Applied Membranes AA Series User manual

AA System Operation Manual
© 2007
AA Series Systems
MANUAL FOR
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
OF
REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEMS
for Models:
AA-12514, AA-12521
AA-32514, AA-22521
2325 Cousteau Ct.
Vista, CA 92081
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.AppliedMembranes.com

AA System Operation Manual
Page 1of 27
© 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM PAGE
Record Sheet . . . . . . 2
General Information and Safety . . . . . . 3
System Specifications . . . . . . 4
System Operating Conditions . . . . . . 5
System Flow Schematic . . . . . . 6
Component Identification . . . . . . 7
System Installation . . . . . . 8-9
Initial System Start-Up . . . . . . 10
Shut Down . . . . . . 11
Adjustment of Pressure Switches . . . . . . 12
Maintenance Tips . . . . . . 13
Cleaning . . . . . . 14-18
Replacing Membranes . . . . . . 19
Replacing Pre-filters . . . . . . 20
Temperature Correction . . . . . . 21
Operating Do’s and Don’ts . . . . . . 22
System Operating Log . . . . . . 23
Troubleshooting . . . . . . 24
Electrical Drawing . . . . . . 25
Component Identification . . . . . . 26
Warranty . . . . . . 27

AA System Operation Manual
Page 2 of 27 © 2007
Fill In the Following Information for Your Records:
Date of purchase: ___________________________________________________
Customer’s name: ____________________________________________________
Model number: ______________________________________________________
Serial number: ______________________________________________________
NEVER OPERATE THIS SYSTEM UNTIL THE USER FULLY UNDERSTANDS THE CONTENTS OF
THIS MANUAL. FOR OWNERS WHO DO NOT OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT, IT IS THEIR
RESPONSIBILITY THAT THE USER HAS BEEN PROPERLY INSTRUCTED AND FULLY AWARE OF
THE MANUAL CONTENTS. THIS IS IMPORTANT IN THE SAFE HANDLING AND IN OBTAINING
AN EFFICIENT OPERATION OF THE MACHINE.
IMPORTANT
Please retain this manual for future reference.
Please read this manual in its entirety before using this machine.
DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.
Applied Membranes, Inc. shall not be liable for technical or editorial omissions made herein;
nor for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing, performance, or use
of this material.

AA System Operation Manual
Page 3 of 27 © 2007
GENERAL INFORMATION and SAFTEY
READ THIS MANUAL: Prior to operating or servicing this unit, this manual must be read
and understood. If anything is not clear, call for assistance before proceeding. Keep this and
other associated manuals for future reference and for new operators or qualified service
personnel.
USE PROPER POWER CONNECTIONS: Use proper wiring and connection methods to
satisfy local electrical codes.
SHOCK HAZARD: Connect this unit to a properly grounded connection in accordance with
the National Electrical Code. DO NOT, under any circumstances, remove the ground wire or
ground prong from any power plug. Do not use extension cords or an adapter without proper
consideration.
WARNING: Unplug the system prior to servicing.
WARNING: Do not make any alteration or modification in the wiring or plumbing of the
system. This can result in damage to the system and cause injury to operators or users.
WARNING: Flush the system for 30 minutes before use to remove all chemicals present.
CAUTION: Chlorine can damage the membrane. Chlorine should be removed from the feed
stream before entering the system. The feed stream should be tested for chlorine at least
once a week. Always follow proper maintenance procedures.
CAUTION: Never let the system freeze. Freezing can damage the membrane and plumbing.

AA System Operation Manual
Page 4 of 27 © 2007
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical
Model HZ Motor HP Volts Phase
AA-12514-116 60 1/3 115/230 1
AA-12514-215/6 60 or 50 1/3 220/230 1
AA-12521-116 60 1/3 115/230 1
AA-12521-215/6 60 or 50 1/3 220/230 1
AA-32514-116 60 1/3 115/230 1
AA-32514-215/6 60 or 50 1/3 220/230 1
AA-22521-116 60 1/3 115/230 1
AA-22521-215/6 60 or 50 1/3 220/230 1
NOTES:
1. All systems rated at 77 Degrees Fahrenheit (25 Degrees Celsius) using 1000 ppm sodium
chloride (NaCl) solution. System capacity decreases significantly with decrease in feed
water temperature (see temperature correction chart).
2. Chlorine requirements for the feed water are as follows:
Thin-Film (standard) 0 ppm
CA (special order only) 0.1 ppm Minimum
3. Feed water must be filtered to a turbidity of less than 1 NTU.
4. System recovery (permeate to concentrate ratio) must be maintained at the recommended
level. A higher than recommended recovery will lead to a premature fouling of the
membrane with a loss of permeate flow and permeate quality.
5. Softened water should be used for the feed water to the RO system.

AA System Operation Manual
Page 5 of 27 © 2007
AA Spec Sheet
MODEL AA–12514 AA-12521 AA-32514 AA-22521
Rated Capacity, Permeate*
- Gal/Day 220 350 525 700
- Gals/Hr 9 15 22 29
- Liters/Hr 34 57 83 110
Concentrate Flow (Reject)
- Gal/Hr 41 65 78 71
- Liters/Hr 155 246 295 269
Permeate: Conc. Flow ratio 1:4.5 1:4.3 1:3.5 1:2.44
System Pressure, PSI 150-200 150-200 150-200 150-200
Design Temperature,
- Degrees Celsius/ Degrees F 25/77 25/77 25/77 25/77
Sediment Cartridge
- Replacement ** Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly
Carbon Cartridge, Pre-membrane
- Replacement*** (for chlorine removal): Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly
Carbon Cartridge, Post-membrane
- Replacement (for taste/odor polishing): 6 Months 6 Months 6 Months 6 Months
Pressure Switch Settings:
- Low Pressure (for pump protection):12 PSI 12 PSI 12 PSI 12 PSI
- Tank Pressure (to shut-off system at tank
full): 20/40 PSI 20/40 PSI 20/40 PSI 20/40 PSI
Pretreatment Notations:
(Additional pretreatment equipment is available from Applied Membranes, Inc.)
* Softened feed water is recommended.
** Depends on the turbidity of the feed water. For water with high turbidity an additional back-
washable multi-media system may be required to help to minimize cartridge replacements.
*** An additional back-washable pre-carbon system may be required to help to minimize cartridge
replacements.

AA System Operation Manual
Page 6 of 27 © 2007

AA System Operation Manual
Page 7 of 27 © 2007
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
AA System Component Diagram
# Item Description
1. Solenoid Valve Normally closed. Opens when there is sufficient feed pressure
2. Cartridge Filter 5 micron sediment filter.
3. Carbon Filter Extruded carbon cartridge to remove chlorine from the feed stream.
4. Low Pressure Switch Shuts the system down if the inlet pressure is lower than 12 psi
(adjustable).
5. High Pressure Pump Rotary Vane pump to pressurize the incoming water to 150-200 psi.
6. Membrane Modules Membrane elements housed in stainless steel pressure tubes.
Membranes require proper flow and pressure for good operation.
7. System Pressure Gauge Measures the pressure at the exit end of the membrane modules.
8. Control Valve To adjust system pressure. Must not be completely closed when
the system is in operation.
9. Tank Pressure Switch Turns system on/off based on pressurized storage tank level.
10. Carbon Filter Extruded carbon cartridge to remove taste and odor from the
permeate stream.
11. TDS Monitor (optional) Monitors the permeate quality.

AA System Operation Manual
Page 8 of 27 © 2007
REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM INSTALLATION
1. Locate R.O. system with adequate clearance from walls and other equipment to enable
membrane servicing.
2. Run four polyvinyl tube lines to the system as follows:
Line #1: Bring raw water supply feed to the inlet of the first prefilter housing. The line
size should be 3/8" . Install a valve in this line. The valve opening should not
restrict the water flow.
CAUTION: Pump and system performance will be adversely affected if the
suction line is restricted.
Line #2: Run a 1/4" line from the open end of the control valve to a drain. Insure that no
liquids from other lines in the plant flow back through this line.

AA System Operation Manual
Page 9 of 27 © 2007
Line #3: Run a 3/8" line from the permeate outlet located at right end of PVC manifold to
a pressurized storage tank.
Line #4: Run a 3/8" line from the permeate outlet of the post-filter housing to a faucet or
other final permeate destination.
CAUTION: Be sure that all lines are connected before plugging in unit power.

AA System Operation Manual
Page 10 of 27 © 2007
INITIAL SYSTEM START-UP
SYSTEM FLUSH: Direct permeate discharge to drain for first 30 minutes of operation.
1. Connect the system to the appropriate electrical outlet, 110vac or 220vac 1 phase. The
solenoid will open as soon the power is applied and the unit will come on if the feed
pressure is high enough. NOTE: Follow all NEC and local electrical codes.
2. After water is flowing from the concentrate line, adjust the control valve to obtain 150
PSI on the system pressure gauge.
3. Allow the unit to run for 30 minutes.
4. After the flush time is over, turn the unit off by disconnecting the power.
5. Redirect the permeate to the desired location.
6. Turn the power back on. After the pump starts, adjust the control valve to the desired
pressure (not to exceed 150 psi). The recycle valve may now be adjusted and the
control and recycle valves used to set the system pressure and flows.
CAUTION: To prevent concentrate from precipitating and causing irreversible fouling of
the R.O. membrane, do not operate the system with the control valve
completely closed. Do not exceed recommended maximum recovery.

AA System Operation Manual
Page 11 of 27 © 2007
SHUTDOWN
1. Cut off feed water supply and/or unplug unit.
2. If the unit is to be shut down for more than 1 week, a membrane preservative should
be used (AMI Model No. AM-88). The preservative can be injected into the system
by using a tank and recirculation pump. Close "Control" valve after injection to hold the
preservative in the pressure vessel.
3. When the system is restarted after an extended shutdown, follow initial system start up
procedures.
SYSTEM MONITORING AND RECORD KEEPING
The system should be monitored and all pertinent data recorded on a daily basis. Data is
needed to determine operating efficiency and for performing system maintenance. The latter
includes cleaning of the membranes, adjusting the operating conditions, replacement of
membranes, and antiscalant use.

AA System Operation Manual
Page 12 of 27 © 2007
ADJUSTMENT OF PRESSURE SWITCHES
Tools Required:
Flat Blade Screw Driver
CAUTION: 115 VOLT SHOCK HAZARD
Turn off R.O. unit and disconnect all electrical power prior to removing cover plates on
pressure switches.
LOW & HIGH PRESSURE CUT-OUT SWITCH
1. Loosen nut and remove cover plate.
2. Use box wrench to adjust nut on left side 4 to 5 turns counterclockwise; lessen
pressure clockwise to raise pressure.
3. Do not tamper with nut on right side.
4. Replace cover.

AA System Operation Manual
Page 13 of 27 © 2007
MAINTENANCE TIPS
MAINTAIN PROPER OPERATING CONDITIONS
Do not exceed 200psi on the pressure gauge. Do not over use recycle flow.
This can cause premature scaling of the membrane. A proper concentrate flow is required
for a long membrane life.
Test the water from your carbon filter once a week for chlorine break through.
WHEN TO CHANGE CARTRIDGE FILTERS
Cartridge filters should be changed regularly to maintain proper pump pressure and flow.

AA System Operation Manual
Page 14 of 27 © 2007
WHEN TO CLEAN MEMBRANES
In normal operation, the membrane in reverse osmosis elements can become fouled by
mineral scale, biological matter, and grime. These deposits build up during operation until
they cause loss in water output or loss of salt rejection, or both. Elements should be cleaned
whenever the water output rate drops by 10 percent from its initial flow rate (the flow rate
established during the first 24 to 48 hours of operation) or when salt content in the product
water rises noticeably.
It should be noted that the water output rate will drop if feed water temperature decreases
(about 1-1/2 percent per degrees Fahrenheit). This is normal and does not indicate
membrane fouling. A malfunction in the pretreatment, pressure control or pump can cause a
drop in feed water delivery pressure, feed water flow, or product water output, or an increase
in salt passage. If such adjustments are needed, the element may not require cleaning.
Membrane Cleaning and Preservative Cartridges:
•Clean and Preserve Membranes without Removing them from your System
•Reduce Downtime
•Maintain Your System Performance at a Higher Level
•Prolong Membrane Life by Regular Use of Cleaning Cartridges
Ordering Information
--- 10” Standard Cartridges ---
C-C2510-A11 Scale TF
C-C2510-A22 Organics TF
--- 10” Preservative Cartridges ---
C-C2510-A88 Preservative TF

AA System Operation Manual
Page 15 of 27 © 2007
Membrane Cleaning in your RO System
Membrane Cleaning Cartridges:
•Clean Membranes without Removing them from your System
•Reduce Downtime
•Maintain Your System Performance at a Higher Level
•Prolong Membrane Life by Regular Use of Cleaning Cartridges
How do they Work?
Simply exchange the pre-filter cartridge in your system with a cleaning cartridge. Follow the instructions. Restart
the system. You may repeat the process, if required. We recommend a monthly cleaning to obtain optimum
results.
To be used in systems up to 20,000 Gallons Per Day
10” Bi
g
Blue Cart.

AA System Operation Manual
Page 16 of 27 © 2007
Cleaning Procedure:
1. Shut down to RO system.
2. Disconnect permeate line and divert to drain before
any cleaning cartridge is installed.
3. Remove the filter cartridge from the pre-filter housing.
4. Replace the filter cartridge with the cleaning cartridge
and assemble into the filter housing.
5. Turn system ON. After 30-40 seconds*, shut down
the system.
6. Let the membrane(s) soak in the cleaning solution
overnight.
7. Remove the empty cleaning cartridge and replace it
with the original filter.
8. Restart the system. Direct the permeate to drain for 5
minutes.
9. Go back to normal operations.
*
Instead of time, you may use one of the following criteria:
a.
Run the system until the pH of the concentrate is
almost the same as the cleaning solution (pH=3)
b.
Permeate rate for the system drops to a very low
value.
C-C2510-A11
Acidic Cleaning Cartridges for TF Type Membranes
User Instructions
Caution: Handle cartridges carefully.
C-C2510-A11
C-C2520-A11

AA System Operation Manual
Page 17 of 27 © 2007
Cleaning Procedure:
1. Shut down the RO system.
2. Disconnect the permeate line and divert permeate
to drain during cleaning.
3. Remove the pre-filter cartridge from the filter
housing.
4. Replace the sediment pre-filter cartridge with the
cleaning cartridge and assemble into the filter
housing.
5. Turn system ON. After 30-40 seconds*, shut
down the system.
6. Let the membrane(s) soak in the cleaning solution
overnight.
7. Remove the empty cleaning cartridge and replace
it with the original filter.
8. Restart the system. Direct the permeate to drain
for 5 minutes.
9. Go back to normal operations.
*
Instead of time, you may use one of the following
criteria:
c.
Run the system until the pH of the concentrate is
almost the same as the cleaning solution (pH=10-
12)
d.
Permeate rate for the system drops to a very low
value.
C-C2510A22, C-C2520A22
Alkaline Cleaning Cartridges for TF Type Membranes
User Instructions
Caution: Handle cartridges carefully.
C-C2510-A22
C-C2520-A22

AA System Operation Manual
Page 18 of 27 © 2007
STORAGE PROTECTION
To prevent bacterial growth and help maintain flux, it is recommended that elements be
immersed in AM-88 if the system will be off for more than 3 days.
User Instructions
Preserving Procedure:
1. Shut down to RO system.
2. Disconnect the permeate line and direct permeate
to drain during cleaning/preserving.
3. Remove the 5M filter cartridge from the pre-filter
housing.
4. Replace the filter cartridge with the preservative
cartridge and assemble into the filter housing.
5. Turn system ON. After 30-40 seconds*, shut
down the system.
6. Drain the system of the permeate solution as
much as possible by opening a valve/fitting at a
low point in the system. Close off the inlet and
outlet to the membrane/system.
Flushing out Preservative/Re-start Procedure:
7. Open valves etc. and put the system back in the
position it was before preserving.
8. Remove the empty preservative cartridge and
replace it with a new cartridge filter.
9. Re-start the system. Direct permeate to drain for
15-30 minutes.
10. Go back to normal operation.
C-C2510-A88
Membrane Preservative Cartridge
Caution: Handle cartridges carefully.
C-C2510-A88
C-C2520-A88

AA System Operation Manual
Page 19 of 27 © 2007
REPLACING MEMBRANES
TOOLS:
Rubber Mallet
Flat Blade Screwdriver
Open End Wrench, 7/8"
Food Grade RT-111 silicone
Safety Glasses
PROCEDURE:
1. Turn off the RO system.
2. Relieve pressure on the membrane array.
3. Remove all lines from both ends of the pressure vessel(s). Please make sure that the
fittings are marked – so it can go back to the correct locations.
4. 4A.) U-PIN STYLE HOUSINGS:
Remove u-pins from vessel. Slowly and carefully pull end plugs out from the fitting with
a channel lock. Remove end plugs by pulling carefully.