SpectraPure PROPLUS RO System, PROPLUS DI System, PROPLUS RO/DI System Installation And Operating Manual

PROPLUS™ RO/DI System

Reverse Osmosis/Ion Exchange Water

Purification System

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 09-18-2009

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

Using your Systems Basic Parts

Metering & Diagnostics...................................................................................................12

Filter Diagnostics

Sediment Filter Diagnostic.............................................................................................13

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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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 PROPLUS™, Eliminator™, MarinePro™, MPRO-300, 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

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SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS:

Sediment Pre-Filter 1.0 micron MicroTec™ sediment pre-filter
Carbon Filter 1.0 micron carbon block pre-filter
RO Membrane Type SpectraSelect Standard Thin-Film Composite (TFC)
DI Cartridge Non-Color Indicating SilicaBuster™ Mixed-Bed
Rejection Rate 98% 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
90 (340) 235ml/min 940 ml/min

Reverse Osmosis Membrane Feed Water

Requirements

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

lowing 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: BPHF-MO-115(-230).
*Operating pressure greater than 80 psi will require a pressure reducing valve.

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SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:

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

1. First, the incoming feed water is passed through a 1.0 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 1.0 micron carbon block pre-filter. This filter removes
organics and chlorine from the feed water that can damage the membrane.
(9,000 gal of water with 1 ppm Chlorine removal)

3. The third filtration stage of the system is a high rejection, thin film composite
(TFC) reverse osmosis membrane. It removes at least 98% 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 SilicaBuster Mixed-Bed Multi-Layer
Deionization Cartridge. Mixed-Bed Multi-Layer Deionization Car
with semi-conductor grade 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.

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.

est possible purity water. They are capable

tridges are fabricated

TFC RO Membrane
(MEM-0090)

IN Port
(Tap Water)

Sediment Filter
(SF-MT-1-10)

Carbon Block
(CF-1-10)

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OUT Port
(Pure Water)

DI Cartridge
(DI-SB-10)

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Fig. B: Single-Membrane Assembly

Top/Rear View

®

RO membrane

membrane

feed

push-fitting

black

tubing to

membrane

feed

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)

yellow concentrate (waste) tubing

blue purified
water tubing

(Good Water)

black feed
tubing

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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 the system hook-up below.

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).

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.

lease follow the “

Checking the concentrate to purified Water

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 waste
water (yellow tubing):

WASTE (YELLOW) IN MILLILITERS______________

PRODUCT (BLUE) IN MILLILITERS______________

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

Failure to perform this procedure can permanently damage the

DIVIDED BY

The resultant is the Concentrate to Product Ratio

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).

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This completes the procedure

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FR-90

Fig. D: Flow Restrictor Tables

(For 4:1 Concentrate to Product Ratio)

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

®

(YELLOW)

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:

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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(Specific diameters are
matched for each size
membrane to restrict
the flow of waste
water leaving the RO
membrane’s housing.)

11

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SpectraPure

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 pre-filters.

USING THE PRESSURE GAUGE

The pressure gauge is used to monitor the condition of the Sediment and Carbon
Pre-Filters (not the RO Membrane). When the filters are new, the gauge will
indicate the actual available house water pressure. As the filters collect particu­lates, the pressure will begin to drop. A 15-20% (or more) drop in pressure would
indicate that the pre-filters are in need of replacement.

USING THE DUAL PROBE TDS METER (DM1 METER)

The digital TDS meter (dual probe) will provide a reliable means of evaluating the
performance of the RO membrane and the De-Ionization Cartridge. The num­bers from the two probe readings can be used to calculate the
percentage of rejection of the (TFC) RO membrane and the exhaustion point of
the DI Cartridge(s).

Procedure for testing the RO Membrane:

1. Follow the instructions on page 15 & use the calculations located on
page 19-20.

Procedure for testing the De-Ionized Cartridge:

1. When the reading on the probe (set to “OUT”) displays “001”, it is time to
replace the DI cartridge.

The DM1 TDS Meter does not detect the presence of CO2, silica, organic

contaminants or micro-organisms, nor should it be used as a medical or scientific

instrument. It should be used as an indicator or guide only, and does not imply

water safe for human consumption. No application other than monitoring the

electrical conductivity of water is expressed or implied.

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SEDIMENT PRE-FILTER REPLACEMENT:

For maximum contaminant removal and long membrane life, the sediment and carbon
pre-filters must be changed when a 15-20% drop in pressure is observed OR at least 6
month intervals. 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.

Sediment Pre-Filter Replacement

Materials Required: 1.0-micron MicroTec™ Sediment Filter (SF-MT-1-10), Filter Wrench

Procedure:

1. Turn off water supply to the system.

2. Using the provided filter wrench, remove the first housing on 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.

CARBON PRE-FILTER REPLACEMENT:

For maximum contaminant removal and long membrane life, the sediment and carbon pre­filters must be changed when a 15-20% drop in pressure is observed OR at least 6-month
intervals. When chlorine breakthrough greater than 0.1 ppm occurs in the yellow concen­trate line, test for chlorine breakthrough by collecting 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.

Carbon Block Filter Replacement

Materials Required: 1.0 micron Carbon Block Filter (CF-1-10), Filter Wrench, Chlorine Test
Kit (TK-CL-25)

Procedure:

1. Perform steps 1-5 listed above

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

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DEIONIZATION CARTRIDGE REPLACEMENT:

( right-most housing)

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

observing the “OUT” probe on the monitor.

Turn the on the system and allow water to flow past the monitor probe for
at least 20 minutes before attempting to use the monitor.

DEIONIZATION CARTRIDGE REPLACEMENT

Materials Needed: One DI-SB-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.

SilicaBuster™

The condition of this cartridge should be judged by

Mixed-Bed Multi-Layer Deionization

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RO MEMBRANE DIAGNOSTIC:

In order to accurately determine the condition of the RO Membrane, re­configuring the DM1 TDS Meter, provided with this unit, is required.

Before performing the following membrane test with the DM1 Meter, the
waste to product water ratio must be 4 to 1 or greater (see page 8-9).

Procedure:

1. Disconnect the BLACK line from the first stage housing (Sediment Filter)

2. Next, disconnect the “IN” Probe Tee of the DM1 meter and
connect it to the end of the black line. (This step will allow you to
determine the TDS of your tap water)

tubing from push fittings.

3. Slowly turn the tap water on. Be careful where you point the open
fitting of the tee. Once you get a good flow coming out of the end
of the tee you can test the water:

- TAP WATER TDS READING:_______________

4. Once you obtain the tap water TDS reading, reconnect the
“IN” Probe Tee back to its original location.

5. Re-connect the BLACK line to the first stage housing
(sediment filter) and run water through the system for 15 min.

6. Note the reading on the meter with the setting still in the
“IN” position:

See page 10 for removal of

- RO WATER TDS READING:_______________

7. Follow the calculation located on pages 19-20.

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

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

6.
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 rated differently 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 11) from the
membrane housing. Remove and discard the flow restrictor
(Fig. E).

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. Insert the new flow restrictor and follow procedure on page 8-9
for measuring waste to product water ratio.

4. Check for leaks. Allow at least 2 gallons of water to run through
the system before using water.

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

1. Disconnect the yellow concentrate tubing (page 11) 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. Allow at least 2
gallons of water to run through the system before using water.

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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.

4. High or “Unreasonable” Readings on TDS Meter:
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.
d. Exhausted Batteries. iv. Replace with (2) 357A batteries

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.

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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2167 East Fifth St, Tempe, Arizona 85281

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

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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*

SpectraPure®Inc.

20

2167 East Fifth St, Tempe, Arizona 85281

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

®

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% ?

Alkalinity Measure feed water and Is Rejection No - Replace Membrane
Test Kit RO product water greater than Yes - Membrane OK
Alkalinity 90% ?

Hardness *Measure feed water Is Rejection No - Replace Membrane
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.

RO product water TDS/ greater than Yes - Membrane OK

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.

SpectraPure®Inc

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. Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

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TIPS FOR LONG MEMBRANE LIFE:

1. Replacement of 1 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 1 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.

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

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 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 until use. The membrane can be kept
there for up to 1 year. (DO NOT FREEZE)

SpectraPure®Inc.

22

2167 East Fifth St, Tempe, Arizona 85281

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

SpectraPure

®

SpectraPure®Inc

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

. Fax [phone] Fax us toll-free 1.877.527.7873

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SpectraPure

REPLACEMENT PARTS:

Model Replacement Part

SF-MT-1-10 1.0 micron MicroTec™ Sediment Filter

CF-1-10 . 1.0 micron Carbon Block Pre-Filter

MEM-0090 90 gpd (340 lpd) TFC Membrane

FR-90 Flow Restrictor for 90 gpd (340 lpd) System

DI-SB-10 SilicaBuster™ Mixed-Bed DI Cartridge

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

XWR-UNIV Filter Wrench

Optional Accessories

Model Optional Part

FAU-SMP Quick Connect Faucet Coupler
TS-C61
TS-T71 Total Dissolved Solids Tester (0-1999 ppm TDS)
TK-CL-25 Total Chlorine Test Kit
VA-FVK-4 Flush Valve Kit
BPLF-MO-115 Low-Flow Booster Pump, 115V
BPLF-MO-230 Low-Flow Booster Pump, 230V
BPHF-MO-115 Hi-Flow Booster Pump, 115V
BPHF-MO-230 Hi-Flow Booster Pump, 230V

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

SpectraPure®Inc.

24

Micro-Siemens Conductivity Tester (0-1999 uS/cm)

480.894.5437 Call us toll-free 1.800.685.2783

2167 East Fifth St, Tempe, Arizona 85281