that you
get the best possible results from your new system.

Failure to perform this procedure will void the pro-rated
Membrane Warranty.

In order to maximize the life of your

SpectraPure

®

RO Membrane,
you may need to adjust the ratio of the concentrate to purified
water. If not enough concentrate is allowed to flow past the
membrane during operation, the impurities can concentrate and
precipitate on the membrane surface, effectively clogging the
encapsulated RO Membrane. To keep this from happening, the
Concentrate to Purified Water Ratio should be checked and
adjusted at the highest temperature and pressure the system will be
operated at.

Procedure:

1. Open the cold water supply valve half-way and let the
system run for 1/2 hour.

2. Using two measuring cups, simultaneously place the
yellow concentrate tubing into one cup and the blue
purified water tubing into the other cup.

3. When the blue tubing cup has collected 2 oz. (or 100 ml.)
of water, simultaneously remove the tubing from both
measuring cups.

4. Note how many oz. (or ml.) of water the yellow tubing
cup has collected.

5. To calculate the Concentrate to Purified Water Ratio, divide
the number of oz. (or ml.) of concentrate by the number of
oz. (or ml.) of purified water.

Formula: Concentrate ÷ Purified = Concentrate to Purified Ratio

Examples: 8 oz (400 ml) ÷ 2 oz (100 ml) = 4:1 Ratio - Acceptable
10 oz (500 ml) ÷ 2 oz (100 ml) = 5:1 Ratio - Acceptable
6 oz (300 ml) ÷ 2 oz (100 ml) = 3:1 Ratio - Not Acceptable

If the ratio is less than 4:1 (as in the third example), the system must

be adjusted by reducing the length of the flow restrictor capillary
tubing as described on the next page. After modifying the flow
restrictor, repeat the above test and recalculate the Concentrate
to Purified Water Ratio.

Operating Instructions

5

SpectraPure®Inc.

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

215 South Industrial Drive, Suite 2A Tempe, Arizona 85281-2941

SpectraPure

®

Operating Instructions

1. Turn off system water supply.

2. Remove the yellow tubing from its gray push-fitting at the
encapsulated membrane as follows:

a.) With one hand, grasp the yellow tubing near the

membrane.

b.) With the thumbnail of your other hand, firmly depress

and hold the gray push-fitting down.

c.) While the gray push-fitting is depressed, pull the

yellow tubing straight out of the push-fitting. Once
the tubing is removed, release the gray push-fitting .

3. Carefully remove the flow restrictor assembly, now visible
as a translucent plastic insert in the end of the yellow
tubing. You may use an object such as a dull knife to help
pry the flow restrictor insert from the end of the tubing.
The entire length of flow restrictor (consisting of the insert
plug and thin capillary tubing attached) may then be
gently extracted.

Note: Take care not to crush or otherwise damage the

delicate capillary tubing.

4. To adjust the flow restrictor, the length of the capillary
tubing must be reduced. With a new single-edge razor
blade, carefully cut off approximately 1 inch (25.4 mm) of
capillary tubing from the flow restrictor assembly.

5. Re-insert the flow restrictor assembly into the yellow
tubing and firmly re-seat the restrictor plug into the end of
the yellow tubing by carefully pressing on the plug with
your thumbnail. Care should be taken not to crush or
otherwise damage the end of the capillary tubing
protruding from the end of the plug.

Flow Restrictor
Removal, Adjustment, and Replacement

Flow Restrictor Assembly

capillary tubing

translucent plastic
insert

yellow tubing

6

SpectraPure®Inc.

Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

E-mail [e-mail] Visit us on the web www.spectrapure.com

SpectraPure

®

Membrane Output Calculation

Membranes produce the rated gallons per day (GPD) at 60 psi
(4.1 bars) operating pressure, 77°F (25°C) operating temperature
and 500 ppm total dissolved solids.

Membrane output gallons per day (GPD) depends on operating
pressure, water temperature and the ppm TDS in the feed water.

Expected GPD = Rated GPD × PCF × TCF

PCF is the pressure correction factor
TCF is the temperature correction factor

Calculation of Pressure Correction Factor (PCF):The output

(GPD) from the membrane is directly proportional to the applied
pressure.

Note: The membrane is rated to produce the rated GPD at 60 psi.
For any pressure other than 60 psi the output GPD is multipled by
the PCF.

PCF = Line Pressure (in psi) ÷ 60

Calculation of Temperature Correction Factor (TCF): The output
(GPD) also decreases with decrease in temperature. This is because
water viscosity increases with

decrease in water temperature.

Water Production Rate

Temperature Correction Factor Table (TCF)

°F /°C TCF °F \°C TCF °F \°C TCF

41.0 /5 0.521 59.0 /15 0.730 77.0 /25 1.000

42.8 /6 0.540 60.8 /16 0.754 78.8 /26 1.031

44.6 /7 0.560 62.6 /17 0.779 80.6 /27 1.063

46.4 /8 0.578 64.4 /18 0.804 82.4 /28 1.094

48.2 /9 0.598 66.2 /19 0.830 84.2 /29 1.127

50.0 /10 0.620 68.0 /20 0.857 86.0 /30 1.161

51.8 /11 0.640 69.8 /21 0.884 87.8 /31 1.196

53.6 /12 0.661 71.6 /22 0.912 89.6 /32 1.232

55.4 /13 0.684 73.4 /23 0.941 91.4 /33 1.267

57.2 /14 0.707 75.2 /24 0.970 93.2 /34 1.304

11

SpectraPure®Inc.

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

215 South Industrial Drive, Suite 2A Tempe, Arizona 85281-2941

SpectraPure

®

System Maintenance

10

10. Turn off the water supply to the system. Remove the
yellow tubing from the membrane housing and replace
the flow restrictor assembly as described in the Removal,
Adjustment, and Replacement section on page 6, line 5.
Re-insert the flow restrictor end of the yellow tubing into
its push-fitting at the encapsulated membrane.

11. Turn on the water supply to the system and check
for leaks.

12. Check, and if necessary adjust, the Concentrate to Purified
Water Ratio per the procedures described on page 5.

Cause Corrective Action

Plugged pre-filters Replace pre-filters

Low water temperature Heat feed water or use higher

GPD membrane

Low feed pressure Use booster pump or use higher

GPD membrane

Fouled membrane Replace membrane

Troubleshooting Guide for RO System

Product Water - Low Production Rate

SpectraPure®Inc.

Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

E-mail [e-mail] Visit us on the web www.spectrapure.com

SpectraPure

®

6. Re-insert the yellow tubing to its gray push-fitting in the

encapsulated RO membrane as follows:

a.) Moisten the o-ring seal inside the concentrate outlet

fitting by dripping a few drops of clean water into the
fitting.

b.) Grasp the yellow tubing near the flow restrictor end, and

insert the tubing into the gray push-fitting. Push the
tubing into the fitting until resistance is felt, approximately
1/2 inch (12.7 mm). The tubing in now resting on the o­ring seal inside the fitting.

c.) Now firmly push the tubing approximately an additional

1/4 inch

(6.35 mm) further into the fitting to completely

seat the line into the fitting and o-ring seal.

7. Turn on the system water supply and check for leaks prior to
further use or testing. If a leak is observed, you may not have
pushed the yellow tubing into the gray push-fitting far
enough to seal the tubing against the o-ring. Turn off the
system water supply and reseat the tubing as described above.

8. Repeat the Concentrate to Purified Water Ratio test on page 5.
If the ratio is within the acceptable (4:1 or greater) limits, the
system is ready for use. If the ratio is still below the 4:1 limit,
repeat the flow restrictor adjustment process, removing
another 1 inch (25.4 mm) of capillary tubing from the flow
restrictor, reassembling the concentrate line, and re-testing the
Concentrate to Purified Water Ratio.

9. Repeat the above testing and adjustment procedure until the
Concentrate to Purified Water Ratio is 4:1 or greater

.

Operating Instructions

7

Reverse Osmosis Assembly

black feed
tubing

blue purified
water tubing

yellow
concentrate
tubing

hex nut on

carbon filter

output port

encapsulated

RO membrane

10 inch

carbon filter

SpectraPure®Inc.

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

215 South Industrial Drive, Suite 2A Tempe, Arizona 85281-2941

SpectraPure

®

System Maintenance

Carbon Pre-Filter Replacement

Maintenance Regime: At least once in 6 months or when

*Chlorine Breakthrough greater than 0.1 ppm occurs in
concentrate from the yellow line.

Materials Required: 10 micron Carbon Block Filter (CF-10-10)
Procedure:

1. Turn off water supply to system.

2. Unscrew the hex-nut from the carbon pre-filter input
fitting. See photo on page 7.

8

3. Unscrew the hex-nut from the output port on the carbon
pre-filter housing. This is the black line that runs between
the carbon pre-filter and the RO membrane housing.

4. Separate the RO membrane assembly from the holding
clips.

5. Unscrew the input and output elbow-fittings from the
carbon pre-filter. Remove the old teflon tape from the
threads of the fittings and apply new teflon tape.

6. Screw the teflon-taped elbow-fittings into the pre-filter.

7. Re-attach the black tubing with the attached hex-nut to
the carbon pre-filter input and attach the short black
tubing between the membrane feed and the output of
the carbon filter.

8. Turn on system water supply and check for leaks.

Note: Position the arrow on the pre-filter towards the short
black tubing attached to the RO membrane.

*Collect a 10 ml sample of the concentrate from the yellow
tubing and test the chlorine concentration using test kit
TK-CL-25. If the chlorine concentration is above 0.1 ppm,
replace the carbon pre-filter.

SpectraPure®Inc.

Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

E-mail [e-mail] Visit us on the web www.spectrapure.com

SpectraPure

®

Place the flow restrictor in a safe location where it will not

be accidentally crushed or damaged.

Re-insert the blue, black and yellow tubing into the push
fittings of their respective ports on your replacement
encapsulated membrane, as described in the Removal,
Adjustment, and Replacement section on page 7,
line 6, a-c. See photo on page 7. Snap the membrane
assembly back into its holding clips.

Note: The flow restrictor assembly should remain
uninstalled at this point in the process.

8. Reconnect the short black tube with the attached hex-nut
to the output port on the carbon pre-filter housing.

Put the yellow concentrate tubing in the drain and turn
on the system water supply. Allow the system to flush for
5 minutes to remove any loose particles.

System Maintenance

RO Membrane Replacement

Maintenance Regime: As needed. Refer to the procedure for
testing membrane quality on page 12.

Materials Required: Replacement Encapsulated TFC Membrane
Procedure:

1. Turn off water supply to the system.

2. Mark, or otherwise note, the locations of the yellow, blue,
and black tubing connected to the encapsulated
membrane. See photo on page 7.

3. Unscrew the hex-nut from the output port on the carbon
pre-filter housing. This is the black line that runs between
the carbon pre-filter and the RO membrane housing.

4. Separate the RO membrane assembly from the
holding clips.

5. Remove the yellow, blue, and black tubing from the
encapsulated membrane by depressing their gray push­fittings with your thumbnail and pulling the tubing from
the fittings.

6. Remove the flow restrictor assembly from the end of the
yellow tubing as described in the Removal, Adjustment,
and Replacement of Flow Restrictor Assembly section on
page 6, line 3.

9

7.

9.