RO/DI System Questions

[kristi518]

I purchased a Kent 4 stage RO/DI system from my lfs that closed down. The owner of the lfs told me that if the water starts producing water quickly then I need to replace the membrane. I have been really good about replacing the carbon and even the sediment filters and I know that I need to replace the DI filter and I have ordered one but I am wondering if I need to replace the membrane still. I am not sure how much the lfs used the system because they had a few of them and it was a really small store. I also wanted to know if I have to purchase a kent brand membrane or if you can purchase an off brand. I read a few reviews but never got a straight answer. Thanks!

 

[meowzer]

How is your water testing? That's the best judge
ALSO...I would change all other filters at the same time...don't change one here and there.

 

[acrylic51]

Why not change the membrane? Even though it might test good, if you change it you know in your own mind and can track the water that's been through it. Membranes aren't that expensive. No you don't have to purchase a Kent membrane....Dow Filmtec, Spectrapure. Just be sure to either get the same size membrane that is currently in the unit, or if you go bigger than what you have make sure the flow restrictor is correct.

 

[meowzer]

Originally Posted by acrylic51
http:///forum/post/3271810
Why not change the membrane? Even though it might test good, if you change it you know in your own mind and can track the water that's been through it. Membranes aren't that expensive.
YEAH...I was gonna say that too...LOL...change everything and then you know 100% what you have

 

[kristi518]

My question is can a purchase an unbranded membrane or should I stick with the Kent brand membrane?

 

[meowzer]

Originally Posted by Kristi518
http:///forum/post/3271813
My question is can a purchase an unbranded membrane or should I stick with the Kent brand membrane?
I'm guessing that would be a personal choice....if it fits you can probably put whatever you want in there..
ME...I buy the ones that came with my unit....they are made by airwaterice....I have never looked elsewhere (again....a personal choice)

 

[acrylic51]

IMHO I've built quite a few RO/DI units and I've only seen a few membranes, and there are really only 2 that I would stickin my unit. The first is Dow Filmtech, and the other is Spectraure. Spectrapure can be alittle more expensive depending where you get them and the last time I looked at Spectrapure's site (been awhile) you can get them tested per say as far as their rejection rate. So you can say you get what you pay for.......

 

[acrylic51]

Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3271815
ME...I buy the ones that came with my unit....they are made by airwaterice....I have never looked elsewhere (again....a personal choice)
I love dealing with Walter at AirwaterIce, but AirWaterIce doesn't manufacturer membanes though. A good source of filters though; Dow FilmTech^

 

[meowzer]

Originally Posted by acrylic51
http:///forum/post/3271823
I love dealing with Walter at AirwaterIce, but AirWaterIce doesn't manufacturer membanes though. A good source of filters though; Dow FilmTech^
really? But they do sell the ones that go to their units...I have seen them. I was just saying that I buy the replacement parts from the place I got my ro/di....IDK who makes the parts...lol....doesn't matter....all i know is that they fit and they work

 

[kristi518]

I am just wondering if the quality would be enough to make a difference in the quality of water that it produces?

 

[acrylic51]

Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3271825
really? But they do sell the ones that go to their units...I have seen them. I was just saying that I buy the replacement parts from the place I got my ro/di....IDK who makes the parts...lol....doesn't matter....all i know is that they fit and they work
You'd be suprised.....these companies use parts of other manufacturers to build there stuff. Membranes are universal more or less......There is a difference in quality or rejection rates. As you move up in gpd you'll see your rejection rate drop off. But yes with your AirWaterIce you could buy one packaged by Kent and it would work and be perfectly fine.
Kristi518 what are you referring to when you say "quality"?