HEAD LOADING PROCEDURE
Step 1 Inspect the Shell
Before installing the head, check the inside surface of the shell
for any imperfections or foreign matter. Remove all foreign matter
using a mild soap solution and rinse with clean water. To remove
imperfections, lightly sand the surface of the vessel with 600-grit
sandpaper and soapy water and then rinse with water.
Step 2 Head Seal and Shell Lubrication
Ensure that the head seal is covered with a thin layer of glycerin
and is free from any dirt or dust contamination. Then lubricate the
inside of the shell starting directly inboard of the retaining ring
groove and up the energizing ramp into the vessel bore. Only a
thin layer is required. Silicone lubricants can also be used;
however, care should be taken to use as little as possible. Check
with your membrane supplier before using these lubricants as
they can foul membranes.
Step 3 Install Head
Holding the head square to the axis of the shell, slowly push the
head into the shell until the seal passes the retaining ring groove.
As a resistance is felt, two hands may be required. Push the
head into shell until the head clears the retaining ring groove.
Step 4 Install Retaining Ring
Remove any moisture from the retaining groove before
proceeding. Carefully place the end of the retaining ring into the
groove on the shell. After the ring is started, slowly push the ring
towards the groove. As the ring enters the groove, continue
pushing as your hand slowly rotates counter-clockwise around
the inside diameter of the shell. Be careful to prevent the ring
from snapping against your finger as it enters the groove.
Step 5 Reconnect Piping
Reconnect the feed and permeate manifolding to the vessel.
Step 6 Pressurize System
Before starting the system, double check that each head has
been correctly installed and that all piping connections are in
place. After ensuring that all required precautions have been
taken, start the system.
Step 7 Check for Leaks
After system start up, verify that all connections are leak free. Fix
any leaks at this time to prevent corrosion that may lead to
component deterioration and possibly unsafe operation.
HEAD REMOVAL PROCEDURE
Step 1 Shut Down System
Shut down system and take all steps necessary to relieve
system pressure from the vessel.
Step 2 Disconnect Piping
Carefully disconnect the feed and permeate piping from the
vessel. Mark the feed port location by marking the shell for
easier installation. Set this piping in a secure place for re-
assembly.
Step 3 Check End Closure
Examine the end closure for any corrosion or damage. Remove
any corrosion with a wire brush and flush away the deposits with
clean water. Order replacement components as required.
Step 4 Remove Retaining Ring
Pull the retaining ring out of the groove in the shell. After the ring
is removed from the groove for ¼ turn, stop pulling. Finish
removing the ring by running your finger behind the ring and
carefully pulling the ring from groove. It is best to follow the ring
in n a clock-wise direction while removing to avoid stretching the
ring.
Step 5 Remove Head
While holding the permeate port with your hand, simply pull the
head from the shell. In some instances it may be required to
thread a connection onto the permeate port and gently rock the
head up and down to release the head from the shell.
HEAD REBUILDING
Prior to following this procedure, remove the head following the
procedure listed.
Step 1 Remove Adapter
Pull the adapter from the permeate port by slowly pulling on the
adapter body.
Step 2 Remove Permeate Port
Carefully remove the metal retaining ring from the permeate port
as to not damage the ring or the port. A new retaining ring may
be required to assemble the head. After the ring is removed,
carefully slip the bearing plate off the permeate port and set it
aside. Then simply pull the permeate port from the sealing plate.
Step 3 Inspect Feed Port
Push the port into the Bearing Plate to inspect the retaining
ring and port for corrosion or damage. If none is found, the
assembly should not be tampered with. If for any reason,
the retaining ring is removed, please contact the factory as a
new ring is required with special assembly instructions to
ensure proper performance.
Step 4 Remove Seals
Remove the seal from the permeate port and set aside. Using a
small tool, such as a screwdriver or a paper clip, remove the seal
from the inside of the permeate port and set aside.
Step 5 Clean All Components
Using a mild soap solution, clean each component, rinse with
fresh water and then dry with compressed air or a lint free towel.
Step 6 Inspect Components
Examine each component for corrosion or damage that may
affect the performance of the vessel. Replace any components
that have corrosion or visual damage. In addition, carefully
inspect each seal for damage or wear. It is recommended to
replace each seal at this time. Please be aware that seal
condition may affect system performance.
Step 7 Lubricate Seals
Using extreme care, coat each seal with a thin layer of glycerin.
Only a thin layer is required. Silicone lubricants can also be used;
however, care should be taken to use as little as possible. Check
with your membrane supplier before using these lubricants as
they can foul membranes.
Step 8 Reassemble Head
Reversing the removal procedure, reassemble the head. Please
note that a new permeate port retaining ring may be required to
ensure correct component performance.