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01037575 A 11/19
Introduction
This owner’s guide provides visual assembly reference only. Since specialized skills are
required in the assembly of the drinking water system, we recommend that you contact
your local independently operated Culligan dealer to complete this installation.
Factors Which Affect Performance
Performance of the reverse osmosis membrane is affected by several factors which must be
considered when judging the condition of the system. The main factors which affect system
performance are pressure, temperature, total dissolved solids level, recovery and pH.
Pressure
Water pressure affects both the quantity and quality of the water produced by the RO membrane.
Be careful not to exceed 120 psi, the maximum operating pressure of the system.
Total Dissolved Solids
The minimum driving force which is necessary to stop or reverse the natural osmosis process is termed
osmotic pressure. As the total dissolved solids level of the feed water increases, the amount of osmotic
pressure increases and acts as back pressure against the reverse osmosis process. Osmotic pressure
becomes significant at TDS levels above 500 mg/L (ppm).
Hardness
Hardness is the most common membrane foulant. If ignored, this relatively harmless component
of feed water will plug a membrane over time. Use of a softener will reduce the fouling effect on a
membrane. One way to detect too much hardness in the feed water is the weight of a membrane
installed for a period of time. A fouled membrane (dried) will weigh significantly more than a new
membrane. The increase in weight is a result of precipitated hardness inside the membrane.
Iron
Iron is another common membrane foulant. There are a variety of types of iron, some of
which cannot be removed by an iron filter. Clear water iron can be removed more effectively
by a softener. Particulate iron can be removed more effectively by a 1 micron filter. Organic-bound
iron can be removed only by activated carbon or macro-porous anion resin. If there is enough iron
to exceed the EPA secondary drinking water standard and softening the water is not an option and
the iron is soluble, then an iron filter is appropriate. If none of these are an option then regular
replacement of membranes will have to be accepted.
Product Water Recovery
Product water recovery plays an important role in determining membrane and system performance.
Recovery refers to the amount of water produced in relation to the amount of water sent to drain.
The standard calculation is:
% Recovery = Product Water ÷ (Product Water + Waste Water) x 100
Summary of Contents for Aquasential Tankless RO
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