Sea Recovery SRC Aqua Matic 1400-2, Owner'S Manual, Page: 122 / 223

b. If the end plug develops a crack (between the product water port and the pressurized feed water), a
similar increase in Product Water flow and high Product Water salinity will occur.
c. At ONE end of the RO Membrane Element, there is a “U” cup seal referred to as the “brine seal.” NEVER
use two Brine Seals. NEVER place a Brine Seal on both ends of the RO Membrane Element. This will
cause an air pocket between the outer surface of the RO Membrane Element and the inner wall of the
Pressure Vessel. The air pocket would allow the RO Membrane Element to expand outward during
operation, causing irreversible mechanical damage to the RO Membrane Element that results in higher
than normal Product Water Flow and High Product Water Salinity.
d. Product Water line is blocked. NEVER Block the Product Water Line. NEVER place a valve in the Product
Water Line that can close and block the Product Water Line. Blockage of the Product Water line will
result in high pressure build up of 950 PSI (66 BAR) within the line and within the product water tube and
product water channel of the RO Membrane Element. If the System is shut down while the Product Water
Line is blocked, irreversible damage to the RO Membrane Element will occur.
e. Chemical attack, one that will dissolve the membrane surface such as an oxidant like Chlorine, has
destroyed the RO Membrane Element surface.
b. Solutions:
a. Replace the O-Ring if wear or damage is present.
b. Replace the End Plug if it is damaged or cracked.
c. Replace the RO Membrane Element. NEVER place two Brine Seals on one RO Membrane Element.
d. Determine what blocked the Product Water Line and correct the condition. Replace the RO Membrane
Element.
e. Determine the source and correct the situation. Replace the RO Membrane Element.
2. Problem: Product Water Flow slowly, over months, decreases and Product Water Salinity, slowly over
months, increases, quality decreases:
a. Descriptions:
a. As the System is exposed to sea water, biological matter will eventually coat the membrane surface,
causing a drop in production, loss of product water flow accompanied by an increase in salt passage in
the product water. Fresh Water Rinsing will minimize and slow down the biological fouling that naturally
occurs. Chemical Cleaning at appropriate intervals will remove the biological fouling and extend the life
of the RO Membrane Element.
b. As the RO Membrane Element is operated, dissolved solids, salts or mineral, will build up on the membrane
surface ,causing a drop in production and loss of product water flow accompanied by an increased
percentage of dissolved solids, salt, in the product water. Chemical cleaning at appropriate intervals will
dissolve the salt and mineral fouling and extend the life of the RO Membrane Element.
b. Solution: Clean or replace the RO Membrane Element.
3. Problem: Product Water Flow suddenly decreases and Product Water Salinity, suddenly increases,
quality decreases.
a. Description: Chemical and oil attacks will cause production to suddenly decrease and product water quality
to worsen.
b. Solution: Replace the RO Membrane Element(s) if they have been attacked by chemicals or oil.
1. Problem: Feed Water leaks from the Pressure Vessel.
a. Descriptions:
a. The High Pressure fittings entering the Pressure Vessel are O-Ring sealed at the End Plug that they
attach to. Should a leak develop at a High Pressure Fitting inspect the respective O-Ring for signs of
wear or damage.
b. The End Plugs seal against the inner surface of the High Pressure Vessel. The O-Ring that creates this
seal is the “Brine O-Ring.” Should a leak develop between the End Plug and the inside wall of the Pressure
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