[CraigBlues]

Well today has been a long day, setting up the van, filtering system in garage and how to transfer the water to the van. A lot of thinking and labor.  I've only ever been traditional therefore still trying to get my head round all WFP.

So from the start, how often do you have to change the filters and membranes on the Merlin 720? I am putting my pure water into a large wheelie bin for now, holds about 380L I believe. My question is without popping in and out of my garage to check level of water how can I stop the water overflowing?

I then put a hole in the bottom with a hose and then I hoped gravity would transfer the water but it needed a little help, so I found my old Shurflo 20PSI pump and used that to transfer the water into the tank.

Also same principle how can you ensure you doing overflow the van tank.

All advice is welcome. :-) And any other information you think might help me out is also welcome.

Lastly just want to say thank you to Gardiner, as my first order turned up next day with ease and 2nd order due to arrive tomorrow, their customer service is second to none. When they say they will ring you back they do! Love them!

[gto]

I have my RO in the garage, Its not plumbed so i run the pipes under the garage door. i have the out put of the ro go into my van through a door gap, and fill the tank directly so i can lock the van.
I also know the production rate so can guess when it will have filled enough.

[CraigBlues]

Any advice welcome 

[cat9921]

My first piece of advice would be get rid of the Merlin , They was never designed for pure water window cleaning any way ( more about soft drinks if I remember ) I would get a 200gpd Ro

It will take longer to fill then the Merlin but you will save so much on filters and res that it will be worth it..

Second get a 1000 IBC tank instead of a bin then you will not need to worry about the filling time


hope that helps

Adders

[Smudger]

Nowt wrong with a Merlin - had mine for over 2 years - served me very well and with a booster pump could fill my
400 ltr tank in 3 hours and 2 1000 ltr IBC's overnight.

the membranes will last for years - you must change the pre filter every 6 months ( as with any carbon pre filter ) i would suggest you buy a 20" housing and a carbon filter ( total cost £30 ish ) and use this as a pre - pre filter - gives protection to the merlin filter thats on the small side.

to stop overflowing ! - well i simply timed mine - then everyfill set an alarm - if filling IBC's then i didn't have to worry and simply stop the water in the morning.

you could fit ball float valves that shut off when the water gets to the top or my in van system has a solenoid for auto shut off 

Darran

[CraigBlues]

Thanks Smudger, my thoughts were the same. :-)

So basically after my booster bump put another carbon filter? When can I get these from?

I need to get an IBC for the shed (which I don't have yet) maybe and filter the water out into that.

How long will pure water last, will it start going bad after so many days? Basically I don't want to produce too much.

[rosskesava]

That small filter that comes with the merlin is a post carbon filter as opposed to a pre carbon one.

It improves the taste of the water if you use it for drinking.

I'm 99% certain that the merlin doesn't need any pre filters.

[CraigBlues]

That small filter that comes with the merlin is a post carbon filter as opposed to a pre carbon one.

It improves the taste of the water if you use it for drinking.

I'm 99% certain that the merlin doesn't need any pre filters.

So I don't need any pre-filters? Or I do need them.

[rosskesava]

Nope. You do not need a pre filter.

I've just been reading the instruction booklet. The first filter inside the merlin is, in fact, a carbon filter, and they recommend changing it about every 6 months. It costs about £25.

[Smudger]

then read the instructions again !

as i sqaid its a carbon pre filter that need to be changed every 6 months - it also states it's only capable of processing
50 litres a day - you you are using a higher volume of water fit a further pre filter 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WATER-FILTER-20-HOUSING-AQUATIC-HOME-COMMERCIAL-USE-/350298879823?pt=UK_HGKitchen_SmallApp_RL&hash=item518f70b74f

+


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3x-20-GRANULAR-CARBON-FILTERS-REVERSE-OSMOSIS-/350375937144?pt=UK_HGKitchen_SmallApp_RL&hash=item5194088478


if you search around you can get cheaper.

by all means go without the extra filter and take a chance - but why ruin 150 quids worth of membrane for the sake of £30

Darran

[CraigBlues]

then read the instructions again !

as i sqaid its a carbon pre filter that need to be changed every 6 months - it also states it's only capable of processing
50 litres a day - you you are using a higher volume of water fit a further pre filter 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WATER-FILTER-20-HOUSING-AQUATIC-HOME-COMMERCIAL-USE-/350298879823?pt=UK_HGKitchen_SmallApp_RL&hash=item518f70b74f

+


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3x-20-GRANULAR-CARBON-FILTERS-REVERSE-OSMOSIS-/350375937144?pt=UK_HGKitchen_SmallApp_RL&hash=item5194088478


if you search around you can get cheaper.

by all means go without the extra filter and take a chance - but why ruin 150 quids worth of membrane for the sake of £30

Darran

I completely agree Darran.

I'm going to hunt around for a housing and filters.

I hear some people also have 2 DI Vessels is this necessary?

[Smudger]

If you want to make the most of your resin then yes but it depends on how much you use p/week
i'd start off with one at least 11 ltr capacity - fill 3/4 or to the shoulder of the vessel and when the tds gets to
10 give it a good shake and roll around the garden the tds will drop back to 1 or 2 or even zero for another couple of weeks.

ro water in sealed containers will last for a long time - in an IBC kept in the dark or shaded area i would say it's good for a week to 10 days - but that shouldn't be an issue if your drawing off and refilling the tank every couple of days

Darran