Softeners Ahead of RO Unit
Softeners Ahead of RO Unit
(OP)
We are running an RO unit with an output of about 15 gpm. We were running softeners ahead of the RO because that was the practice that was recommended.We also have carbon filters ahead of the softeners to keep the chlorine out of the RO. We recently had to quit running the softeners and it seems that our good vs reject RO percentage changed drastically. We had been getting around 70% good RO and 30% reject and that has changed to about 40% good and 60% reject.Could not using the softeners be the cause, or should I be looking for something else?





RE: Softeners Ahead of RO Unit
Another is decreasing feed water temperature. Colder water causes reduced product water along with an increase in the quality of the water.
Another is decreasing feed water pressure. Less pressure means less product water and a reduction of the water quality.
It is recommended that you have a qualified RO Service Technician assist you in diagnosing the cause.
Gary Schreiber, CWS VI
The Purolite Co.
RE: Softeners Ahead of RO Unit
Observe the differential pressure of feed and reject. As a thumb rule, you should go for chemical cleaning of the membranes if there is a drop of 15% in permeate flowrate, and/or permeate quality, and/or a hike of 15% differential pressure.
The fouling gets reduced if you flush the membranes with permeate water.
Here is a good link for details about chemical cleaning.
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RE: Softeners Ahead of RO Unit
RE: Softeners Ahead of RO Unit
Think of the water softener as being an insurance policy to avoid fouling of the RO membranes.
The water softener may have fouled suddenly if you have elevated calcium and sulfate. If not, the change in recovery was probably caused by a mechanical change such as pump pressure drop or a valve not fully open.
There is no other type of softeners available. Talk to your RO supplier about the necessity of having the RO. If the RO is absolutely necessary, think about getting an evaporator made out of higher quality materials
RE: Softeners Ahead of RO Unit
RE: Softeners Ahead of RO Unit
RE: Softeners Ahead of RO Unit
RE: Softeners Ahead of RO Unit
You can temporarily increase the feed flow by increasing the feed pressure but chances are that you may plug the membranes. First thing I do is to talk to the supplier.
RE: Softeners Ahead of RO Unit
RE: Softeners Ahead of RO Unit
Use the softners or alternatively dose an antiscalent. Did the flow come back by itself after you started using the softner again or was a CIP required?
RE: Softeners Ahead of RO Unit
RE: Softeners Ahead of RO Unit