Deionization Resin question.

[Srt4eric]

I have an ro/di system that has a 5th stage Deionization Resin thing that I'm supposed to change when the resin completely changes color. How often are you all changing that resin. I just use mine to fill up 5 gallon jugs and I've accidentally left in on over night a couple times. It seems like I'm changing this stuff often. I know leaving it running for 12+ hours doesn't help.

 

[Meshmez]

I have an ro/di system that has a 5th stage Deionization Resin thing that I'm supposed to change when the resin completely changes color. How often are you all changing that resin. I just use mine to fill up 5 gallon jugs and I've accidentally left in on over night a couple times. It seems like I'm changing this stuff often. I know leaving it running for 12+ hours doesn't help.

This depends on so many different factors. What is your TDS going into the resin? Do you flush your RO membranes before use? On startup, do you divert the water by the DI resin until the TDS drops? What is your water pressure?

Also there is some evidence that you should actually change it when about 3/4 of it has changed colors.

 

[max_nano]

I use a dual tds meter to check input and output tds. Di resin is what I switch out when I see tds going over 0 and the color has changed.

Meshmez has some good questions to help figure it out in a more complete way. RO flush and inline tds meter may be worthwhile upgrades for your rodi setup

 

[Rostato]

Single stage can get used up pretty quick, especially if you aren’t flushing, and not diverting all the high TDS water first. And if you arn’t running your RO at a high enough PSI

 

[rygh]

Do you have Chloramines in tap water?
You may need more carbon on the front end.

 

[Srt4eric]

Holy crap guys!!! I had no idea about flushing first. I just ran a quick test. Right off the bat before the di filter I'm getting 80ppm tds. Letting it run just 2 min it's down to 12ppm tds. Thanks guys for the knowledge!!!

 

[Meshmez]

That's just the startup tds creep though. You should also flush your ro membrane. Can you post a pic of your system?

 

[Srt4eric]

That's just the startup tds creep though. You should also flush your ro membrane. Can you post a pic of your system?

 

[Meshmez]

Oh boy. Ok. What is the thing circled in the pic? Are there any bypass levers or anything?

 

[Srt4eric]

That's the waste line.

 

[Srt4eric]

Amazon.com : AQUATICLIFE RO Buddie Four Stage Reverse Osmosis System with Color Changing Mixed Bed Deionization Cartridge : Livestock Equipment : Pet Supplies

Amazon.com : AQUATICLIFE RO Buddie Four Stage Reverse Osmosis System with Color Changing Mixed Bed Deionization Cartridge : Livestock Equipment : Pet Supplies

www.amazon.com

 

[Meshmez]

So is that just a connector?

 

[Srt4eric]

I need to upgrade.

 

[Srt4eric]

So is that just a connector?

Yep. I think it's a check valve.

 

[Srt4eric]

Just saw this one for $80. Good deal?

 

[Rostato]

Just saw this one for $80. Good deal?View attachment 19691

No. Unfortunately in the bay area you really need two carbon blocks and are best to use 3 di resins. Plus you have to replace all the filters

my suggestion is to wait until Black Friday and pick up one of the BRS 7 stage filters.

 

[Meshmez]

I need to upgrade.

Yes, I was going to recommend that. Long term you will probably save money, plus get better performance.

On mine I have this flush valve on my waste line. It bypasses most of the water from the ro membranes. And helps flush it clean.

I also have this valve that allows me to bypass my DI resin. When flushing and during tds creep (each unit startup) I bypass the DI resin and dump the water to the waste drain. Once tds drops, I switch it to the DI resin, and collect the product water.

 

[Meshmez]

Do you know your water pressure? You may also need a booster pump.

 

[Srt4eric]

Do you know your water pressure? You may also need a booster pump.

I believe it's about 60psi. I'll test it tomorrow. I have a gauge in my plumbing truck.

 

[jccaclimber]

As to the above being a good deal, if you’re handy it is not difficult to plumb in an extra cartridge and do some rearranging. If you’re not then get exactly what you need up front.