Maintenance of reverse osmosis membranes

Maintenance of reverse osmosis membranes is essential to maintain a reverse osmosis system. Because we are keen to provide the best services and products related to water treatment, we discuss in this article the importance of maintaining Reverse Osmosis membranes.

Replace filters on time

Before you try to replace your system’s filters, be sure to look at the product manual. It will probably include specific step-by-step instructions for not only replacing the filter/membrane but also for other maintenance work. This will give you a good understanding of the process (keep in mind that each model is a little different):

1. Turn off the water supply valve and storage tank.
2. Reduce the system pressure by opening the RO tap.
3. Remove all filters and membranes from their places by unscrewing them. Use a filter or wrench if necessary.
4. Make sure the rings are still in good condition. If so, lubricate them. If not, replace it.
5. Insert new filter elements into their housings and screw each tank back on.
6. Turn on the water supply and open the tank valve.
7. Open the RO tap and let the system flow for a few minutes.
8. Check for leaks.
9. Close the RO tap to allow the tank to be refilled.
10. Dump one or two tanks full of water before use (this may not be necessary depending on your system and the filters used).

I forgot to change the filters, What now?

One thing is for sure, failure to change the filters or membrane of your RO system in a timely manner will result in:

• Reducing the overall purity of the resulting water.
• Favors the accumulation and growth of waterborne pathogens (dirt) in the filtration system. This mold, mildew, bacteria, etc. may pose a health risk.
• It causes a decrease in the volume of water produced, and thus the flow and pressure.
• It causes increased wastewater production which ultimately leads to an increase in your water bill.

Conclusion:

Make sure you stick to the schedule and change the filters and membrane in a timely manner. If you forget, change all filter stages immediately and disinfect your system by following the instructions below.

Clean and sterilize your RO system annually

It is not necessary to clean and sterilize the reverse osmosis system in all cases. However, the whole process is neither very complicated nor time-consuming, which is why we recommend you go through it to be on the safe side.

How to maintain the reverse osmosis system:

• Changing the pre and post-filters regularly is key.
• Pre-filters should be replaced approximately every 6 to 12 months. Most post-filters last for 1-2 years.
• RO membranes typically last up to 2 to 5 years (if you replace the pre-filters on schedule).
• You should clean/sterilize your system with each filter replacement; Ideally 1-2 times a year.
• Check the storage tank pressure with a low-pressure gauge at least once a year. Measure the pressure when the tank is empty. 6-8 psi is ideal. Re-pressurize using a bicycle pump if necessary.
• Drain the RO tank every two weeks and let it fill again if you are not using a large amount of water.

Prevent contamination of reverse osmosis membranes

Prevention is key. Reasonable pretreatment can reduce the risk of contamination. At Carewater we offer a wide range of possible pre-treatments, depending on the source of the water. If you are working with tap water, we recommend using a water softener or anti-scaler with a pre-filter. A water softener removes poorly soluble Mg2+ and Ca2+ salts from water. The antiscalant retains Mg2+ and Ca2+ salts. Both prevent the deposition of salts on membranes. The pre-filter stops small dissolved particles so they do not contaminate the membranes. When using river, canal, sea, or rainwater, we offer sand filters, activated carbon filters, decanters, ultra/fine filtration, or an alternative, depending on the specific situation.

In addition, regular maintenance must be performed on the membranes. This ensures that any contamination is detected and treated in a timely manner to prevent further damage. This is how it works:

• The CIP tank is filled with demineralized water or softened water.
• An alkaline solution is prepared which must spread over the membranes.
• The membranes are then rinsed with demineralized or diluted water.
• The membranes still need to be treated with an acidic solution, because the membranes collect and swell with the alkaline solution.
• This treatment will correct the pH.
• As a final step, the membranes must be rinsed again.
• Pre-treatment is also subject to a comprehensive examination.

Consequences of contamination of RO membranes

Contaminated RO membranes lead to various problems:

• Low permeate flow
• Decreased salt excretion
• Demi water is of lower quality
• Increased differential pressure
• Increased costs
• The shorter service life of RO membranes.

If the above symptoms occur, maintenance should be performed on the membranes immediately to prevent further damage.

What are the signs that my membrane reverse osmosis membranes need maintenance?

There are three big signs that your reverse osmosis system is struggling and needs attention: low water pressure, bad-tasting or smelling water, or your reverse osmosis system is always on. These signs should be easy to spot. All you have to do is remember that it may be your own RO system.

Low water pressure

Low water pressure is an annoying problem, especially when it takes a long time to get a glass of water to drink. When you get low water pressure, it may be because your reverse osmosis system is not producing enough water.

In this case, it usually means that your filters are not doing their job and are clogging up the system. You can also think of it like how your dryer works. If the lint filter is not changed, your clothes will not dry. In the same way, if your water pressure is low, it means it is time to change your reverse osmosis filters.

Bad taste or smell in the water

There are many different tastes and odors that you can find in your water, but all of them will tell you that your reverse osmosis system needs maintenance.

If you smell chlorine in your water, this is a sign that you need to change the filters and membrane in your reverse osmosis system. Any chlorine that reaches the membrane will damage it immediately.

In addition, a metallic smell, rotten egg taste, or foul-smelling water may mean your system is not working properly. The metallic smell comes from minerals in the water, such as iron, copper, zinc, lead, or other metals. The bad odor comes from bacteria growing in your system. Unfortunately, both can make you sick.

The RO system is always running

Another common sign that your reverse osmosis system is not working properly is that it is always on. This usually means that your membrane is not in good condition and something needs to be replaced. If your membrane is not in good condition, it means your filters are not in good condition either.

This is a big sign that you need to perform maintenance on your RO system as soon as possible. With it running constantly, it can accelerate regular wear and damage the entire system.