Watts R48-20-3131100 User Manual

REVERSE OSMOSIS

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

Model # R48

IMPORTANT

Information specific to this system is printed in Italics.

Please read the entire manual before proceeding with the installation and startup:

 Do not use where the water is microbiologically unsafe.

 Always turn off the unit, shut off the feed water, and disconnect the electrical power when

working on the unit.

 Never allow the pump to run dry.

 Never start the pump with the reject valve closed.

 Never allow the unit to freeze or operate with a feed water temperature above 100°F.

NOTES

Changes in operating variables are beyond the control Alamo Water Refiners, Inc. The end user
is responsible for the safe operation of this equipment. The suitability of the product water for
any specific application is the responsibility of the end user.

Successful long-term performance of a RO system depends on proper operation and maintenance
of the system. This includes the initial plant startup and operational startups and shutdowns.
Preventing fouling or scaling of the membranes is not only a matter of system design, but also a
matter of proper operation. Record keeping and data normalization is required in order to know
the actual plant performance and to enable corrective measures when necessary. Complete and
accurate records are also required in case of a system performance warranty claim.

Changes in the operating parameters of a RO system can be caused by changes in the feed water,
or can be a sign of more serious problems. The best insurance against problems leading to
membrane failures is to maintain a log on the operation of the RO system, water quality, and
temperature. For your reference, a typical log sheet is included in this manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduction

A. Specifications
B. Overview
C. Pre-treatment

II. Controls Indicators and Components

A. Figure # 1
B. Figure # 2
C. Figure # 3

III. Operation

A. Installation
B. Plumbing Connections
C. Electrical Connections
D. Startup
E. Controller
F. Operation and Maintenance Log
G. Trouble Shooting

IV. Replacement Parts List

V. Membrane Replacement

VI. Appendix

Temperature Correction Factors

Filmtec Technical Information - Cleaning and Disinfection of Filmtec RO Membranes

I. INTRODUCTION

The separation of dissolved solids and water using RO membranes is a pressure driven

Maximum Productivity (gallons per minute) 40 60 80 100
Quality (typical membrane percent rejection) 98%
Recovery (adjustable) 65% - 75%
Membrane Size
Membrane Array (four elements per vessel) 1:1 2:1 2:2 3:2
Prefilter (system ships with five micron cartridges) 7 round x 30” 7 round x 40”
Feed Water Connection

Product Water Connection

R48-08

2” Flange 2.5” Flange 3” Flange

2” Flange 2.5” Flange

Reject Water Connection

Feed Water Required (GPM at 65% recovery) 62 93 123 154

Minimum Feed Water Pressure

Drain Required (maximum) 62 93 123 154

460 VAC, 3-phase, 60Hz (other voltages available)
Motor Horse Power (TEFC Motor)

Dimensions L x W x H (approximate) 196” x 41” x 72”
Shipping Weight (estimated pounds) 2500 2800 3200 3500

20 PSIG 20 PSIG 20 PSIG 20 PSIG

25 amps 30 amps 35 amps 40 amps

15 20 25 30

R48-12 R48-16 R48-20

8” x 40”

1.5” Flange

temperature dependent process. The membrane material is designed to be as permeable to water
as possible while maintaining the ability to reject dissolved solids.

The main system design parameters require the following:

 Internal flows across the membrane surface must be high enough to prevent settling of fine

suspended solids on the membrane surface.

 The concentration of each dissolved ionic species must not exceed the limits of solubility

anywhere in the system.

 Pre-treatment must be sufficient to eliminate chemicals that would attack the membrane

materials.

A. SPECIFICATIONS

Notes:

 Maximum production based on a feed water of 77° F, SDI < 3, 1000 ppm TDS, and pH 7.6.

 Percent Rejection is based on membrane manufactures specifications; overall system percent rejection may be less.

Individual membrane productivity may vary (± 15%). May be operated on other feed waters with reduced capacity.

B. RO OVERVIEW

Reverse osmosis systems utilize semipermeable membrane elements to separate the feed
water into two streams. The pressurized feed water is separated into purified (product) water
and concentrate (reject) water. The impurities contained in the feed water are carried to drain
by the reject water.

RO Membrane
Feed Water Product Water

Reject Water

C. PRETREATMENT

The RO feed water must be pretreated in order to prevent membrane damage and/or fouling.
Proper pretreatment is essential for reliable operation of any RO system.

Pretreatment requirements vary depending on the nature of the feed water. Pretreatment
equipment is sold seperatly. The most common forms of pretreatment are described below.

Media Filter - Used to remove large suspended solids (sediment) from the feed water.
Backwashing the media removes the trapped particles. Backwash can be initiated by time or
differential pressure.

Water Softener - Used to remove calcium and magnesium from the feed water in order to prevent
hardness scaling. The potential for hardness scaling is predicted by the Langelier Saturation
Index (LSI). The LSI should be zero or negative throughout the unit unless approved anti­scalents are used. Softening is the preferred method of controlling hardness scale.

Carbon Filter

- Used to remove chlorine and organics from the feed water. Free chlorine will

cause rapid irreversible damage to the membranes.

The residual free chlorine present in most municipal water supplies will damage the thin film
composite structure of the membranes used in this unit. Carbon filtration or sodium bisulfite
injection should be used to completely remove the free chlorine residual.

Chemical Injection - Typically used to feed antiscalant, coagulant, or bisulfite into the feed water
or to adjust the feed water pH.

Prefilter Cartridge

- Used to remove smaller suspended solids and trap any particles that may be
generated by the other pretreatment. The cartridge(s) should be replaced when the pressure drop
across the housing increases 5 - 10 psig over the clean cartridge pressure drop.

The effect of suspended solids is measured by the silt density index (SDI) test. An SDI of five or
less is specified by most membrane manufacturers and three or less is recommended.

Iron & Manganese - These foulants should be completely removed (less than 0.1 ppm). Special
media filters and/or chemical treatment is commonly used.

pH - pH is often lowered to reduce the LSI. The membranes have a pH operating range of 2-11.

Silica: Reported on the analysis as SiO2. Silica forms a coating on membrane surfaces when the
concentration exceeds its solubility. Additionally, the solubility is highly pH and temperature
dependent. Silica fouling can be prevented with chemical injection and/or reducing the recovery.

II. CONTROLS, INDICATORS, and COMPONENTS (see figure 1)

A. Controller - Controls the operation of the system and displays the product water

quality.
B. Reject Control Valve - Controls the amount of reject flow.
C. Reject Recycle Control Valve – Controls the amount of reject recycle flow.
D. Pump Discharge Valve - Used to throttle the pump.
E. Prefilter Inlet Pressure Gauge - Indicates the inlet pressure of the prefilter.
F. Pump Suction Pressure Gauge – Indicates the prefilter outlet and pump suction

pressure. The difference between this gauge and the prefilter inlet gauge is the

prefilter differential pressure of the prefilter.
G. Pump Discharge Pressure Gauge - Indicates the pump discharge pressure.
H. Membrane Feed Pressure Gauge – Indicates the membrane feed pressure.
I. Reject Pressure Gauge - Indicates the reject pressure.
J. Reject Flow Meter - Indicates the reject flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm).
K. Reject Recycle Flow Meter – Indicates the reject recycle flow in gpm.
L. Product Flow Meter - Indicates the product flow rate in (gpm).
M. Prefilter Housing - Contains the RO prefilters.
N. Automatic Inlet Valve - Opens when pump is on and closes when the pump is off.
O. RO Feed Pump - Pressurizes the RO feed water.
P. RO Membrane Vessels - Contains the RO membranes.
Q. Motor starter / transformer enclosure.

Figure # 1

F. Operation and Maintenance Log

Figure # 2 – Electrical Connection

F. Operation and Maintenance Log

III. OPERATION

A. INSTALLATION

1. The water supply should be sufficient to provide a minimum of 20 psig pressure at the design
feed flow.

2. Proper pretreatment must be determined and installed prior to the RO system.

3. A fused high voltage disconnect switch located within 10 feet of the unit is recommended.
This disconnect is not provided with the RO system.

4. Responsibility for meeting local electrical and plumbing codes lies with the owner/operator.

5. Install indoors in an area protected from freezing. Space allowances for the removal of the
membranes from the pressure vessels should be provided. This system requires 42" minimum
clear space on each side.

B. PLUMBING CONNECTIONS

Note: It is the responsibility of the end user to ensure that the installation is done according to local
codes and regulations.

1. Connect the pretreated feed water line to the system inlet. (Figure # 1 item # 1) A feed water
shutoff valve should be located within 10 feet of the system.

2. Temporarily connect the outlet of the product water flow meter to drain. (Figure # 1 item # 2)
The product water line should never be restricted. Membrane and/or system damage may occur
if the product line is blocked.

3. Connect the outlet of the reject water flow meter to a drain. (Figure # 1 item # 3) The reject
drain line should never be restricted. Membrane and/or system damage may occur if the reject
drain line is blocked. An air gap must be located between the end of the drain line and the
drain. The use of a standpipe or other open drain satisfies most state and local codes and allows
for visual inspection and sampling.

C. ELECTRICAL

Note: It is the responsibility of the end user to ensure that the installation is done according to local
codes and regulations.

1. A safety switch or fused disconnect should be installed within 10 feet of the system. The
disconnect and fuses should be sized accordingly.

2. Verify that the disconnect switch is de-energized using a voltmeter.

3. Connect the outlet of the disconnect switch to the top of the motor starter relay. (Figure #1 item
Q and Figure #2). Attach the power supply ground to the controller ground.

4. Do not apply power to the RO unit at this time.

D. STARTUP

1. Verify that the pretreatment equipment is installed and working properly. Verify that no free

chlorine is present in the feed water.

F. Operation and Maintenance Log

2. Verify that the controller on/off switch is in the off position.

3. Close the pump discharge completely then open it one turn. Note: All valves on this unit turn

clockwise to close.

4. Install four 20" five micron filter cartridges in the prefilter housing.

5. Open the reject control valve completely by turning it counterclockwise.

6. Close the reject recycle control valve completely by turning it counterclockwise.

7. Open the feed water shutoff valve installed in step III-B-1 above.

8. Engage the safety switch or disconnect (installed in step III-C-1 above) to apply electrical power to

the RO system.

9. Move the controller on/off switch to the on position. Move the switch back to the off position after

the pump starts and look at the motor fan as the pump stops to determine if the pump rotation is
correct. The fan should rotate in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the top.
Continue with the startup if the pump is rotating in the proper direction. If the pump rotation is
backwards, reverse the rotation by shutting off the power and swapping any two of the three power
lines connected in step III.C.3 above

10. Turn the system on and allow the product and reject water to go to drain for 15 minutes.

11. Adjust the reject control valve, the reject recycle control valve and the pump discharge valve until

the desired flows are achieved. Closing the reject valve increases the recycle and product flow and
decreases the reject flow. Closing the reject recycle valve increases the reject and product flow and
decreases the recycle flow. Opening the pump discharge valve increases all of the flows. See the
temperature correction table in the appendix to determine the flow rates for different operating
temperatures.

12. Allow the product water to flow to drain for 30 minutes.

13. Turn off the system and connect the product line to the point of use. The product water line should

never be restricted. Membrane and/or system damage may occur if the product line is blocked.

14. Restart the system and record the initial operating data using the log sheet in the next section.

15. See the controller section for detailed information about the controller.

E. ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER – See separate booklet

DATE PRODUCT

GPM

REJECT

GPM

PUMP

DISCHARGE

PRESSURE

REJECT

PRESSURE

FEED

TDS

PPM

PRODUCT

TDS

PPM

FEED

WATER

TEMP

FEED

WATER

HARDNESS

FEED WATER

CHLORINE

LEVEL

PRE

FILTER

INLET

PRESSURE

PRE

FILTER

OUTLET

PRESSURE

F. Operation and Maintenance Log

Note: Change the prefilter when the differential pressure increases by 5 - 10 psi over the clean
differential pressure.
Clean the RO membranes when the product flow drops by 15% or more. (See appendix)

G. TROUBLESHOOTING

RO TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

SYMPTOMS

Salt Passage Permeate Flow Pressure Drop Location Possible Causes Verification Corrective Action

Normal to
increased

Normal to
increased

Increased

Normal to
moderate
increase

Decreased or
moderately
increased

Increased Increased Decreased Most severe in

Increased Increased Decreased Most severe in

Increased Normal to

Increased Normal to low Decreased All stages Conversion too

Decreased Normal to

increased

Decreased Normal to

increased

Decreased Increased Predominantly

Decreased Normal to

moderate
increase

Decreased Normal All stages Organic fouling Destructive

Decreased At random O-ring leaks, End

increased

Predominantly
first stage

Predominantly
first stage

last stage

Can occur in
any stage

the first stage

the first stage

Metal oxide Analysis of metal

Colloidal fouling SDI measurement

Scaling

, CaSO3,

(CaSO

4

, SiO2)

BaSO

4

Biological fouling Bacteria count in

Chlorine oxidant
attack

Abrasion of
membrane by
crystalline material

or side seal glue
leaks.

high.

ions in cleaning
solution.

of feed/ X-ray
diffraction
analysis of
cleaning sol.
Residue.
Analysis of metal
ions in cleaning
sol. Check LSI of
reject. Calculate
maximum
solubility for

, BaSO4,

CaSO

4

in reject

SiO

2

analysis.

permeate and
reject. Slime in
pipes and vessels.

testing, e.g. IR
reflection
analysis.

Chlorine analysis
of feed.
Destructive
element test.
Microscopic
solids analysis of
feed. Destructive
element test.
Probe test.
Vacuum test.
Colloidal
material passage.
Check flows and
pressures against
design guidelines

Improved pretreatment
to remove metals.
Cleaning with acid
cleaners.
Optimize pretreatment
system for colloidal
removal. Clean with
high pH, anionic
detergent formulation.

Increase acid addition
and scale inhibitor for
CaSO

and CaSO4.

3

Reduce recovery.
Clean with an acid
formulation for

, CaSO4 and

CaCO

3

.

BaSO

4

Shock dosage of
sodium bisulfite.
Continuous feed of
low conc. Of bisulfite
at reduced pH.
Formaldehyde
sterilization. Clean
with alkaline anionic
surfactant. Chlorine
dosage up-stream with
subs. Dechlorination.
Replace cartridge
filters.
Optimization of
pretreatment system
(e.g. coagulation
process.)
Resin/activated carbon
treatment. Clean with
high pH detergent.
Check chlorine feed
equipment and
dechlorination
equipment.
Improved
pretreatment. Check
all filters for media
leakage.
Replace O-rings.
Repair or replace
elements.

Reduce conversion
rate. Calibrate sensors.
Increase analysis and
data collection.

MOTOR TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART

TROUBLE CAUSE WHAT TO DO

Motor fails to start Blown fuses Replace fuses with proper type and rating
Overload trips Check and rest overload in starter.
Improper power supply Check to see that power supplied agrees with motor

nameplate and load factor.

Open circuit in winding or control switch Indicated by humming sound when switch is

closed.

Mechanical failure Check to see if motor and drive turn freely. Check

bearing and lubrication.
Short circuited stator Indicated by blown fuses. Motor must be rewound.
Poor stator coil connection Remove end bells, locate with test lamp.
Rotor defective Look for broken bars or end ring.
Motor may be overloaded Reduce load.

Motor Stalls One phase connection Check lines for open phase.
Wrong application Change type or size. Consult manufacturer.
Overload motor Reduce load.
Low motor voltage See that nameplate voltage is maintained. Check

connection.
Open circuit Fuses blown, check overload relay, stator and push

buttons.

Motor runs and then dies
down

Motor does not come up Not applied properly Consult supplier for proper type.
to speed Voltage too low at motor terminals because of line

Broken rotor bars or loose rotor. Look for cracks near the rings. A new rotor may be

Motor takes too long to Open primary circuit Locate fault with testing device and repair.
accelerate Excess loading Reduce load.
Poor circuit Check for high resistance.
Defective squirrel cage rotor Replace with new rotor.
Applied voltage too low Get power company to increase power tap.

Wrong rotation Wrong sequence of phases reverse connections at motor or at switchboard.

Motor overheats while Overloaded reduce load.
running under load Frame or bracket vents may be clogged with dirt and

Motor may have one phase open Check to make sure that all leads are well

Grounded could Locate and repair.
Unbalanced terminal voltage Check for faulty leads, connections and

Motor vibrates after motor misaligned Realign
correcting have been Weak support Strengthen base.
made Coupling out of balance Balance coupling.
Driven equipment unbalanced Rebalance driven equipment.
Defective ball bearing Replace bearing.
Bearing not in line Line properly.
Balancing weights shifted Rebalance motor.
Polyphase motor running single phase Check for open circuit.
Excessive end play Adjust bearing or add washer.

Power failure Check for loose connections to line, to fuses and to

control.

Use higher voltage on transformer terminals or

drop.

prevent proper ventilation of motor.

reduce load. Check connections. Check conductors

for proper size.

required as repairs are usually temporary.

Open vent holes and check for a continuous stream

of air from the motor.

connected.

transformers.

MOTOR TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART (

CONTINUED)

TROUBLE CAUSE WHAT TO DO

Unbalanced line current Unequal terminal volts Check leads and connections
on polyphase motors Single phase operation Check for open contacts
during normal operation

Scraping noise Fan rubbing air shield Remove interference.
Fan striking insulation Clear fan.
loose on bedplate Tighten holding bolts.

Noisy operation Airgap not uniform Check and correct bracket fits or bearing.
Rotor unbalance Rebalance.
Hot bearings general Bent or sprung shaft Straighten or replace shaft.
Excessive belt pull Decrease belt tension.
Pulleys too far away Move pulley closer to motor bearing.
Pulley diameter too small Use larger pulleys.
Misalignment Correct by realignment of drive.

Hot bearings ball Insufficient grease Maintain proper quantity of grease in bearing.
Deterioration of grease, or lubricant contaminated Remove old grease, wash bearings thoroughly in

kerosene and replace with new grease.
Excess lubricant Reduce quantity of grease: bearing should not be

more than ½ filled.
Overloaded bearing Check alignment, side and end thrust.
Broken ball or rough races Replace bearing: first clean housing thoroughly.

These instructions do not cover all details or variations in equipment nor provide for every possible condition to be
met in connection with installation, operation or maintenance. Chart courtesy of Marathon Electric.

RO SYSTEM TROUBLE SHOOTING

PROBLEM REMEDY

General

High Product Water TDS

Membrane expanded. Replace membrane.
Membrane attack by chlorine Carbon pre-filter may be exhausted. Replace with a new cartridge.
Clogged pre-filter-creates pressure drop and low reject flow. Replace pre-filter cartridge.
Feed pressure too low. Feed pressure must be at least 20 psi.
Insufficiently flushed post-filter cartridge. Flush post-filter with pure water.
Brine seal on membrane leaks. Determine if seal or o-ring is bad. Replace as needed.

No Product Water or Not Enough Product Water

Feed water shut off. Turn on feed water.
Low feed pressure. Feed pressure must be at least 20 psi. Consider booster pump.
Pre-filter cartridge clogged. Replace pre-filter cartridge.
Membrane fouled. Determine and correct cause; replace membrane.
Product check valve stuck. Replace check valve fitting.
Low pump discharge pressure Open pump discharge valve, replace pump

IV. REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Part Number Description Quantity per

System
S25FVS720 Pre filter housing 7 round 40" 1
R24449 Pressure Gauge, 2 1/2", 0-100 psi, LF, Back Mount 2
R2452P Pressure Gauge, 2 1/2", 0-400 psi, LF, Back Mount 3
R5411 Flow Meter 15-130 gpm (product) 1
R5409 Flow Meter 10-80 gpm (reject) 1
R5398 Flow Meter 4 – 40 gpm (reject recycle) 1
R23-2000 Controller with conductivity meter (optional) 1
R6316-V70B10S3T Pump & Motor, 3-Phase, 60Hz, 20 hp 1
R2316-214B Low Pressure Switch 1
R6154-3IV-24 Inlet Solenoid Valve 24 volt 1
R9642-TM370 RO Membranes 16

V. MEMBRANE REPLACEMENT

1. Turn off the system and close the feed water shutoff valve.

2. Disconnect the membrane feed hoses by loosing the brass fittings between the end of
the hoses and the pressure vessel end caps.

3. Remove the retaining rings from the pressure vessels.

4. Push the old membrane out of the vessel in the direction of the feed flow.

5. Record the serial numbers of the new membranes.

6. Lightly lubricate the brine seals on the new membranes with clean water.

7. Install the new membranes in the direction of flow with the brine seal end going in
last.

Note: Be sure to install an interconnector between the membranes in each
pressure vessel.

8. Lightly lubricate the end cap internal and external o-rings with glycerin.

9. Install the end caps and secure them with the retaining rings.

10. Install the membrane feed hoses.

11. Verify that all retaining rings are installed.

12. Follow the start up procedure in section III-D.

Flow Direction

Membrane Brine Seal

VI. APPENDIX

The following tables are intended as a guide to determining the flow rates for the R48
series RO systems. All flows are in gallons per minute (GPM).

Nominal flows for systems not using reject recycle

with a feed water Silt Density Index less than 3.

R48-08 R48-12 R28-16 R48-20
Product (max) 40 60 80 100
Reject 25 35 45 55

Nominal flows for systems with reject recycle

and a feed water Silt Density Index less than 3.

R48-08 R48-12 R28-16 R48-20
Product (max) 40 60 80 100
Reject 14 20 27 34
Reject Recycle 11 15 18 21

Nominal flows for systems not using reject recycle

and a feed water Silt Density Index of 3 to less than 5.

R48-08 R48-12 R28-16 R48-20
Product (max) 34 51 68 85
Reject 19 28 37 46

Nominal flows for systems with reject recycle

and a feed water Silt Density Index of 3 to less than 5.

R48-08 R48-12 R28-16 R48-20
Product (max) 34 51 68 85
Reject 12 17 23 29
Reject Recycle 7 11 14 17

Temperature Correction Factors

Deg C Deg F Conversion Factor

30 86 1.16
29 84.2 1.13
28 82.4 1.09
27 80.6 1.06
26 78.8 1.03

25 77 1.00

24 75.2 0.97
23 73.4 0.94
22 71.6 0.92
21 69.8 0.89
20 68 0.86
19 66.2 0.84
18 64.4 0.81
17 62.6 0.79
16 60.8 0.77
15 59 0.74
14 57.2 0.72
13 55.4 0.70
12 53.6 0.68
11 51.8 0.66
10 50 0.64

9 48.2 0.62
8 46.4 0.61
7 44.6 0.59
6 42.8 0.57
5 41 0.55

Multiply the nominal product flow at 25° C
by the temperature correction factor to
determine the flow at various other
temperatures.