SpectraPure MaxPure MPDI RO System, MaxPure MPDI DI System Installation And Operating Manual

MaxPure MPDI™ RO/DI System

Reverse Osmosis/Ion Exchange Water

Purification System

(Single and Dual Membrane Models)

INSTALLATION AND OPERATING MANUAL

Please read carefully before proceeding with installation. Failure to

follow any attached instructions or operating parameter may lead to

the product’s failure and possible damage to property.

REV 04-01-2010

WARNING

SpectraPure

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

®

Thank You for your purchase of a

installation and maintenance, this system will provide you with high quality
water for years to come. All SpectraPure® products are rigorously tested
by us for safety and reliability. If you have any questions or concerns, please
contact our customer service department at 1.800.685.2783 or refer to our
online troubleshooting at www.spectrapure.com.

Table of Contents........................................................................................................................2

Warranty Information...............................................................................................................3

Systems Information

System Specifications..........................................................................................................4

System Description..........................................................................................................5-6

Installation

System Initialization.............................................................................................................7

Checking Waste to Product Water Ratio..................................................................8-9

Flow Restrictor Removal, Adjustment and Replacement...............................10-11

Filter Diagnostics

Sediment Filter Diagnostic.............................................................................................12

Carbon Filter Diagnostic.................................................................................................13

Deionization Cartridge Diagnostic..............................................................................14

RO Membrane Diagnostic.......................................................................................15-17

Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting Guide for the System......................................................................18

Troubleshooting the RO Membrane....................................................................19-21

Tips & Storage....................................................................................................................22

Replacement & Optional Parts............................................................................................24

SpectraPure® System. With proper

COPYRIGHT 2002-2009© BY SPECTRAPURE INC

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.

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SpectraPure

THREE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY:

Effective on products purchased after March 10, 2005.

All standard water purification products manufactured by SpectraPure have a 3 year limited warranty, except the
Eliminators™, MarinePro™, Industrial, Laboratory, Custom Systems, Commercial and electrical products which have a
1 year limited warranty. LiterMeters™ & UPLC™ has a 5 year limited warranty. OEM equipment resold by SpectraPure
(pumps and monitors) carry the original manufacturer’s warranty.

SpectraPure, Inc.® warrants the product to the original owner only to be free of defects in material and
workmanship for a period of three years from the date of receipt. SpectraPure’s liability under this warranty shall be
limited to repairing or replacing at 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 the 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 or other manufacture’s printed installation and operating conditions, or damage caused by hot water,
freezing, flood, fire or acts of God.

SpectraPure will not be responsible for any consequential damages arising from installation or use of the product,
including any water or mold damage due to flooding which may occur due to malfunction or faulty installation,
including, but not limited to failure by installer to over- or under-tighten fittings, housings, and/or push-style fittings,
or improper installation of push-style fittings. Consumable items such as pre filters and membranes are not covered
under the 3 year warranty.

SpectraPure warrants (pro-rated) the performance of tested SpectraSelect™ RO membrane elements only, 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 in the applicable product manual (refer to detailed
membrane warranty information). SpectraPure will, on confirmation of loss of performance during the warranty
period, credit the pro-rated amount of the current catalog price of the element. The disposable filters and cartridges
are not covered under the warranty.

To obtain service under this warranty, the defective system or components must be returned to SpectraPure with
proof of purchase, installation date, failure date and supporting installation data. Any defective product to be
returned to the factory must be sent freight prepaid; documentation supporting the warranty claim and a Return
Goods Authorization (RMA) number must be included. SpectraPure will not be liable for shipping damages due
to the improper packaging of the returned equipment and all returned goods must also have adequate insurance
coverage and a tracking number.

SpectraPure will not pay for loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the presence, growth, proliferation,
spread or any activity of “fungus”, wet or dry rot or bacteria. Such loss or damage is excluded regardless of any other
cause or event that contributes concurrently or in any sequence to the loss. We will not pay for loss or damage
caused by or resulting from continuous or repeated seepage or leakage of water, or the presence or condensation
of humidity, moisture or vapor, that occurs over a period of 14 days or more. “Fungus” and “fungi” mean any type or
form of fungus or Mycota or any by-product or type of infestation produced by such fungus or Mycota, including but
not limited to, mold, mildew, mycotoxins, spores, scents or any biogenic aerosols.

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.

* The thee year limited warranty does not apply to consumable items, including but not
limited to, filters and cartridges unless specifically stated above

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SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS:

Sediment Pre-Filter 0.5 micron MicroTec™ sediment pre-filter
Carbon Filter 0.5 micron carbon block pre-filter
RO Membrane Type SpectraPure Thin-Film Composite (TFC)
DI Cartridge Color Indicating SilicaBuster™
Rejection Rate Greater than 96% average
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)

Nominal Membrane Flow Rates @ 60 psi & 77° F :
GPD (lpd) Product Water Flow Rate Concentrate Flow Rate
25 (95) 66 ml/min 264 ml/min
40 (151) 105ml/min 420 ml/min
60 (228) 158 ml/min 632 ml/min
90 (340) 235ml/min 940 ml/min
180 (680) 470ml/min 1880 ml/min

Reverse Osmosis Membrane Feed Water

Requirements

For the 1 year SpectraSelect TFC membrane pro-rated warranty to be honored, the

following conditions must be met:

Operating Pressure* 40 – 80 psi (2.75 – 5.5 bar)
pH Range 3 – 11
Maximum Temperature 100° F (38° 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 CaCO3)
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

*Operating pressure less than 40 psi will require a booster pump:
less than 49 GPD use BPLF-MO-115(-230),
more than 49 GPD use BPHF-MO-115(-230).
*Operating pressure greater than 80 psi will require a pressure reducing valve.

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SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:

The SpectraPure MPDI system is a four stage reverse osmosis de-ionization system.

1. First, the incoming feed water is passed through a 1 micron Micro-Tec™ sediment
pre-filter. This filter is required to remove excess turbidity (particulate matter) that may
cause the membrane to plug.

2. The second stage of filtration is a 1 micron carbon block pre-filter. This filter removes
organics and chlorine from the feed water that can damage the membrane.
(9,000 gal of Chlorine removal)

3. The third filtration stage of the system is a high rejection, thin film composite
(TFC) reverse osmosis membrane. It removes over 95% of most inorganic salts, all
micro-organisms and almost all high molecular weight organics in the water.

4. The fourth stage moves water through a Mixed-Bed Multi-Layer Deionization
Cartridge. Mixed-Bed Multi-Layer Deionization Car
with color-indicating resins for high
of producing 18 meg-ohm-cm resistivity water. They are the first DI cartridges
designed to reduce silica, nitrates and phosphate levels in the low ppb range. These
newly formulated cartridges far exceed the performance of previous cartridges,
offering enhanced contaminant removal, longer life and higher purity.

est possible purity water. They are capable

tridges are fabricated

Caution: The deionization cartridge life is greatly reduced when operated on low pH
waters, or water with high CO2 (carbon dioxide) levels. The exact cartridge life will vary

greatly with pH, carbon dioxide levels, and TDS etc. in your RO water or the feed water
supplying the RO system. Aeration or de-gassification of RO product water is recommended
for such waters for removal of carbon dioxide.

TFC RO Membrane
(MEM-00xx) - (inside housing)

IN Port

Sediment Filter
(SF-MT-0.5-10)

DI Cartridge
(DI-SB-CI-10)

Carbon Block
(CF-0.5-10)

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Fig. B: Single-Membrane Assembly

Top/Rear View

®

RO membrane

membrane

feed

push-fitting

black

tubing to

membrane

feed

blue purified

water tubing

Membrane 2

concentrate

push-fitting

yellow concen-

trate tubing

Membrane 1

feed push

fitting

black membrane

feed tubing

mounting

bracket

yellow concentrate (waste) tubing

Fig. C: Dual-Membrane Assembly

Top/Rear View

product water tee

Membrane 2

Membrane 1

black feed tubing

carbon filter output
push-fitting

blue product water
interconnect
tubing

Membrane 2
feed push-fitting

black interconnect
feed tubing

Membrane 1 concen­trate push-fitting

Membrane 1 prod­uct water push
fitting

blue purified
water tubing

(Good Water)

black feed
tubing

1/4” BLACK LINE: Tap Water
1/4” BLUE LINE: Product Water
1/4” YELLOW LINE: Waste Water
(Flow Restrictor is inside the
Waste line)

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SYSTEM INITIALIZATION:

Maintenance and trouble-shooting procedures have been made easy and effective with
a built-in pressure gauge. It is recommended that you keep a replacement DI cartridge on
hand, ready to install as soon as the monitor indicates that the cartridge in use is exhausted

If you are setting up your system for the first time or replacing the membrane with
a different size, p
Ratio” procedure on page 8 after you do system hook-up below.

lease follow the “

System Hook-Up

1. Attach the garden hose adapter (connected to the black tubing) to
your cold water source. Never run hot water (greater than 100° F
(38° C)) through the system.

2. Place the yellow concentrate (waste) tubing and the blue purified
(product) water tubing into a drain. Do not restrict flow from these
lines.

3. Open the cold water supply valve. You may use pressure up to 80 psi
(5.5 bar).

Checking the concentrate to purified Water

Check the system to ensure that all fittings are tight and leak- free
before leaving the system unattended. (If anything is leaking,
contact SpectraPure for assistance.)

Note: It is recommended that at least 2 gallons (7.57 liters) of purified
water be discarded now before collecting purified water for use. If the
unit is not used for several days, run the system for at least 10 minutes
before collecting any water. This will flush out any stale water in the
system.

4. Now follow procedure on page 8-12 to adjust the Flow Restrictor.

5. Finish the installation by connecting the yellow line to a drain. The
blue line can be placed into a Rubber Maid™ trash can or set up to
become automatic using a Liquid Level Controller (LLC-S-115 ),
(LLC-M-115) or the Auto Shut-Off Kit (ASOFK).

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.

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MEASURING WASTE TO PRODUCT WATER RATIO.

This procedure will assure you of maximum life and reliability of your SpectraPure
System.

membrane and will void 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 will
precipitate out on the membrane surface, clogging the RO Membrane. To keep
this from happening, the Concentrate to Purified Water Ratio must be checked
and adjusted in order to compensate for pressure and temperature variations that
exist in all water supplies. The flow rate of the concentrate must be a minimum of
4X the product flow rate. (4X to 6X is an acceptable concentrate flow rate.)

Procedure:

1. Collect product water (blue tubing) into a measuring cup for one
minute. (Measure the collected amount in milli-liters). Do the same with the
wastewater (yellow tubing):

Failure to perform this procedure can permanently damage the

WASTE (YELLOW) IN MILLILITERS______________

DIVIDED BY

PRODUCT (BLUE) IN MILLILITERS______________

The resultant is the Concentrate to Product Ratio

(Although not needed in this procedure, the daily product flow rate in Gallons per

Day (GPD) can be calculated to be equal to the product flow rate times 0.38 ).

2. If ratio is less than 4/1:
Disconnect yellow drain line from the membrane housing and remove
flow restrictor. Use the appropriate Waste to Product ratio chart (Fig D)
to determine how long to cut the flow restrictor in order to obtain a 4/1
ratio.

EXAMPLE: If you have a 90 GPD unit (FR-90), and your product flow is
175 ml/.min, than the flow restrictor needs to be cut to a total length
of 6 inches (15.2 cm)

3. If ratio is greater than 6/1, flow restrictor requires replacement
(Please contact SpectraPure Inc).

.

This completes the procedure

.

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FR-25 & FR-40

FR-90

FR-60

Fig. D: Flow Restrictor Tables

(For 4:1 Concentrate to Product Ratio)

®

(RED)

PRODUCT RATE
ml./min. gpd

110 42 1 2.5

84 32 2 5.1
75 29 3 7.6
69 26 4 10.2
63 24 5 12.7
60 23 6 15.2
55 21 7 17.8
51 19 8 20.3
47 18 9 22.9
45 17 10 25.4
44 17 11 27.9
42 16 12 30.5
40 15 13 33.0
39 15 14 35.6
38 14 15 38.1
37 14 16 40.6

CUT TO LENGTH

in. cm.

(YELLOW)

PRODUCT RATE CUT TO LENGTH

ml./min. gpd

269 102 1 2.5
233 88 2 5.1
213 81 3 7.6
198 75 4 10.2
183 69 5 12.7
175 67 6 15.2
164 62 7 17.8
154 58 8 20.3
148 56 9 22.9
141 54 10 25.4
136 52 11 27.9
133 50 12 30.5
129 49 13 33.0
128 48 14 35.6
124 47 15 38.1
124 47 16 40.6

in. cm.

(ORANGE)

PRODUCT RATE
ml./min. gpd

158 60 1 2.5
130 49 2 5.1
123 47 3 7.6
110 42 4 10.2

99 38 5 12.7
94 36 6 15.2
93 35 7 17.8
88 33 8 20.3
84 32 9 22.9
79 30 10 25.4
76 29 11 27.9
74 28 12 30.5
71 27 13 33.0
68 26 14 35.6
66 25 15 38.1
66 25 16 40.6

FR-180

PRODUCT RATE CUT TO LENGTH

ml./min. gpd

490 186 1 2.5
460 175 2 5.1
430 163 3 7.6
400 152 4 10.2
379 144 5 12.7
356 135 6 15.2
344 131 7 17.8
326 124 8 20.3
311 118 9 22.9
300 114 10 25.4
289 110 11 27.9
281 107 12 30.5
270 103 13 33.0
263 100 14 35.6
259 98 15 38.1
256 97 16 40.6

CUT TO LENGTH

in. cm.

(GREEN)

in. cm.

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FLOW RESTRICTOR REMOVAL, ADJUSTMENT
AND REPLACEMENT

1. Locate the yellow concentrate tubing (Fig. B for Single-Membrane System or
Fig. C) for Dual-Membrane System). Remove the tubing from its push-fitting
at the membrane as follows:

a.) Firmly depress and hold the push-fitting collar down with your
thumbnail.
b.) While the push-fitting collar is depressed, pull the tubing straight
out of the push-fitting. Once the tubing is removed, release the
collar.

2. Carefully remove the flow restrictor assembly, now visible as a plastic insert In
the end of the yellow tubing (Fig. E). 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 flow restrictor (consisting of the insert collar and thin capillary tubing)
may then be gently extracted.

Note: Take care not to crush or otherwise damage the delicate

capillary tubing.

3. Refer to the Flow Restrictor Tables (Fig. D). Find the table that represents the
Flow Restrictor Assembly for the system that you have. Find the product

flow rate in the left-hand column and the length of the
flow restrictor in the right-hand column.

Example: If your Flow Restrictor Assembly is for a 90 GPD Membrane and
the product flow rate is 170 mL/Min, then the flow restrictor length should
be cut to 6.5 inches (16.5 mm). 170 is about halfway between 164 (7 in.)
and 175 (6 in.).

4. Using a new single-edge razor blade, carefully measure and then cut the
flow restrictor to the total length indicated.

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

6. Re-insert the yellow tubing into its push-fitting in the 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 push-fitting. Push the tubing into the fitting until

resistance is felt, approximately 1/2 inch (12.7 mm). The tubing is now

resting on the O-ring seal inside the fitting.
c.) 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 push-fitting far enough to seal the tubing against
the O-ring. Turn off the system water supply and re-seat the tubing as
described above.

Fig. E: Flow Restrictor Assembly

CAPILLARY TUBE:
(Specific diameters
are matched for
each size mem­brane to restrict

YELLOW TUBING:
(Disconnected
from membrane

housing’s fitting.

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PLASTIC INSERT: (Insert keeps
capillary tube in the yellow line and

)

prevents it from washing down the
drain. It also forces waste water to
flow through the capillary tubing to
restrict waste water as it leaves the
housing.)

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the flow of waste
water leaving the
RO membrane’s
housing.)

11

®

SpectraPure

SEDIMENT PRE-FILTER REPLACEMENT:

A Sediment Filter will usually last approx. 4-6 months, depending on micron
rating and quality of water. (The life span of the filter is determined by the
turbidity, iron content, organics, and total particulate volume in your water
source). The best way to determine when your Sediment Pre-Filter needs
replacement is to the a Pressure Gauge. When you have a drop in pressure
between 15-20% from where your normal house pressure is, replace filter. To
check this, run water through the system without the filter in it’s housing. If the
pressure jumps back to your normal house pressure without the filter, you know
the filter you just took out was plugged up.

**NOTE: A drop in the system’s production is “in most cases” an indication that
the sediment filter has become saturated with contaminants and will need to be
replaced. If you remove the sediment and the pressure does not return to normal,
the carbon filter may be plugged.

Sediment Pre-Filter Replacement

Materials Required: 0.5-micron MicroTec™ Sediment Filter (SF-MT-0.5-10),
Filter Wrench

Procedure:

1. Turn off water supply to the system.

2.
the left. Unscrew it counterclockwise as viewed from the bottom.

3. Remove the old filter and discard.

4. Thoroughly wash the housing with a mixture of hot soapy water
and a few teaspoons of household bleach. Rinse well with clean
hot water.

5. Install the new pre-filter onto the round port in the head of the
housing, Screw the housing back onto the assembly, and hand
tighten only. NOTE: Do not use filter wrench to tighten housings.

Over-tightening will damage housings and void your warranty.

6. Proceed with carbon block filter replacement.

** If your water contains a great deal of sediment or chlorine, the pre-filters
may require more frequent changes to maintain adequate production rate and

extended membrane life.

Using the provided filter housing

wrench, remove the first housing on

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CARBON BLOCK FILTER REPLACEMENT:

A Carbon Filter will usually lasts approx. 4-6 months ,depending on micron
rating for the filters, usage and the quality of your tap water. The best way to
determine when your Carbon Block Pre-Filter needs replacement is to use a
chlorine test kit.

Any chlorine level above 0.1 ppm will cause damage to the membrane and
indicates that the carbon block filter must be changed. To test for chlorine
breakthrough , 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 0.1ppm, replace the carbon pre-filter.

**NOTE: A drop in the system’s production is “in most cases” an indication that
the sediment filter has become saturated with contaminants, but a carbon filter
can also drop production, if its covered with extremely fine sediment. If the
carbon becomes plugged with sediment, it will no longer be able to remove
chlorine.

Carbon Block Filter Replacement

Materials Required: 0.5 micron Carbon Block Filter (CF-0.5-10),
Filter Wrench, Chlorine Test Kit (TK-CL-25)

Procedure:

1. Turn off water supply to the system.

2.

Using the provided filter housing

the left. Unscrew it counterclockwise as viewed from the bottom.

3. Remove the old filter and discard.

4. Thoroughly wash the housing with a mixture of hot
soapy water and a few teaspoons of household bleach.
Rinse well with clean hot water.

5. Install the new carbon block filter, making sure that
the black gaskets on both ends of the filter are firmly
seated in the gasket recesses.

6. Screw the housing back onto the assembly, and hand
tighten only. NOTE: Do not use filter wrench to tighten housings.

Over-tightening will damage housings and void your warranty.

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

wrench, remove the second housing from

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DEIONIZATION CARTRIDGE REPLACEMENT:

( right-most housing)

The DI stage is the
Cartridge, DI-SB-CI-10.

observing color change.

When 75% of the cartridge has changed in color, replace cartridge.

SilicaBuster™

The condition of this cartridge should be judged by

Mixed-Bed Multi-Layer Deionization

DEIONIZATION CARTRIDGE REPLACEMENT

Materials Needed: One DI-SB-CI-10 Deionization cartridge,
filter wrench.

Procedure:

1. Remove the filter housing from its cap by unscrewing it counter
clockwise as viewed from the bottom.

2. Remove and discard the old cartridge from the housing.

3. Thoroughly wash out the housings with hot soapy water to
which a few teaspoons of household bleach have been added.
Rinse well with clean hot water.

4. Install the new deionization cartridge. Make sure the cartridge is
installed in the correct direction as marked on the filter housing
and that the top seal is securely attached to the top of the
cartridge

5. Re-install the bottom housing onto the cap by rotating it
clockwise and hand tighten only.

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RO MEMBRANE DIAGNOSTIC:

In order to accurately determine the condition of the RO Membrane, a
TDS Meter is required.

(Before performing the following membrane test with a TDS Meter,
waste to product water ratio must be 4 to 1 or greater (see page 8-9)).

Procedure:

1. Follow the blue line as it leaves the RO membrane and disconnect it
from the third (most right) housing.

2. Test the quality of the water. This is your RO water purity.

for removal of push fittings on tee.

- RO WATER TDS READING:_______________

3. Once you obtain the RO water TDS reading, reconnect the
blue line back to its original location

4. Now, test the quality of the TAP water.

- TAP WATER TDS READING:_______________

7. Follow the calculation located on pages 19-20 to determine your
membranes impurity rejection.

See page 10

the

Note: All water sources are different and are subject to changes in
conductivity from season to season which could affect the monitor
reading depending on the time of the year. For this reason we
recommend the use of a conductivity tester in order to receive the most
accurate measurement for determining the condition of the RO
membrane.

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RO MEMBRANE REPLACEMENT

1. Turn off the water supply to the RO system. Place the system
where the membrane housing is easily accessible.

2. Remove the black tubing from the membrane feed push-fitting
by depressing the collar on the fitting with your thumb and pulling
the tubing from the push-fitting (Page 10).

3. Lift the membrane housing from the retention clips.

4. Unscrew the membrane housing lid. This may require two people.

5. Use a pair of pliers to grasp the membrane stem and pull the
membrane from the housing (Fig. F).

Fig. F: Removing the Membrane Element

black
membrane
housing O­ring

black

membrane

brine seal

6.

Remove the black housing O-ring (Fig. F). Wash the empty housing

with soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with hot, clean water.

7. Insert new membrane into the housing, with the double
O-ring end first (Fig. G). The tube must fit into the recess at the
bottom of the membrane housing. When the membrane is aligned
with the hole, firmly push the membrane into the hole until it
bottoms out.

membrane
product
water tube

Fig. G: Inserting the New Membrane Element

double O-ring
end of membrane
product water
stem tube

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8. Place the black housing O-ring on the housing rim and carefully
screw the lid back on to the base.

Housing O-Ring

9. Reconnect the black tubing to the membrane feed push-fitting.

Note: If you have a dual-membrane system, perform steps 2 thru 9 on
the second membrane now.

* If the new replacement membrane is different in gallons
per day than the original membrane, you will need to remove the
old flow restrictor, replace it with the correctly matched one and
follow this procedure for adjustment:

1. Disconnect the yellow concentrate tubing (page 10) from the
membrane housing. Remove and discard the flow restrictor
(Fig. E).

2. Reconnect yellow concentrate tubing back to the membrane
housing and run water through system for at least 2 gallons.
(This step will flush out membrane preservatives.)

3. Disconnect the yellow tubing again and insert the new flow
restrictor. Follow procedure on page 8-9 for measuring waste
to product water ratio.

4. Check for leaks.

* If the replacement membrane is identical in gallons per day to the
original membrane:

1. Disconnect the yellow concentrate tubing (page 10) from the
membrane housing. Remove flow restrictor and set aside.

2. Reconnect yellow concentrate tubing back to membrane
housing and run water through system for at least 2 gallons.
(This step will flush out membrane preservatives.)

3. Re-insert flow restrictor and check for leaks.

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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE FOR RO/DI SYSTEMS:

1. Low production rate:
a. Plugged pre-filters. i. Replace pre-filters.
b. low water temperature. ii.
membrane.
c. low line pressure.
d. high TDS content.
e. fouled membrane. v. Clean or replace membrane to restore flux.
f. plugged flow restrictor. vi. Replace flow restrictor & membrane.

2. Zero production rate:
a. Missing flow restrictor. i. Put flow restrictor in the yellow line.
b. Dried membrane. ii. Try to restore flux using rubbing alcohol OR
replace membrane.
c. Plugged flow restrictor. iii. Replace flow restrictor and clean/replace
membrane.

3. Extremely high production rate:
a. Ruptured membrane. i. Replace it.
b. Very high line pressure (> 90 psi). ii. Use a pressure reducing valve.

Heat feed water OR use higher GPD

iii. Use booster pump OR use higher GPD membrane.
iv. Use booster pump OR use higher GPD membrane.

4. Red light on purity monitor comes on:
a. Exhausted deionization cartridge. i. Replace cartridge.
b. Bad membrane & exhausted cartridge. ii. Replace membrane & deionization cartridge.
c. Faulty monitor/probe. iii. Replace monitor/probe.

5. Pressure gauge does not register anything:
a. Missing flow restrictor. i. Put flow restrictor in the yellow line.
b. Pressure gauge screwed in too far. ii. Unscrew pressure gauge one turn and retest.
c. Plugged pressure gauge orifice. iii. Clean orifice with a needle.
d. Defective pressure gauge. iv. Replace it.

6. Low deionization cartridge life:
a. Defective membrane. i. Replace it.
b. Low pressure (< 40 psi). ii. Use booster pump.
c. High CO2 levels in water (> 5 ppm). iii. Aerate RO product water or use a straight
anion cartridge ahead of DI cartridge.
d. High TDS in feed water (> 1000 ppm). iv. NO EASY SOLUTION.
e. High levels of silica, nitrates, v. Use straight anion cartridge ahead of mixed
phosphates etc. in tap water. bed cartridge.

f. High pH tap water (> 9.0). vi. Acidify feed water to the RO membrane
to improve its rejection.

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TESTING THE QUALITY OF THE MEMBRANE:

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.

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

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Membrane Output Calculation Example

What is the expected GPD from a 75 GPD System at 40 psi pressure and 60°F
water temperature?

PCF = 40 ÷ 60 = 0.666
TCF = 0.754 (from Table 1)
Expected GPD = 75 × 0.666 × 0.754 = 37.7 GPD ± 15%

37.7 GPD would be the Actual Production Rate

Performance Test

The performance of a RO membrane is measured by its ability to reject salts
(or TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)).

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

Procedure:

1. Measure tap water TDS. (Call it X)

2. Run the system for 15-20 minutes.

3. Measure RO water’s TDS. (Call it Y).

4. Subtract RO water TDS from tap water TDS. (X - Y)

5. Divide this quantity by tap water TDS. (X - Y) ÷ X

6. Rejection = [(X - Y) ÷ X ] ×100

Rejection of the RO Membrane Calculation Example

1. Tap water TDS = 150 ppm (X)

2. RO water TDS = 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 TDS Rejection = 95.3 % : Rejection rates less than 95% may
indicate that the membrane should be replaced.

* IF YOU NEED HELP WITH THIS PROCEEDURE, PLEASE CONTACT SPECTRAPURE*

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SpectraPure

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE FOR MEMBRANE:

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.

Method of Calculate % Test Results Conclusion
Testing Rejection

TDS/ Measure feed water and Is Rejection No - Replace Membrane
Conductivity
Tester Conductivity 95% ?

RO product water TDS/ greater than Yes - Membrane OK

Alkalinity Measure feed water and Is Rejection
Test Kit RO product water greater than Yes - Membrane OK
Alkalinity 90% ?

Hardness *Measure feed water Is Rejection
Test Kit and RO product water greater than Yes - Membrane OK
Hardness 90%?

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

No - Replace Membrane

No - Replace Membrane

TEMPERATURE EXTREMES:

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

2. High temperatures greater than 100° F (38° C) must be avoided. If
he unit is used outside, avoid putting the system in direct sunlight or
connecting it to a garden hose that may be exposed to sunlight.

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TIPS FOR LONG MEMBRANE LIFE:

1. Replacement of 0.5 micron sediment filter once every 6
months. This will prevent mem brane fouling due to silt or
sediment depositing on the membrane.

2. Replacement of 0.5 micron carbon block filter at least once
every 6 months or when chlorine breakthrough occurs. This
will ensure good membrane life and protect the membrane
from chlorine damage.

3. Membrane should not be operated at lower than the
recommended concentrate to purified water ratios, as
described on page 8.

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

STORAGE:

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

2. If your system is exposed to sunlight you will grow algae in the
housing and it may damage your system.

3. Your RO System must be protected from freezing or temperatures
above 100° F (38°C).

4. MEMBRANE WARNING: All SpectraPure RO membranes, except for
encapsulated membranes, must remain moist at all times. It is the
customer’s responsibility to inspect the membrane upon receipt and
maintain adequate moisture.

Replacement membranes should be kept in the sealed non-permeable
shipping bag and in a refrigerator untill use. The membrane can be kept
there for up to 1 year. (DO NOT FREEZE)

SpectraPure®Inc.

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REPLACEMENT PARTS:

Model Replacement Part

SF-MT-0.5-10 0.5 micron MicroTec™ Sediment Filter
CF-0.5-10 0.5 micron Carbon Block Pre-Filter

MEM-0025 25 gpd (95 lpd) TFC Membrane
MEM-0040 40 gpd (151 lpd) TFC Membrane
MEM-0060 60 gpd (228 lpd) TFC Membrane
MEM-0090 90 gpd (340 lpd) TFC Membrane
(use 2 for 180 gpd (680 lpd) System)

FR-25 Flow Restrictor for 25 gpd (95 lpd) System
FR-40 Flow Restrictor for 40 gpd (151 lpd) System
FR-60 Flow Restrictor for 60 gpd (228 lpd) System
FR-90 Flow Restrictor for 90 gpd (340 lpd) System
FR-180 Flow Restrictor for 180 gpd (680 lpd) System

DI-SB-CI-10 Color-Indicating SilicaBuster™ Mixed-Bed DI Cartridge

GHA-4 1/4” (6.35 mm) Garden Hose Adapter
WR-UNIV Filter Wrench

Optional Accessories

Model Optional Part

FAU-SMP Quick Connect Faucet Coupler
DM-1
COM-100 Hand-held TDS/Conductivity Meter
VA-FVK-4 Flush Valve Kit
BPLF-MO-115 Low-Flow (<60GPD) Booster Pump, 115V
BPLF-MO-230 Low-Flow (<60GPD) Booster Pump, 230V
BPHF-MO-115 High-Flow (>65GPD) Booster Pump, 115V
BPHF-MO-230 High-Flow (>65GPD) Booster Pump, 230V

See our Catalog or our Web Site for Liquid Level
Controls and other Optional Accessories

Dual-probe Inline TDS Meter

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2167 East Fifth St, Tempe, Arizona 85281

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