Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Steve Sed on August 31, 2012, 04:34:21 pm

Title: Frustrating water production
Post by: Steve Sed on August 31, 2012, 04:34:21 pm: I have a 150 gpd system from PureFreedom. All was good until around 6 months ago, but then output dropped. I am now only getting around 3 litres an hour. Anyway, have contacted PF and need to test water pressure. I have ordered a gauge.

But there is no noticeable difference in pressure from 6 months ago, but I have taken it all apart. The pressure seems good and fast going into the first membrane, but it comes out at a dribble. They are new prefilters and membranes. I swapped membranes in case one was faulty, but same result. The system was flushed when replaced for 24 hours so not that.

Until I get the pressure measured, can I read anything from my own observations. I had to abandon work today because I ran out of water so I am pretty frustrated.
Title: Re: Frustrating water production
Post by: Blue Frog Systems on August 31, 2012, 04:47:25 pm: One thing i will say Steve is to upgrade your RO to a 300 min even better going up to a 450. Your going to need a booster pump if your water pressure has dropped.

I dont know what storage you have, but if you can get an ibc (1000L) tank and keep that topped up it would help out. Just each time you take out, top it up again.

Emergency option would be DI only - but this would be used up quickly if your water has a high TDS. For this option you could use the Gardiner DI calculator

http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/De-Ionisation_Calculator.html
Title: Re: Frustrating water production
Post by: Ian Lancaster on August 31, 2012, 04:48:04 pm: Might sound silly but.....one of my lads complained his system was running slow, when I went to investigate, he was running it on flush mode and flushing on production mode!!

Other than that if you have new prefilters and your pressure proves to be above about 60psi then it most probably is knackered membranes.

I take it you washed out the membrane housings when you swapped them so there's no blockage in any of the pipes?

Incidentally the advice I get from June at Gapswater is that you should always wash out with bleach, (housings/pipes etc, NOT filters/membranes) then rinse thoroughly before re-assembling. Kills off any nasty bacteria which can destroy your membranes ;)
Title: Re: Frustrating water production
Post by: Blue Frog Systems on August 31, 2012, 05:25:06 pm: check your waste pipe isnt blocked too. remember someone posting a bit ago about a blocked waste pipe reducing production.
Title: Re: Frustrating water production
Post by: Steve Sed on August 31, 2012, 05:38:54 pm: Everything definitely plumbed correctly.

I don't have space for an IBC, so use currently a water butt. I will buy a second one though.

I ran out today because I was away for the bank holiday and couldn't produce water when I was away, so when I got back on Tuesday I only had 220l and couldn't produce enough to keep up with work. Normally I would have 400l in the van plus a full water butt at the start of the week.
Title: Re: Frustrating water production
Post by: Frankybadboy on August 31, 2012, 06:10:26 pm: Quote from: Blue Frog Systems on August 31, 2012, 04:47:25 pm
One thing i will say Steve is to upgrade your RO to a 300 min even better going up to a 450. Your going to need a booster pump if your water pressure has dropped.

really what he saying above.in my opinion 150 is a waste of time,so painful slow
Title: Re: Frustrating water production
Post by: Cliff perkins on August 31, 2012, 06:12:30 pm: Steve you can have my old merlin if u want
Title: Re: Frustrating water production
Post by: Blue Frog Systems on August 31, 2012, 06:21:22 pm: Steve .... look at getting more storage. imo you need at least double storage to what you can carry. This means you have emergency water. 220L just isnt enough mate.

I started out with 125L butt and 8 barrels ... soon i had 2 x 220L butts and the 125L butt but it was still not enough. Try looking into 1000L upright tank designed for a van system.
Title: Re: Frustrating water production
Post by: Banbury Window Cleaning on August 31, 2012, 06:25:21 pm: if pressure is ok and new pre filters its the membrains
I would take the merlin tbh if i was you lol
Title: Re: Frustrating water production
Post by: Steve Sed on August 31, 2012, 07:24:00 pm: Cheers Cliff. I would be really grateful. What does it produce gpd? Are the membranes ok? I keep meaning to call you as I picked up Waggon & Horses and I gather from Steve (Aqua) that you dumped them.
Title: Re: Frustrating water production
Post by: Steve Sed on August 31, 2012, 07:43:44 pm: How much do you want by the way Cliff?
Title: Re: Frustrating water production
Post by: Cliff perkins on August 31, 2012, 08:58:59 pm: Call me monday and if you got time pop over.
Nothing for you have a look if you want it u can have it.
Title: Re: Frustrating water production
Post by: Steve Sed on September 01, 2012, 06:18:20 am: Will do. Cheers.
Title: Re: Frustrating water production
Post by: Cliff perkins on September 03, 2012, 06:27:31 pm: What was the water pressure your end ?
Title: Re: Frustrating water production
Post by: Steve Sed on September 04, 2012, 03:29:53 pm: Just seen this after texting you. Was out last night. 62psi, so good. Only ran the Merlin for 10 minutes as awaiting an 11ltr di vessel with hoselock fittings. Tds was around 30 but I am guessing it will improve a bit with a longer run. Can't believe the production rate.

I owe you one.