Ive had my Typhoon III from air water and ice hooked up for a month now. Awesome unit. Problem is my water pressure in my house is terrible. Takes forever to make water. Looking at getting the booster pump from them. Anybody out there running this pump. Good results? Looks like BRS sells one aslo
booster pump question
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reefkeeper
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I'm not running this pump but I am running a booster pump. What is your water pressure in the house. Most membranes require a min PSI in order to operate properly. In my case, my specture pure RO unit needs at least 80 psi to operate properly.
Some time ago I change my water pressure valve and my PSI changed and my RO unit was no longer efficient . The main pressure valve in your house can be adjusted but BEWARE IT CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS IF YOU INCREASE THE PRESURE.
My neighbor has been in the plumping business all his life and he told me that the city tweaks the city water pressure all the time and they end of blowing people's main pressure valves in there house and they have to be replaced.
After installing a booster pump it works great.
You can purchase a pressure valve at HD or lowes to check your water pressure. This will give you a idea what your up against. and whether you really need a booster pump.
On the other hand if, your water pressure is too high, it too can create problems. You would then need a pressure reducing valve to lower the PSI. The valve and gauge with 1/4 fittings can be purchased on the web and you can dial back the PSI with the valve.
Some time ago I change my water pressure valve and my PSI changed and my RO unit was no longer efficient . The main pressure valve in your house can be adjusted but BEWARE IT CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS IF YOU INCREASE THE PRESURE.
My neighbor has been in the plumping business all his life and he told me that the city tweaks the city water pressure all the time and they end of blowing people's main pressure valves in there house and they have to be replaced.
After installing a booster pump it works great.
You can purchase a pressure valve at HD or lowes to check your water pressure. This will give you a idea what your up against. and whether you really need a booster pump.
On the other hand if, your water pressure is too high, it too can create problems. You would then need a pressure reducing valve to lower the PSI. The valve and gauge with 1/4 fittings can be purchased on the web and you can dial back the PSI with the valve.
The booster pump is one of the best things I have bought for the hobby. I bought the pump and the extra 75 GDP membrane from Brs and my Rodi use to drip and now it is a stream. It use to take a day to make water for a water change and now it takes a few hours
My home water pressure runs around 50 psi. I installed a pressure regulator so it stays there, as well as an expansion tank to prevent 'water hammer' (protects appliances and plumbing). These devices didn't used to be required, but are now. If you have a home more than 20 years old you should check. They are easy to install yourself, if you have DIY skills.
If you live in a low area your pressure may be higher, while those on a hill top or a long way from the pumping station may have less. Use during the day may cause pressure to vary.
I researched RO systems a while back and found that municipal water pressure is almost never sufficient to run RO systems efficiently and varies. This coupled with seasonal temperature swings can cause your output to swing wildly (50% or more).
As mentioned most RO systems require at least ~80psi to run somewhat efficiently. During winter the RO output drops due to low temperature causing the membrane to contract and pore size to drop. This improves filtration (rejection rate) but drops efficiency as well (more waste).
I personally would never run an RO system without a booster pump. The waste water percentage is almost guaranteed to be 60-80+% without one, with yields of 5-20% typical.
That borders on being irresponsible to me, unless you use the waste stream to water plants/garden or some other good use. Even with a booster pump max efficiency is typically around 40% for a consumer grade RO system.
The big commercial systems can have efficiencies much higher (~80%), but don't be fooled by vendor claims for a home system.
While we here in the USA have plenty for now, clean fresh water is in short supply around the world.
Here is a good read provided by USC.
(especially 'Disadvantages' section)
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_osmosis#section_5">http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_osmosis#section_5</a>
You might also find this helpful on pressure.
[IMG]http://m.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/water-pressure-and-standard-variations-what-a-buyer-should-know-372284.html">http://m.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/water-pressure-and-standard-variations-what-a-buyer-should-know-372284.html</a>
My $0.02
If you live in a low area your pressure may be higher, while those on a hill top or a long way from the pumping station may have less. Use during the day may cause pressure to vary.
I researched RO systems a while back and found that municipal water pressure is almost never sufficient to run RO systems efficiently and varies. This coupled with seasonal temperature swings can cause your output to swing wildly (50% or more).
As mentioned most RO systems require at least ~80psi to run somewhat efficiently. During winter the RO output drops due to low temperature causing the membrane to contract and pore size to drop. This improves filtration (rejection rate) but drops efficiency as well (more waste).
I personally would never run an RO system without a booster pump. The waste water percentage is almost guaranteed to be 60-80+% without one, with yields of 5-20% typical.
That borders on being irresponsible to me, unless you use the waste stream to water plants/garden or some other good use. Even with a booster pump max efficiency is typically around 40% for a consumer grade RO system.
The big commercial systems can have efficiencies much higher (~80%), but don't be fooled by vendor claims for a home system.
While we here in the USA have plenty for now, clean fresh water is in short supply around the world.
Here is a good read provided by USC.
(especially 'Disadvantages' section)
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_osmosis#section_5">http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_osmosis#section_5</a>
You might also find this helpful on pressure.
[IMG]http://m.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/water-pressure-and-standard-variations-what-a-buyer-should-know-372284.html">http://m.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/water-pressure-and-standard-variations-what-a-buyer-should-know-372284.html</a>
My $0.02
thanks for all the input. i just called air water and ice to order the booster pump and she told me that the second stage carbon filter i had was from a batch that was the wrong micron. said to take it out and they are sending me the correct one. it is already running much better. said it was fine to run it without until the new one shows up. great customer service from them. gotta love it
I'm considering purchasing a booster pump as well, mainly because I going to add another membrane to my RO to reduce the waste ratio, right now the PSI reads about 60 and it always been like that and I have no problem waiting for freshwater available as I have a container always ready to use. My RO will consist of double 75GPD membranes and 4 stages more including the DI resin. My only concern will be if I can keep going on the product water since two membranes will/could need more pressure to pass water through.
I'm pretty sure that I can reduce the waste ratio with that upgrade and that being my main purpose, and about the booster pump I would be glad to invest in that if need it, as it will be worth it to have it and to increase the performance of my unit.
And not to forgot to mention that I have the same experience purchasing from Air water and Ice, excellent costumer service!
Great review and opinion from Ichthyoid! full description!
I'm pretty sure that I can reduce the waste ratio with that upgrade and that being my main purpose, and about the booster pump I would be glad to invest in that if need it, as it will be worth it to have it and to increase the performance of my unit.
And not to forgot to mention that I have the same experience purchasing from Air water and Ice, excellent costumer service!
Great review and opinion from Ichthyoid! full description!
