Reverse Osmosis System Membrane Life
The goal is to achieve the maximum reverse osmosis system membrane life. The membrane is the engine of the reverse osmosis system. Using a reverse osmosis system is all about getting the most gallonage out of the filters and membrane. In a perfect world, the system would tell you when to replace the membrane and filters just before the water quality deteriorated or the system started wasting water.
So how to get the most out of your reverse osmosis system water membrane is dependent on you testing your water. Without testing your water you are guessing whether it is time to change the membrane.
Determining time for change
To know when it is time to change the filter membrane you need to know the levels of total dissolved solids in both the tap water and the RO water. The above formula determines the efficiency of the membrane. The higher the efficiency the better the membrane is working. So how do you test your water for total dissolved solids? Do you buy a lab coat? Should you set up part of the house for a test bench?
The test equipment
This test is accomplished using a simple TDS meter. It is a simple test method. Turn on the meter, put the end of the meter in a clean glass of water, ten seconds later get your measurement. The following 3-minute video shows you how to use a TDS meter and how not to use the meter.
Gathering samples
The testing method using a TDS meter
- Gather two water samples one from the RO system and a tap water sample.
- Remove the cover from the tester, then turn it on. The display should read triple zero.
- Insert the tip of the tester into the RO water sample. A half inch of water will do. Do not submerge the meter into deep water.
- Read the number on the meter. The number is the Total Dissolved Solids of the water in PPM(parts per million).
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the tap water sample.
- The Hold and the Temp buttons are little-used features you won’t need for this test.
- When you’re done, turn the tester off to save the batteries and replace the cover.
- Use the formula above to determine if your membrane needs to be replaced.
Note: The tester is factory calibrated it will not need calibration.
Related Article: Additional Reverse Osmosis Articles
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