RO Maintenance Basics
Understanding and reacting to the performance of a reverse osmosis (RO) system is necessary for continued successful operation. It is this interaction that allows us to quickly and correctly identify and correct issues that may arise.
RO maintenance is more than repairing and replacing parts. It means taking steps to reduce or prevent problems from occurring and being aware that a problem may be coming before it happens.
Understanding the feed water and installing the proper pre-treatment is a very important step. Checking the feed water pretreatment and the feed water itself on a regular basis also are instrumental.
Be sure to stay within manufacturer guidelines of pressure, product flow, and recovery. Changes in feedwater temperature and total dissolved solids will change with the seasons. Expect these changes to cause minor adjustments to the unit.
Routine changing of cartridge prefilters according to manufacturer guidelines should be followed. The change frequency is dependent on the application, size, and type of cartridge as well as feedwater make-up. Backwashing of media filters should be done on a regular basis as per the manufacturer's recommendation. Make certain the cartridges and any backwashing filters are well rinsed before sending any water to the RO.
Check RO product water quality (TDS, PH, etc.), system flows, and pressures. Pressures include pre-and post-filters, RO pump discharge, and waste and product water pressure. Keep a log sheet on this information and compare old data with new ones.
Check the unit carefully for any leaks. Listen for any unusual noises. Pumps will exhibit a problem usually associated with noise or leak prior to failure.
Do not rush in and out. It is important to check the complete system both pre-and post-treatment. Cleaning of the membranes usually is needed when the product flow rate falls 10 to 15 percent. If you are uncertain but believe a problem exists check with your RO supplier.
Why is keeping a Data Sheet important?
RO maintenance is more than repairing and replacing parts. It means taking steps to reduce or prevent problems from occurring and being aware that a problem may be coming before it happens.
Understanding the feed water and installing the proper pre-treatment is a very important step. Checking the feed water pretreatment and the feed water itself on a regular basis also are instrumental.
Be sure to stay within manufacturer guidelines of pressure, product flow, and recovery. Changes in feedwater temperature and total dissolved solids will change with the seasons. Expect these changes to cause minor adjustments to the unit.
Routine changing of cartridge prefilters according to manufacturer guidelines should be followed. The change frequency is dependent on the application, size, and type of cartridge as well as feedwater make-up. Backwashing of media filters should be done on a regular basis as per the manufacturer's recommendation. Make certain the cartridges and any backwashing filters are well rinsed before sending any water to the RO.
Check RO product water quality (TDS, PH, etc.), system flows, and pressures. Pressures include pre-and post-filters, RO pump discharge, and waste and product water pressure. Keep a log sheet on this information and compare old data with new ones.
Check the unit carefully for any leaks. Listen for any unusual noises. Pumps will exhibit a problem usually associated with noise or leak prior to failure.
Do not rush in and out. It is important to check the complete system both pre-and post-treatment. Cleaning of the membranes usually is needed when the product flow rate falls 10 to 15 percent. If you are uncertain but believe a problem exists check with your RO supplier.
Why is keeping a Data Sheet important?
Datalog sheets are used to represent the past and present performance of an RO system. These sheets provide a window into expected future performance.
Typically, log sheets include all available operating data such as date, time, run time in hours, pre-and post-filter pressures, feed, concentrate and permeate pressures, feed water quality, permeate water quality, SDI, feedwater hardness (ppm), chlorine, pH and others. The size and options selected will affect the data required for logging.
The use of these sheets allows the operator to spot trouble ahead of time. Through filling out these sheets, we will see patterns developing indicating normal or abnormal operation. The abnormal operation will indicate the type of problem that is occurring, allowing corrective action to take place. For example, if pressure drop rises, product water decreases and quality is falling, the need for cleaning is indicated.
Here are some photos of a RO plant we revived and brought back to life. This one was kept without any proper maintenance for a long time.
If you are facing difficulty maintaining your RO system, Nice Water can assist you with a proper yearly maintenance plan.
All the services, maintenance, and replacements can be carried out by visits on-site by our trained field technicians who are able to provide all the technical supports in order to achieve the best results.
More photos from the site.
Typically, log sheets include all available operating data such as date, time, run time in hours, pre-and post-filter pressures, feed, concentrate and permeate pressures, feed water quality, permeate water quality, SDI, feedwater hardness (ppm), chlorine, pH and others. The size and options selected will affect the data required for logging.
The use of these sheets allows the operator to spot trouble ahead of time. Through filling out these sheets, we will see patterns developing indicating normal or abnormal operation. The abnormal operation will indicate the type of problem that is occurring, allowing corrective action to take place. For example, if pressure drop rises, product water decreases and quality is falling, the need for cleaning is indicated.
Here are some photos of a RO plant we revived and brought back to life. This one was kept without any proper maintenance for a long time.
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| RO Plant without maintenance for a long time |
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| After completion of work |
Conclusion
Proper RO maintenance is soo important that they help to find out and fix those problems at the initial stage itself which if left unnoticed can cause severe damage to the system in the future. Maintaining a datalog sheet helps maintain the RO system at optimum working condition. Water quality can also be assured with proper maintenance procedures.If you are facing difficulty maintaining your RO system, Nice Water can assist you with a proper yearly maintenance plan.
All the services, maintenance, and replacements can be carried out by visits on-site by our trained field technicians who are able to provide all the technical supports in order to achieve the best results.
More photos from the site.
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