SpectraPure Mega MaxCap Installation And Operating Manual

Mega MaxCap® (manual flush)

Single (90 gpd) or Dual (180 gpd) Membrane Models

Reverse Osmosis/Deionization

Water Purification Systems

INSTALLATION AND OPERATING MANUAL

WARNING

Please read carefully before proceeding with installation. Failure to
follow any attached instructions or operating parameters may lead
to the product’s failure and possible damage to property.

REV_3 2017-10-25

SpectraPure

®

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

System Information

System Features 3
System Specifications 4
General System Description 5- 6
Flow Restrictors And Test Strips 7
Optional Booster Pump 7
Front View Of System 8
Top Views Of System 9
Manual Flush Assembly 9

System Setup

Cautions 10
System Installation And Initialization 10 -11
Float Valve Installation 11
Float Valve Illustration 12
HowThe Float Valve Works 12

System Diagnostics

Metering And Diagnostics 13
Using The Pressure Gauge 14
Using The Manual Flush Valve 14
Testing The Quality Of The Membrane 15
Membrane Production Calculation 16 -17
Tips For Long Membrane Life 17

System Maintenance

Working With Push Fittings 18
Sediment Prefilter Replacement 19
Carbon Block Filter Replacement 20
Mega MaxCap Super DI Replacement 21
SilicaBuster Super DI Replacement 21
RO Membrane Replacement 22
Sanitizing The System 23
System Storage 23

System Troubleshooting Guide 24-25
Optional Accessories 25
Terms And Conditions 26
Three-Year Limited Warranty 27
Replacement Parts And Accessories 28

COPYRIGHT 2017© 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.

SpectraPure®Inc.

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2167 East Fifth St, Tempe, Arizona 85281

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

SpectraPure

®

This Mega MaxCap™ RO/DI System comes complete with:

Ultra-high rejection SpectraSelectPlus™ TFC Membrane

•

(2 membranes in 180GPD system)

• 0.5 micron High-Performance Sediment prefilter

• High-capacity 0.5 micron Carbon Block prefilter eliminates chlorine,

herbicides and other organic pollutants

• Newly-designed Mega MaxCap™ DI Cartridge (DI-MMC-10) with
greatly improved removal capacity

• New Enduro DI™ Finishing Cartridge (DI-MB-ENDI-10)

• Two dual-probe TDS Meters to monitor performance at every stage

of production

• 2:1 waste-to-product ratio produces 50% less waste water

(3:1 for hard water areas)

• Manual Flush Valve for longer membrane life

• Automatic Shutoff Valve saves water

• Inline feedwater Ball Valve for manual system shutoff

• Float Valve for filling a reservoir

• Built-in pressure gauge indicates when to change prefilters

• Durable, no rust mounting bracket and clear filter housings

• 6 feet of feed, product and waste tubing included

• Housing wrench for easy filter removal

• Garden hose adapter for feed water hookup

• 3-year warranty

Warning: SpectraPure does not recommend

drinking deionized water.

Thank You for your purchase of a SpectraPure® System. With proper installation
and maintenance, this system will provide you with high quality water for
years to come. All SpectraPure
safety and reliability. However, SpectraPure
for water damage due to leaks. It is the user’s responsibility to determine that
the system is leak-free. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact
our customer service department at 1.800.685.2783.

SpectraPure®Inc

[e-mail] www.spectrapure.com

. Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

®

products are rigorously tested by us for

®

Inc. Assumes No Responsibility

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SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS:

Sediment Prefilter 0.5 micron sediment prefilter (SF-MT-0.5-10)

Carbon Filter 0.5 micron carbon block prefilter (CF-0.5-10)

RO Membrane Type 90 GPD SpectraSelectPlus™ TFC Membrane

DI Cartridges Mega MaxCap™ Extended Life DI Cartridge (DI-MMC-10)

Rejection Rate Typical stabilized conductivity rejection 99%

Input Water Pressure 60 psi (4.15 bar) line pressure*

Input Water Temp 77°F (25°C)

Recovery Rate 33% (i.e. 33% of the water will be collected as pure water)

Dimensions:

MMC-RODI -90-10-MF 21" W x 15" H x 7" D (One Membrane)

MMC-RODI -180-10-MF 21" W x 15" H x 7" D (Two Membranes)

Nominal Membrane Flow Rates @ 60 psi, 77° F, & 250 ppm TDS :

GPD Product Water Flow Rate Concentrate Flow Rate (2:1)

90 237 ml/min 473 ml/min

180 473 ml/min 946 ml/min

(Use 2 for 180 GPD Systems)

Enduro DI™ DI Finishing Cartridge (DI-MB -ENDI-10)

Minimum conductivity rejection 98%

Permeate flow and TDS rejection is based on the following test conditions:
250 ppm softened tap water, 77° F (25° C), 33% recovery and 60 psi.

Higher TDS, harder tap water, lower water temperature, greater recovery rate, or lower
operating pressure may contribute to reduced permeate flow and/or lower TDS rejection.

Reverse Osmosis Operating Limits:

Operating Pressure* 40 – 80 psi (2.75 – 5.5 bar)
pH Range 2 – 11
Maximum Temperature 113° F (45° C)
Maximum Turbidity 1.0 NTU
Maximum Silt Density Index 5.0 (based on 15 min. test time)
Free Chlorine Tolerance less than 0.1 ppm
Maximum Iron less than 0.1 ppm
Maximum Manganese less than 0.1 ppm
Maximum Hydrogen Sulfide 0 ppm

*Operating pressure less than 40 psi may require a booster pump:
Operating pressure greater than 80 psi may require a pressure regulator.

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GENERAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:

The incoming feed water from a cold water source is directed through

BLACK tubing with an inline ball valve and is first passed through a
sediment prefilter. This filter is used to remove excessive turbidity, sand,
dust, silt, etc., that would otherwise cause the carbon filter to become
fouled. The next stage of filtration is the carbon block prefilter. This filter
is used to remove organics and chlorine from the feed water that can
damage the membrane. The next stage of the system is the RO membrane.

Household water pressure is used to force tap water through the
semipermeable RO membrane. The membrane only allows the purest of
water molecules to pass through it while over 98% of

all microorganisms and almost all high molecular weight organics in the
water

are rejected by the membrane and sent down the drain.

These RODI systems have two stages of Deionization that polish the RO
water to less than one ppm purity.

Mega MaxCap™ DI Cartridge and our Enduro DI™ High-Performance DI
Finishing Cartridge.

The Mega MaxCap™ DI Cartridge is used as a high-capacity “roughing”
cartridge and is followed by our Enduro DI™ high-performance finishing
cartridge. The Mega MaxCap™ DI cartridge has a much higher capacity,
but less purity than the Enduro DI™ cartridge. These DI cartridges work
in tandem to achieve a greatly extended lifespan when compared to
standard mixed-bed DI cartridges. Because the RO water reaches it first,
the Mega MaxCap™ will need to be replaced more often than the Enduro
DI™.

The Mega MaxCap™ RODI system comes equipped with two Dual-Probe
Inline TDS meters for complete monitoring of water purity throughout
every stage of the purification process. The left-side TDS meter will monitor
the tap water TDS and the TDS of the RO water, allowing you to accurately
compute the rejection rate of the RO membrane. (See “Testing The Quality
Of The Membrane” on Page 15.) The right-side meter monitors the DI
cartridges to let you know when they need to be replaced. It will also
monitor the purity of your product water when set to the “Out” position.

The fourth and fifth stage filters are our

most inorganic salts,

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GENERAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION: (continued)

A pressure - operated Automatic Shutoff (ASO) Valve and a Float Valve are
provided for convenient filling of a storage reservoir.

NOTE: SpectraPure does not recommend using the Float Valve for topoff

due to evaporation. The short duration of the fill cycle when using
a float valve will rapidly deplete the life of the DI cartridges due
to TDS creep. Instead, we recommend the use of high/low float
switches in the reservoir/sump to extend the fill cycle and minimize
the effects of TDS creep. (see SpectraPure part number LLC-SVC­2FLT-2-10)

The Manual Flush Valve may be used to periodically rinse the accumulated
impurities and concentrated waste water from the surface of the RO
membrane to help increase the life of the membrane. The Manual Flush
Valve is located in parallel with the flow restrictor (see page 9) and, when
opened, provides a high-flow bypass of waste water used to purge
concentrated brine from the membrane housing and rapidly flush any
particulates from the membrane surface. This is especially useful in hard
water conditions. We recommend that the valve be turned ON for 30
seconds at the start of a fill cycle and at the end of a fill cycle. BE SURE to
turn the Flush Valve OFF before making product water.

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FLOW RESTRICTORS AND TEST STRIPS:

These systems are supplied with TWO Flow Restrictors (FR) - RED and
GREEN. (See images on Page 9.) The RED FR (pre-installed) produces a
preset waste-to-product ratio of 3:1 and the optional GREEN FR has a 2:1
ratio.

Two Test Strips are provided to determine the Total Hardness (this is NOT
TDS) of your tap water. To test: Dip the colored end into a small tap water
sample for 3 seconds. Remove and do not shake. Wait for 20 seconds and
then match with the closest color block on the back of the package. Color
is stable for 1 minute.

If the Total Hardness is 180 or greater, you should keep the RED FR installed.
If the Total Hardness is less than 180, you may replace the RED FR with the
GREEN FR. (see “Working with Push Fittings” on Page 18.) Be sure to note
the orientation of the small “plug” in the end of the removed FR and install
the new FR with the same orientation.

The RED FR has a waste-to -product ratio of 3:1, which will increase the
amount of water used, but also increase the lifetime of the RO membrane.
In hard water conditions, you may use the GREEN FR to save water, but
the RO membrane will not last as long, as it will plug up with hardness
much more quickly.

OPTIONAL BOOSTER PUMP (BPHF-MF-115):

An optional Booster Pump is necessary for installations with less than 40
psi tap water pressure.

RO production is directly dependent upon water pressure, so the
production rate may be dramatically increased by adding a Booster
Pump Kit. When installed between the Carbon Block filter and the RO
Membrane, the pressure may be increased up to 80 psi.This would double
the production rate if the starting household water pressure is 40 psi.

Higher water pressure not only increases the rate of production, it also
results in higher rejection rates for the RO Membrane. Higher rejection
rates mean less contaminants reach the DI stages, thereby extending the
life of your DI Cartridges which are a more expensive way to filter water
when compared to Reverse Osmosis Membranes.

If you are interested in installing a Booster Pump Kit on your RO/DI system
or if you have any questions regarding a Booster Pump Kit, please contact
SpectraPure Support.

SpectraPure®Inc

[e-mail] www.spectrapure.com

. Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

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®

MAXCAP® MMC- RODI-90-10-MF : Front View

(180 GPD system is the same except for extra membrane housing)

1/4" BLACK
Tap Water
Tubing
Attaches
Here

Manual Flush Valve

Left-side Meter

“IN” = Tap Water TDS
“OUT” = RO Water TDS

SpectraSelectPlus™ 90 GPD
Membrane (inside housing)

Pressure Gauge

Right-side Meter

“IN” = MaxCap DI TDS
“OUT” = Enduro DI TDS

0.5 micron

Sediment Prefilter

(SF-MT-0.5 -10)

Carbon Block Filter

SpectraPure®Inc.

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2167 East Fifth St, Tempe, Arizona 85281

0.5 micron

(CF-0.5-10)

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

Mega MaxCap™
DI Cartridge
(DI-MMC-10)

Enduro DI™
Finishing Cartridge
(DI-MB-ENDI-10)

SpectraPure

®

MEGA MAXCAP™ RO/DI Systems : Top Views

90 GPD Single-Membrane System

1/4" Yellow

Tubing to

Drain

1/4" Yellow
Tubing to
Drain

Flow Restrictor located

inside this end of Red

(or Green) Tubing

REAR

FRONT

180 GPD Dual-Membrane System

Automatic ShutOff
(ASO) Valve

REAR

FRONT

MANUAL FLUSH ASSEMBLY

Flow Restrictor located

inside this end of Red

(or Green) Tubing

1/4" Yellow

Tubing to

Drain

“OUT” Port of ASO Valve

Handle in “RUN” position. If handle is parallel to tubing, system is in “FLUSH” mode.

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Automatic ShutOff
(ASO) Valve

“IN” Port of ASO Valve

9

SpectraPure

®

CAUTION

• Most of the components of this system are plastic and are subject to damage

by ultraviolet light from the sun and other sources such as metal halide
lighting.

• Avoid installing this unit in an area where it may be subjected to bright

light or direct sunlight, as algae is more likely to thrive inside the clear filter
housings when exposed to bright light. The unit must be kept out of
areas that are subject to freezing temperatures.

• High temperatures greater than 113° F (45° 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.

SYSTEM INSTALLATION & INITIALIZATION:

1. Attach the black tap water tubing to the left side of the Sediment Filter Housing
(See page 8).

2. Attach the yellow drain line to the “Y”-connector at the rear of the system. This “Y”

-connector already has a yellow and red tube attached to it. (See page 9)

3. Attach the blue product line to the rear port of the
right-hand DI housing (Left-side housing when
viewed from rear. See image on right).

4. Attach the black tubing and elbow(s) to the
membrane housing cap(s). (See page 9)

5. Attach the garden hose adapter (connected to
the black tubing) to your cold water source.

6. Remove the two DI filter cartridges from the two right-hand filter housings.
Reconnect the two housings to their threaded caps. Hand tighten.

7. The provided ball valve can be located at a convenient place on the black tap
water line. Cut the black tubing in two and reconnect the two cut ends with
the ball valve. This will allow you to cut off the water supply to service the RO/
DI system without affecting the household water supply.

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

9. Let both tubings run water down the drain for 20 minutes.

10. Reinstall the two DI cartridges into the DI housings. Hand tighten.

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SYSTEM INSTALLATION & INITIALIZATION: (cont.)

11. Insert the connectors at the end of the red, white and blue sensor wires into
the tops of the TDS meters. You can then use the Velcro on the back to mount
the meters wherever it is convenient. You may mount the meters on the
system itself (as shown) or on a wall for easier viewing.

12. Open the cold water supply valve. The pressure should not exceed 80 psi.

13. Upon startup, air may be trapped in the DI cartridges (housings may not
appear full). This is a normal condition and it will not affect the operation of the
DI system; however, if you later install the Float Valve for automatic operation,
all air must be kept purged from the housings by slightly unscrewing the
housing(s) and letting the running water displace the air until the housings
are full of water.

14. Close the cold water supply valve.

15. Finish the installation by directing or connecting the yellow line to a
permanent drain.

16. Install the included Float Valve onto a collection reservoir. (See below.)

17. Attach the blue line to the Float Valve.

18. 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.)

19. It may take several days of normal operation for the membrane to reach its full
production rate.

FLOAT VALVE INSTALLATION:

1. Drill a 1/2" hole near the top of your reservoir.

NOTE: If you are installing the Float Valve onto an acrylic tank we recommend

using a new Fostner Bit to reduce the chance of cracking the acrylic.

2. (Refer to Diagram on Page 12) Remove the Compression Nut from the float
body.

3. Insert the 1/4" Blue Tubing into the 1/2" Compression Nut with the threads
towards the end of the tube.

4. Unscrew and remove the remaining nut from the float body.

5. Insert the float body and washer into the 1/2" hole and tighten the nut, which
securely tightens the float to the tank wall.

6. Push the Compression Nut towards the end of the tubing and screw the
Compression Nut back onto the float body.

7. To tighten, use one 1/2" wrench on the flats of the plastic threads and another
1/2" wrench on the Compression Nut.

(continued on next page)

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FLOAT VALVE ILLUSTRATION:

HOW THE FLOAT VALVE WORKS:

The increasing water level raises the Float Valve in the reservoir and stops
the flow of water. Pressure builds up in the product line and ASO Valve
until the ASO Valve shuts off the flow of waste water to drain. This “OFF”
condition will be maintained until the reservoir needs more water and the
Float Valve drops, allowing both product and waste water to flow again.

NOTE: This configuration maintains house pressure in the prefilters,
membrane, and pressure gauge when in the “OFF” condition. Also, this
system WILL NOT WORK with any kind of “bladder tank” attached to the
product line.

An optional float kit can be used for filling an additional sump or reservoir.
Our Float Kit (SPFK) includes a Float Valve and 1/4" Union Tee.

Notice: Using a mechanical float valve is not

recommended for direct sump topoff.

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2167 East Fifth St, Tempe, Arizona 85281

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METERING AND DIAGNOSTICS:

This SpectraPure purification system has been fully equipped with sufficient
instrumentation to make monitoring and troubleshooting an easy process.
The provided pressure gauge is used to determine the tap water pressure
and to evaluate the condition of the sediment and carbon prefilters. The
pressure will drop as the prefilters become clogged by dirt (turbidity) from
the tap water.

The two digital TDS meters will provide a reliable means of evaluating the
efficiency of the RO membrane, the state of the DI cartridges, and the purity
of the product water. The left-side meter shows Tap Water TDS when set
to “IN” and RO Water TDS when set to “OUT”. These measurements may
be used to calculate the efficiency (lifespan) of the RO membrane. (See
“Testing The Quality Of The Membrane” on Page 15.) The right-side meter
shows the TDS of the water coming from the Mega MaxCap™ cartridge
when set to “IN” and the TDS of the water coming from the Enduro DI™
cartridge when set to “OUT”. The reading from the “OUT” setting on the
right-hand meter is also the TDS of your final product water. (See “Mega
MaxCap DI Replacement” and “Enduro DI Replacement” on Page 21)

Left-Hand Meter Right-Hand Meter

IN OUT IN OUT

Tap Water

TDS

Selector Switch

set to “IN”

DM-1 METER Specifications:

Range 0-9990 PPM
Resolution 1PPM (0 -999 PPM)

10 PPM (1000-9990 PPM)

Accuracy ±2%
Power Source (2) 1.5V button batteries (LR44 or equiv.)
Battery life Approx 1000 hours

For service or repair of these monitors, please send to:

HM DIGITAL, INC
5819 Uplander Way
Culver City, CA 90230

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RO Water

TDS

Mega

MaxCap

DI TDS

Enduro DI

TDS (also

product

water TDS)

13

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®

USING THE PRESSURE GAUGE:

The pressure gauge is used to monitor the condition of the Sediment
and Carbon Prefilters. With the Sediment and Carbon filters removed, the
gauge will indicate the “actual” tap water input pressure. When the prefilters
are “new”, the pressure shown on the gauge will be slightly less than the
actual tap water pressure and as the filters age, the pressure will drop due
to the sediment that will collect in the prefilters. When the pressure on the
gauge drops below 40 PSI or as the filters collect particulates and the
pressure drop is greater than 15% to 20% of the normal water pressure,
the prefilters are in need of replacement.

NOTE: When the pressure on the pressure gauge drops below the normal

readings; do not assume that the sediment filter is the only cause.
In some geographical areas where the input water contains a high
percentage of very small micron particulates, the carbon filter may
become clogged before the sediment filter. (The filters may look
“new” but still cause the water pressure to drop). Do not judge the
condition of the prefilters by their color, always use the pressure
gauge to determine the condition of the prefilters.

USING THE MANUAL FLUSH VALVE

The Manual Flush Valve can be an important factor in extending the life
of your RO membrane. It helps to flush the accumulated salts from the
membrane surface and also lowers the TDS in the membrane housing. We
recommend that you flush the system for 30 seconds upon startup and
again when shutting the system down.

When the handle is perpendicular to the tubing, the waste water is forced
to pass through the flow restrictor which builds backpressure in the
membrane housing and reverses the osmotic flow to produce pure water.

When the handle is parallel to the tubing, the water flows unimpeded
through the waste water line, resulting in a fast flow across the surface of
the membrane and down the drain line.

FLUSH POSITION

Will not produce purified water
when in flush position

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Must be in
this position
to produce
purified water

NORMAL USE

Flow Restrictor
(inside tubing)

SpectraPure

®

TESTING THE QUALITY OF THE MEMBRANE:

The performance of a RO membrane is measured by its ability to reject
salts or TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). Use the TDS Meter located on the left
side of your system for this procedure.

General Procedure:

1. Slide the switch on the Left-Side TDS meter all the way to the left (IN).
Measure the tap water TDS. (Call it X)

2. Run the system for 15 -20 minutes.

3. Slide the switch on the Left-Side TDS meter to the right (OUT).
Measure RO product water 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

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

Meter shown with switch set to
“IN” position. Slide switch to right
for “OUT” position.

Rejection of the RO Membrane Calculation Example

1. Tap water TDS = 150 ppm (X)

2. RO water TDS = 15 ppm (Y)

3. X - Y = 135 ppm

4. (X - Y) ÷ X = 135 ÷ 150 = 0.90

5. Rejection = [ ( X - Y) ÷ X ] ×100 = 0.90 ×100 = 90%

NOTE: Rejection rates less than 95% may indicate that the membrane should be

replaced.

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MEMBRANE PRODUCTION CALCULATION:

Membranes produce the rated gallons per day (GPD) at 60 psi (4.1 bars)
operating pressure, 77°F (25°C) operating temperature and with no more
than 250 ppm total dissolved solids.

Membrane output gallons per day (GPD) depends on operating pressure,
water temperature and the 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 multiplied by the PCF.

PCF = Line Pressure (in psi) ÷ 60

Calculation of Temperature Correction Factor (TCF): The output (GPD)
decreases with a decrease in temperature. This is due to water viscosity
increasing with a 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

(continued on next page)

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MEMBRANE PRODUCTION CALCULATION: (cont.)

Membrane Output Calculation Example

What is the expected GPD from a 100 GPD System at 40 psi pressure
and 60°F water temperature?

PCF = 40 ÷ 60 = 0.666
TCF = 0.754 (from Table on previous page)

Expected GPD = 100 × 0.666 × 0.754 = 50.2 GPD ± 20%*

50.2 GPD would be the Actual Production Rate

*Membrane manufacturers state their flow ratings with a ± 20% variance.

TIPS FOR LONG MEMBRANE LIFE:

1. Replace the sediment filter at least once every 6 months. This will
prevent mem brane fouling due to silt or sediment depositing on the
membrane.

2. Replace the 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 minimum 2:1
concentrate to purified water ratio.

4. Operating reverse osmosis systems on softened feed water greatly
reduces the chances of membrane fouling and extends the life of the
RO Membrane.

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. Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

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WORKING WITH PUSH FITTINGS:

Push fittings are very reliable and convenient tubing connectors.

To remove the tubing from its push fitting:

1. Firmly depress and hold the push fitting collar down with your thumbnail.

2. While the push fitting collar is depressed, pull the tubing straight out
of the push fitting. Once the tubing is removed, release the collar.

To reinsert the tubing into its push fitting:

1. Moisten the O -ring seal inside the push fitting by dripping a few drops
of clean water into the fitting.

2. Grasp the tubing near the end, and insert the tubing into the push
fitting.

3. 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.

4. 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
past the O-ring seal.

5. 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
tubing into the 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.

SpectraPure®Inc.

18

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

2167 East Fifth St, Tempe, Arizona 85281

SpectraPure

®

SEDIMENT PREFILTER REPLACEMENT:

A Sediment Filter will usually last approx. 4-6 months, depending on
the quality of the tap water and quantity of water being produced. (The
lifespan 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 Prefilter needs to be replaced is to monitor
the Pressure Gauge. When you have a drop in pressure of15-20% below
your normal gauge pressure, replace the filter. To verify this, run water
through the system without the filter in its housing. If the pressure returns
to your normal house pressure without the filter, you will know the filter
you just took out was plugged up and causing the pressure drop.

**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. If your water
contains a great deal of sediment or chlorine, the prefilters may require
more frequent changes to maintain adequate production rate and
extended membrane life.

Sediment Prefilter Replacement

Materials Required: Sediment prefilter (SF-MT-0.5 -10),

Filter Wrench (WR-UNIV)

Procedure:

1. Turn off water supply to the system.

2. Using the provided filter housing
the left. Unscrew it clockwise as viewed from the top.

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. Insert the new prefilter into 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.

SpectraPure®Inc

[e-mail] www.spectrapure.com

. Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

wrench, remove the first housing on

19

SpectraPure

®

CARBON BLOCK FILTER REPLACEMENT:

A Carbon Filter will usually lasts 4-6 months, depending on the chlorine
(or chloramine) content of your tap water and quantity of water being
produced. The best way to determine when your Carbon Block Prefilter
needs to be replaced 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 waste water tubing and test the chlorine concentration
using test kit TK-CL-10 -KIT. If the chlorine concentration is above 0.1ppm,
replace the carbon prefilter.

**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 decrease production if it’s 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: Carbon Block prefilter (CF-0.5-10), Filter Wrench,

Chlorine Test Kit (TK-CL-10-KIT)

Procedure:

1. Turn off water supply to the system.

2. Using the provided filter housing wrench, remove the second housing
from the left. Unscrew it clockwise as viewed from the top.

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. Insert the new carbon block filter into 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. Turn on system water supply and check for leaks.

SpectraPure®Inc.

20

2167 East Fifth St, Tempe, Arizona 85281

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

SpectraPure

®

MEGA MAXCAP DI REPLACEMENT:

The Mega MaxCap™ DI cartridge is located in the second housing from the right.
When the Right-Side Meter (set to the “IN” position) reads “1”, it is time to replace
the Mega MaxCap™ DI cartridge.

1. Turn the system off and remove the cartridge housing by rotating it in a
counterclockwise direction.

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

3. Make sure the DI cartridge is installed in the correct direction. The white cap
should be facing upward. Make sure that the top seal is securely attached
to the top of the cartridge.

4. Tighten the cartridge housing by rotating it clockwise and hand tighten.

5. Turn on system and check for leaks.

Right-Side
TDS Meter

Top Seal

Mega MaxCap DI

Enduro DI

Enduro DI cartridge
shown with white cap
facing upward

ENDURO DI REPLACEMENT:

The Enduro DI™ cartridge is located in the rightmost housing. When the Right­Side Meter (set to the “OUT” position) reads “1”, it is time to replace the Enduro
DI™ cartridge.

1. Turn the system off and remove the cartridge housing by rotating it in a
counterclockwise direction.

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

3. Make sure the DI cartridge is installed in the correct direction. The white cap
should be facing upward. Make sure that the top seal is securely attached
to the top of the cartridge.

4. Tighten the cartridge housing by rotating it clockwise and hand tighten.

5. Turn on system and check for leaks.

SpectraPure®Inc

[e-mail] www.spectrapure.com

. Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

21

SpectraPure

®

RO MEMBRANE REPLACEMENT:

Your Mega MaxCap system comes equipped with a SpectraSelectPlus™ 99%
rejection membrane. As membranes age, their rejection rates drop. The DI
cartridges scrub all of the TDS from the water that the RO membrane does
not remove. If your rejection rate drops from 99% to 98%, then the life of
your DI cartridges will drop roughly in half as they have to remove 2% of
contaminants instead of 1%. Thus, the decision to replace the RO membrane
becomes subjective as one considers the cost of replacing the RO membrane
compared to the decreased lifespan of the DI cartridges. We recommend
that you replace the RO membrane when your rejection rate drops to 95%,
and probably sooner if you notice that your DI cartridges are becoming
rapidly depleted. (See “Testing The Quality Of The Membrane” on Page 15.)

1. Turn off the water supply to the RO system. Place the system where
the membrane housing(s) can be easily accessed.

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. You should not have to remove the blue
and yellow tubes. (See Working With Push Fittings on page 18.)

3. Lift the membrane housing from the retention clips and unscrew the
membrane housing cap. This may require two people.

4. Use a pair of pliers to grasp the membrane stem and pull the membrane
from the housing.

5. Remove the black housing O-ring. Wash the empty housing with
soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with hot, clean water.

6. Insert the new membrane into the housing, with the double O-ring
end first. The o-rings and tube must fit into the recess at the bottom
of the membrane housing. When the membrane is aligned with the
recess, firmly push the membrane into the recess until it bottoms out.

SpectraPure®Inc.

22

(continued on next page)

Proper Orientation

of New Membrane in

Relation to Housing

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2167 East Fifth St, Tempe, Arizona 85281

SpectraPure

®

RO MEMBRANE REPLACEMENT: (continued)

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

8. Reconnect the black tubing to the membrane feed push fitting.

9. If you have a dual-membrane system (-180), perform steps 2 thru 8 on
the second membrane.

10. Open the Flush Valve and allow the system to flush for several minutes
to remove any loose particles.

11. Close the Flush Valve and turn on the water supply to the system.

12. Check for leaks.

SANITIZING THE SYSTEM:

(It is recommended that you sanitize the system once a year.)

1. Turn tap water source off and remove all filters from the system,
including the RO membrane.

2. Mix together hot water, soap and a little bleach.

3. Scrub filter housings and rinse with clean tap water to remove soap and
bleach.

4. Place filters back into housings and reconnect lines.

SYSTEM STORAGE:

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

2. Your RO System must always be protected from freezing or
temperatures above 113° F (45° C).

SpectraPure®Inc

[e-mail] www.spectrapure.com

. Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

23

SpectraPure

®

SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

1.

Low production rate:

a.

plugged prefilters.

b.

low water temperature

c.

low line pressure.

d.

high TDS content.

e.

fouled membrane.

f.

plugged flow restrictor.

2. Zero production rate:

a.

Missing flow restrictor.

b.

Dried RO membrane.

c.

Plugged flow restrictor.

d.

Flush Valve is open.

i.

Replace prefilters.

ii.

Warm feed water OR use higher GPD
membrane.

iii.

Use booster pump OR use higher GPD
membrane.

iv.

Use booster pump OR use higher GPD
membrane.

v.

Replace membrane to restore flux.

vi.

Replace flow restrictor & membrane.

i.

Install flow restrictor in the yellow line.

ii.

Try to restore flux by soaking in rubbing
alcohol OR replace the membrane.

iii.

Replace flow restrictor and replace the
membrane.

iv.

Close Flush Valve.

3. Extremely high production rate:

a.

Ruptured membrane.

b.

Very high line pressure
(> 80 psi).

4.

Pressure gauge does not register pressure when the system is “ON”

a.

Missing flow restrictor.

b.

Pressure gauge
screwed in too far.

c.

Plugged pressure
gauge orifice.

d.

Defective pressure
gauge.

(continued on next page)

SpectraPure®Inc.

24

2167 East Fifth St, Tempe, Arizona 85281

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

i.

Replace membrane.

ii.

Use a pressure regulator.

i.

Put flow restrictor in the yellow line.

ii.

Unscrew pressure gauge one-half turn
and retest.

iii.

Clean orifice with a needle.

iv.

Replace it.

SpectraPure

®

5.

Low deionization cartridge life:

a.

Defective membrane.

b.

Low pressure (<40 psi).

c.

High CO2 levels in
water (> 5 ppm)

d.

High TDS in feed water
(>1500 ppm).

e.

Bad or faulty DI
cartridge.

f.

High pH tap water
(>9.0).

g.

Faulty monitor/probe.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES:

PIGGYBACK UPGRADE KITS (PBK-90-SEL), - This add-on kit contains everything

you need to double the output (gallons per day) of your existing 90 GPD RO
or RODI System. All necessary fittings, tubing, adapters and flow restrictors are
included.

i.

Replace it.

ii.

Use booster pump.

iii.

Aerate RO product water.

iv.

NO EASY SOLUTION.

v.

Replace DI cartridge.

vi.

Acidify feed water to the RO membrane
to improve its rejection.

vii.

Test and Replace if required.

UV PURIFIER KIT (UV-1GPM-KIT) - Are you on a private well or other potentially

unreliable source of water? You may require a UV kit to destroy harmful bacteria,
viruses and other contaminants. Ultraviolet kills up to 99% of all viruses and
bacteria for the safest water. This kit contains everything you need to add UV to
your Reverse Osmosis System.

BOOSTER PUMP KITS (BPHF-MF-115) - SpectraPure

ideal for use on water sources with pressures below 40 psi such as private wells,
gravity feed water systems and high-rise apartments. A pressure gauge is used to
monitor the booster pump pressure.

ADDITIONAL FLOAT VALVE KIT (SPFK) - Add a second or multiple float valves

to your existing system. Never use the float valve as a method of automation.

Notice: Using a mechanical float valve is not recommended

for automation of the system or direct sump topoff.

SpectraPure®Inc

[e-mail] www.spectrapure.com

. Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

®

Booster Pump Kits are

25

SpectraPure

®

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

1. Shipping charges on units or parts submitted to our facility for repair or
replacement must be borne by the registered purchaser. After repair or
replacement, the factory will return the unit or part freight prepaid to the
customer.

2. We assume no warranty liability in connection with our equipment other
than as herein specified.

3. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied,
including warranties of fitness for a particular purpose.

4. We do not authorize any person or representative to assume for us any
other obligation on the sale of our equipment. This is the exclusive remedy
and liability for consequential damages under any and all warranties
which are excluded to the extent exclusion is permitted by law.

5. Proof of original purchase date must accompany all warranty claims.

6. SpectraPure, Inc. Reserves the right to change prices without notice when
necessary. All prices in the catalog are quoted in US dollars.

7. Claims for error in quantity or condition must be made within 10 days of
receipt of material. SpectraPure, Inc. will not be responsible for any claimed
shortages not reported within 10 days. Returns other than warranty claims
may be subject to 20% restocking fee.

8. SpectraPure, Inc. cannot be held liable for damage or loss to a shipment by
a freight carrier. Check shipment for damage before acceptance or note
on freight bill subject to inspection for concealed damage. Consignee
must file claim. SpectraPure, Inc. will offer as much assistance as possible.

9. A complete credit check is required prior to shipping on a Net 30 or “C.O.D.

- CUSTOMER CHECK ACCEPTABLE” basis. In the interim period during
which credit references are being evaluated, all orders must be shipped
“C.O.D. - CERTIFIED FUNDS” (cash, cashiers check or money order).

10. All returned checks (due to insufficient funds or closed accounts) will be

subjected to a $25 penalty charge.

11. Invoices on Net 30 accounts not paid within 30 days of shipment will be
considered delinquent and will accrue Finance charges at the rate of 1.5%
per month (18% per annum).

SpectraPure®Inc.

26

2167 East Fifth St, Tempe, Arizona 85281

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

SpectraPure

®

THREE-YEAR LIMITED 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 under­tighten fittings, housings, and/or push-style fittings, or improper installation of push-style fittings.
Consumable items such as prefilters and membranes are not covered under the 3 year warranty.

SpectraPure warrants (prorated) 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 prorated 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 Merchandise 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 byproduct 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 three year limited warranty does not apply to consumable items, including but not

limited to, filters and cartridges unless specifically stated above.

SpectraPure®Inc

[e-mail] www.spectrapure.com

. Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

27

SpectraPure

®

REPLACEMENT PARTS:

Part Number Description

SF-MT-0.5 -10 High-Performance 0.5 micron Sediment Filter
CF-0.5-10 High-Performance 0.5 micron Carbon Filter

MEM-SP-0090 90

FR-90 -RED, -GRN* Flow Restrictors for 90 gpd System
FR -180-RED, - GRN* Flow Restrictors for 180 gpd System

* Green Flow Restrictors have a 2:1 waste ratio recommended for tap water <180 ppm

Red Flow Restrictors have a 3:1 waste ratio recommended for tap water ≥180 ppm

DI- MMC-10 Mega MaxCap™ DI Cartridge
DI-MB-ENDI-10 Enduro DI™ Finishing Cartridge

GHA-4 1/4" Garden Hose Adapter
PGK Pressure Gauge Kit
BV-4JG 1/4" Ball Valve
BV-6JG 3/8" Ball Valve
WR-UNIV Filter Wrench
MTR-TDS-DM1 Inline Dual-Probe TDS Meter

gpd SpectraSelectPlus™ TFC Membrane

(Use 2 for 180 gpd systems)

ACCESSORIES:

Part Number Description

BPHF-MF-115 Booster Pump Kit for Manual Flush Systems
LLC-SVC-2FLT-2-10 Dual-Float Assembly for automation
MTR-PH80 Hand-held pH Meter
FAU-SNP Quick Connect Faucet Adapter
TK-CL-10- KIT Total Chlorine Test Kit
TK-CL -10TABS 10 Replacement Tabs for Chlorine Test Kit

SpectraPure®Inc.

28

Warning: SpectraPure does not recommend

drinking deionized water.

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

2167 East Fifth St, Tempe, Arizona 85281