IV.
INITIAL SYSTEM STARTUP
Page - 15
B)
RO Membrane Installation & Removal
The following procedure details the installation of RO membranes into their
housings as well as their removal for the purposes of maintenance or
replacement. For additional information, refer to the vessel manufacturers
literature in the Appendix.
WARNING
Before opening pressure vessels to change membranes, confirm that all
pressure is relieved from the RO piping and vessels.
Failure to comply with the above Warning may result in equipment damage and/or
personal injury.
a)
Remove all piping/tubing connected to the end caps of the RO pressure
vessel. This is most easily accomplished by removing header assemblies as
a unit, breaking at common points on each vessel.
b)
Once the piping / tubing has been removed, loosen the retaining rings on
each end cap.
c)
Remove the retaining rings and end caps from both ends of the housing.
d)
Steps e) through j) detail the removal of existing membranes from their
pressure vessels. If membranes are to be installed into previously empty
pressure vessels, go directly to step k).
e)
Inspect the end closure O-ring and discard if there is any sign of damage,
embrittlement, etc. Replace if necessary.
f)
Remove the end adapter from each membrane end and inspect all O-rings
for damage, embrittlement, etc. Also check end adapters for cracks, scored
interior surfaces, etc. Replace components as necessary.
g)
From the tube side marked with the letter "F" on the final assembly
drawings, push the "feed" side membrane toward the opposite end of the
pressure vessels.
NOTE
A pipe of inner diameter large enough to pass over the membrane and
connection may be used to push the membrane once it moves beyond easy
reach. Make sure to support each membrane as it protrudes from the
opposite end of the vessel so as not to crack the interconnectors or damage
the membranes by dropping them on the ground.
h)
As the first membrane protrudes from the opposite end of the vessel, use a
gentle twisting motion to disconnect the membrane from the interconnector
(single membrane vessels will not have interconnectors).
i)
Remove the interconnector from the end of the membrane remaining in the
vessel and continue to push the membrane through the vessel until the
vessel is empty.