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RO unit back pressure
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R Trim View Drop Down
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Joined: December 10 2010
Location: Taylorsville
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    Posted: October 12 2011 at 10:31pm
I have a Kent 3 stage. It wants 60 psi forward (supply) pressure to function properly. I have, maybe, 40psi in the house.  So the output to waste water ratio is pretty bad.  If I restrict the waste water output a little through the use of a ball valve, will there be issues in water quality or the damage to the RO unit?  I tried it (the waste valve closed off maybe 1/4... not much) and the output went up. IT's suppose to be a 100 gpd unit. With the back pressure it's putting out, maybe 1 gal/hr... 5 times less than it could. But I can live with that amount.

Any thoughts... advice?

thanks
Bob
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Mark Peterson View Drop Down
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Points: 21437 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mark Peterson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 13 2011 at 4:16pm
A small valve is a great way to restrict the waste water and make the unit perform at peak possible production. I do this all the time with the RO units that I refurbish. The valves are available at hardware stores in the quick disconnect fittings section, usually white with a blue handle.
The adjustable valve is good because it can be adjusted depending on the gpd rating of the membrane.
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Joined: December 10 2010
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Points: 22 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote R Trim Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 13 2011 at 5:07pm
Cool. Thanks. I know a bit about fluids... static pressure vs. forward pressure. Just was not sure if the restriction, causing static pressure, would mess up the membrane and how it was designed to work. It's making water now.  I'll test for solids and the like to see if there is any difference with the un-restricted production water.  I bet not... but I'll check anyway.
Thanks again
Bob
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Points: 386 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MIK3B Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 18 2011 at 10:30pm
I'm curious to know your results, my 100GPD became a 75GPD when I replaced the membrane last - found a 75 for way cheaper and I have a good sized holding tank and reservoir and plenty of drinking water for the family but I don't like how much water it has always wasted.

I have an extra 1/4 valve like you describe Mark, but I'd never heard of restricting the output to up the flow.

I do have a TDS meter inline, suppose I could just try it out when I get a little time to climb under there and cut the line
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