US Water Systems Defender 223-DFROM Series, Owner'S Manual

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23
Membrane Removal & Replacement
Replacing membranes in the pressure vessels is an easy process if you have the proper information and tools
at hand. Please refer to the following instructions when removing and replacing membrane elements:
WARNING: ALL PRESSURE GAUGES MUST READ ZERO BEFORE PROCEEDING. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING, DISCONNECT THE POWER FROM THE SYSTEM AND BLEED ALL
WATER PRESSURE FROM THE SYSTEM!
1. Remove the end caps from the top of the membrane housings
2. Remove the membrane bag containing the membrane element from the shipping box.
WEAR GLOVES FOR THE FOLLOWING STEPS IN ORDER NOT TO CONTAMINATE THE MEMBRANE.
Cut the bag open as close as possible to the seal at the end of the bag, so the bag may be re - used if necessary.
Make sure that all parts are clean and free from dirt. Examine the brine seal, and permeate tube for nicks or
cuts. Replace the O - rings or brine seal if damaged.
Flow directions should be observed for installation of each element into each housing.
As time progresses, the efficiency of the membrane will be reduced. In general, the salt rejection does not
change significantly until two or three years after installation when operated on properly pretreated feed water.
The permeate flow rate will begin to decline slightly after one year of operation, but can be extended with diligent
flushing and cleaning of the system. A high pH and/or precipitation of hardness can cause premature loss in
rejection.
REPLACING THE MEMBRANE ELEMENT:
WARNING: THE BRINE SEAL MUST BE IN THE SAME POSITION FOR EACH MEMBRANE ELEMENT
HOUSING, SO MARK EACH HOUSING PRIOR TO REMOVING THE MEMBRANE ELEMENTS.
THE BRINE SEAL IS A RUBBER SEAL THAT PROTRUDES ON ONE SIDE OF THE MEM-
BRANE AND IS ALWAYS ON THE FEED SIDE OF THE MEMBRANE ELEMENT.
1. Remove one membrane element at a time from the membrane element housings, from the top of the
housing. Long nose pliers may be necessary to pull the old membrane element out of the membrane ele-
ment housing.
2. Lubricate the brine seal with non petroleum based lubricant, Silicone DC 111
3. Install the brine seal side of the membrane element first. When the housings have a direction of flow from
bottom to top, the brine seal should be located at the bottom of the housing.
4. At a slight angle insert the membrane while slightly rotating the element being careful not to tear or flip the
brine seal. A slow twisting motion should be used to insert the membrane element, to ensure the brine
seal stays in place. Re
- lube the brine seal if necessary.
5. With a smooth and constant motion, push the membrane element into the housing so the brine seal en-
ters the housing without coming out of the brine seal groove.
6. Re - install the end caps by gently twisting the end cap while pushing it onto the housing. Ensure that you
do not pinch or fatigue any O - rings while re - installing the end plug. Push the end plug on until the outer
diameter of the plug is flush with the outer diameter of the membrane housing.
7. Reconnect any fittings that may have been disconnected when the membrane element housings were
disassembled.
8. To Start - Up the system, please refer to the Initial Start - Up section of this manual.
CAUTION : WET MEMBRANES ARE SHIPPED IN A PRESERVATIVE SOLUTION. THE MEM-
BRANES MUST BE FLUSHED FOR AT LEAST 1 HOUR TO REMOVE THE PRESERVA-
TIVE FROM THE MEMBRANE. DISCARD ALL OF THE PERMEATE AND CONCEN-
TRATE, WHICH IS PRODUCED DURING THE FLUSH PERIOD.