BRR RODI + PUMP = LOW PRESSURE…

[ReefMadScientist]

So I played around like a cat with a ball of string. I checked the saddle clamp to ensure it was punctured cleanly which it was. See picture below.

I also double checked ALL lines.

Right after the RO system and pressure gauge, I added a ball valve to stop flow. Miraculously I was getting approximately 58 PSI. When I turned on the system it went to absolutely zero even after bypassing the membranes, flush valve, and Auto Shutoff Valve. With the mentioned above it would still show zero.

I put all the systems back together and got the same results before. 20 psi stationary and 22-24 psi with booster pump on.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

So I figured out a fix!!!

I primed the system with attaching a ball valve post RODI system. I shut off the ball valve and allowed the system to slowly build pressure. This took about 10 minutes until I reached 40psi.

I then turned on the booster pump, ball valve still closed, to build more pressure. The booster slowly built pressure and sky rocketed to 80 psi+ without stopping.

I slightly opened the ball valve to regulate the pressure. I balanced it at 75psi so the water comes out slowly.

Opening the ball valve fully was too much and lost all the pressure within the system.

I hope this helps someone out there.

The trick is a ball valve.

 

[SpyC]

Gpad you have a work around, but it seems more likely you have a different issue that you found a temp bypass for. How is the pressure if you remove the 2nd ro membrane from the filtration and running it with only one? Have you already walked through the rodi unit to ensure the tubing is going to the correct locations? With the valve from brs, you shouldn't need another ball valve.

 

[Gtinnel]

I asked earlier but are you sure you don’t have the concentrate and permeate lines plumbed wrong? I’ve never heard of needing a restriction (ball valve) on the final output water. It kinda sounds to me like that ball valve is the restriction on the waste side. Although if that were the case before adding it you wouldn’t have built up pressure but all of the water would’ve have flown through that line.

Glad you got it working, but I agree with above I still think something is not right.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

Yes I agree something is definitely not right. I’ve never had an issue like this before with any of my previous SpectraPure systems.

I double checked all plumbing lines and ensure everything is connected accordingly. I’ll post pictures soon of all the plumbing.

 

[Gtinnel]

Also I’m going to tag @Buckeye Hydro because if there is anyone that can help it’s him.

 

[SpyC]

Yes I agree something is definitely not right. I’ve never had an issue like this before with any of my previous SpectraPure systems.

I double checked all plumbing lines and ensure everything is connected accordingly. I’ll post pictures soon of all the plumbing.

More than ensuring things are connected, ensure they are connected in the right spots. Mistakes happen

 

[ReefMadScientist]

With my findings, is it possible a pressure valve somewhere within the system prior to the membranes are bad?

 

[Gtinnel]

With my findings, is it possible a pressure valve somewhere within the system prior to the membranes are bad?

I’ve seen pressure gauges fail with it not going past a certain pressure, and with it failing to return to 0 with no pressure. However with you seeing the gauge make it up to a good working pressure I wouldn’t guess it would be a faulty gauge, but I guess it’s always a possibility.
When you couldn’t get the pressure to build up were you making filtered water?

 

[ReefMadScientist]

So I put the ball valve from the end of the product line to right before the flush valve. Same results happen. I have to pressurize the system manually with the ball valve. If left wide open, it drops pressure. It I close the waste line completely, I keep pressure but I’m assuming the waste water just keeps in the system.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

I’ve seen pressure gauges fail with it not going past a certain pressure, and with it failing to return to 0 with no pressure. However with you seeing the gauge make it up to a good working pressure I wouldn’t guess it would be a faulty gauge, but I guess it’s always a possibility.
When you couldn’t get the pressure to build up were you making filtered water?

Yes, at a trickle.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

 

[ReefMadScientist]

 

[ReefMadScientist]

 

[ReefMadScientist]

This is how my setup is installed. Please follow each picture and double check my work please!

The water droplets were all from my tests earlier. I ensure all connections are solid with zero leaks.

 

[Gtinnel]

This is how my setup is installed. Please follow each picture and double check my work please!

The water droplets were all from my tests earlier. I ensure all connections are solid with zero leaks.

Everything looks hooked up right to me. Sorry I couldn’t be of any help.
Hopefully someone else can see something wrong.

 

[KStatefan]

If by restricting the flow on the exit side increases the pressure you have a restriction somewhere else limiting the flow.

 

[ScottD]

This is how my setup is installed. Please follow each picture and double check my work please!

The water droplets were all from my tests earlier. I ensure all connections are solid with zero leaks.

It’s hard for me the trace the lines, but double check your shutoff valve connected to your float switch.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

It’s hard for me the trace the lines, but double check your shutoff valve connected to your float switch.

Thanks. I don’t have a float switch yet.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

If by restricting the flow on the exit side increases the pressure you have a restriction somewhere else limiting the flow.

Yes I highly agree this is the issue. But just unsure exactly where to find the issue…

It’s gotta be in the membrane, Auto Shut Off or possibly the flush valve. I just don’t get it.