GE Merlin Manual

Merlin®
Reverse Osmosis System by GE
Installation and Maintenance Manual

2
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SAFETY GUIDES 3
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SAFETY GUIDES
Read and follow all steps and guides carefully before installing and using your
reverse osmosis system.
Do not use this product to make safe drinking water from non-potable water
sources. Do not use the system on microbiologically unsafe water, or water of
unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.
This reverse osmosis system contains replaceable components (membrane
elements). These components are critical for the effective reduction of total
dissolved solids and specific contaminants that are listed in the Product Data
Sheet.
The Merlin Reverse Osmosis System does not have a monitoring device for
contaminants. To verify that the system is performing satisfactorily the product
water should be tested periodically by the system’s installing dealer or a certified
laboratory, every six months. The laboratory should be certified for testing the
specific contaminants of concern. For a listing of certified laboratories, contact
local regulatory agencies. Within the United States, many state-run Department
of Natural Resources or Department of Health Services maintain listings of
certified laboratories.
Consult your local public works department for plumbing and sanitation codes.
Follow your local codes if they differ from this manual.
The reverse osmosis system works on water pressures of 40 psi
(2.8 bar) minimum to 80 psi (5.5 bar) maximum. Water pressure can be reduced by
installing a pressure reducing valve in the water supply pipe to the RO system. A
booster pump should be used for low pressure applications.
Do not install the reverse osmosis system in extreme hot or cold temperatures.
Temperature of the water supply to the reverse osmosis system must be between
40°F (4°C) and 100°F (38°C). Do not install on hot water lines.
The reverse osmosis membranes contain a foodgrade preservative for storage
and shipment. All new membranes require a minimum 2 hour rinse to properly
rinse out the preservative. The preservative is not harmful but makes the product
water taste objectionable. Rinsing the membrane also acts a a performance
conditioner. All new membranes will reach their stable maximum performance
after 8 hours of rinsing.

4 THE BASIC REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM
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THE BASIC REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM
Your Merlin Reverse Osmosis System is a water treatment unit. It uses water
pressure to reverse a natural physical process called osmosis. Water, under
pressure, is forced through a semi-permeable membrane to filter out minerals
and impurities. Treated drinking water goes to the faucet. Minerals and impurities
are sent to the drain with RO waste water.
The system includes replaceable filters and membrane elements. The prefilter
reduces sand, silt, dirt, rust particles, other sediments, and chlorine from the
water supply before they enter the RO membrane elements. The postfilter
reduces any tastes and/or odors that may remain in the water after passing
through the RO membrane elements.
BEFORE INSTALLING THE RO SYSTEM
• Best performance of the system will be achieved when the incoming water
has been treated (softened).
• The water coming into the system must be within certain limits for sediments,
pressure, etc. Refer to the specifications to determine if your installation is
within the limits.
• A water quality analysis can be performed to determine if incoming water
requires any treatment. Contact your dealer/installer.
• The filters and membrane elements in the RO system need to be replaced on
a regular basis. Follow the instructions for replacement that are in this
manual.
• The faucet options for the Merlin RO have not been tested or certified by the
Water Quality Association. It is recommended that faucets meeting National
Codes be used.
• The feed pressure gauge supplied with some Merlin RO systems has not been
tested or certified by the Water Quality Association. It is recommended to
remove the feed pressure gauge during normal system operation.
NOTE: For optimal system performance, use the system for at least
2 minutes continuously each day.
WARNING: The Merlin RO system is designed to work without the aid of
a pressurized storage tank. Installation of a pressurized storage tank will
negatively affect system performance.

THE BASIC REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM 5
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MERLIN COMPONENTS
OnDemand RO
COMPLETE
MANIFOLD
PN 1244617 (1 pc)
SUPPORT
LEG
PN 1239708 (1 pc)
SUMP
& SEAL
SUMP
PN 1239705 (3 pcs)
O-RING
PN 1240326 (3 pcs)
ELEMENT
PN 4000569 (2 pcs)
FITTINGS
& LOCKING BAR
INSTALL KIT
PN 1255693
LOCKING BAR
DISCONNECT
PN 1239731 (1 pc)
COLLET
LOCK CLIP
RED
PN 1240626 (1 pc)
COLLET
LOCK CLIP
WHITE
PN 1240627 (5 pcs)
COLLET
LOCK CLIP
BLUE
PN 1240628 (2 pcs)
DRAIN
DISCONNECT
ELBOW - BLACK
PN 1264462 (1 pc)
STANDARD COMPONENTS SUPPLIED WITH
ALL MERLIN CONFIGURATIONS
TUBING
INSTALL KIT
PN 1255736
3/8" BLACK
TUBING (4 ft)
3/8" BLUE
TUBING (4 ft)
1/2" NATURAL
TUBING (4 ft)
1/2" RED
TUBING (3 ft)
SILICONE LUBRICANT
FEED
DISCONNECT
ELBOW - WHITE
PN 1240117 (1 pc)
PERMEATE
DISCONNECT
ELBOW - BLUE
PN 1240118 (1 pc)
FLUSH
DISCONNECT
ELBOW - LT BLUE
PN 1240119 (1 pc)
PLUG
1/4"
PN 1240624 (1 pc)
FAUCET
CONNECTION
FITTING
PN 1240625 (1 pc)
SILICONE
LUBRICANT
SGL USE TUBE
PN 1013501 (1 pc)
DRAIN BOA
KIT
PN 1240564 (1 pc)
AIR-GAP
FAUCET KIT
PN 3020487 (1 pc)
CARBON
PRE-FILTER
PN 3038333 (1 pc)
SEDIMENT
PRE-FILTER
PN 1266690 (1 pc)
CARBON
POST-FILTER
PN 255526-09 (1 pc)
Note: For use with
chlorinated water
supplies.
Note: For use with
non-chlorinated water
supplies.
ASO
CARTRIDGE
PN 1269491 (1 pc)
OnDemand RO
ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS
(see table below)
1255052 YES** Included - Included - Included Included
1263870 YES** Included - Included - Included -
3002041 NO - Included Included - Included Included
3002044 NO - Included Included - Included -
3002043 NO - Included - Included - -
MERLIN AGENCY CARBON SEDIMENT CARBON ASO DRAIN BOA AIR GAP
PN* CERTIFICATION PREFILTER PREFILTER POSTFILTER CARTRIDGE KIT FAUCET KIT
Merlin I
Merlin II
Sediment w/ faucet
Sediment w/o faucet
Light commercial
NAME
*Includes all "Standard" components.
**See Performance Data Sheet included with Merlin for Certification Information.
Note: For use
without a carbon
postfilter installed.
FEED PRESSURE
GAUGE
PN 3002791 (1 pc)

6 THE BASIC REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM
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LOCATION OF SYSTEM
The reverse osmosis system is designed for installation under a sink, usually in
the kitchen or bathroom. The RO assembly can be placed on the cabinet floor in
any position that does not apply pressure on the disconnect elbows. The RO
product water faucet installs on the sink or on the countertop next to the sink.
The RO system can also be located in a location away from the faucet. A nearby
water source and drain point are required.
Water Supply: To provide supply water to the RO system inlet, a feed supply
fitting is required or install pipe fittings as needed. The feed water valve should be
located as close to the manifold assembly as possible. USE A POTABLE COLD
WATER SUPPLY ONLY. Softened water is preferred as it will extend the life of the RO
membrane element.
Drain Point: A suitable drain point is needed for reject water from the RO system.
A floor drain, laundry tub, standpipe, sump, etc. are all acceptable. If discharging
into the utility sink or standpipe, an air gap of greater than 1.5 inches above the
flood rim must be provided. A sink
p-trap drain adapter is included to install as an optional drain point where codes
permit.
Do not connect the system drain line to the dishwasher drain or near the garbage
disposal. Back pressure from these units may cause the air gap to overflow.
Dispensing Faucet: The faucet should be placed near the sink where drinking
water is normally obtained. Convenience of use (filling of water pitchers and
glasses) and an open area beneath the faucet under the sink for attaching
product and drain tubing are considerations. A 2-inch diameter flat surface is
required above and below the installation site. The thickness of mounting surface
should not exceed 1-1/4 inches. Avoid any strengthening webbing on the
underside of the sink.
NOTE: Keep the lengths of tubing short. Longer lengths of tubing will
decrease system performance. A booster pump can be used on the
supply line.
NOTE: All plumbing should be done in accordance with state and local
plumbing codes.
Some codes may require installation by a licensed plumber. Check with
the local plumbing authority prior to installation.
WARNING: All components and tubing should be located in an area
which is not exposed to freezing temperatures. Do not expose unit or
tubing to direct sunlight.

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RO Manifold Assembly: The manifold can be installed on either the right or left
side of the under-sink area or cabinet. Installation in the basement is also an
option. One possible location is near the laundry/utility sink where cold potable
water and drain access are close. The location chosen should allow adequate
clearance and accessibility for membrane element changes.
Optional Flush Kit: The flush kit, if used, should be placed within 6 feet of the
manifold assembly. This will minimize pressure drop and allow the flush system to
operate most efficiently.
In restricted under-sink areas, it may be easier to install the faucet first. Allow
adequate tubing lengths for final system placement.
Figure 1 Typical Under-Sink Installation
Dispensing Faucet
with Air Gap
Inlet-1/2" Natural
Feed Water Valve
Cold Water Line Only
Carbon Postfilter
Waste Concentrate
3/8" Black
Drain - 1/2" Red
Product - 3/8" Blue
Drain Coupling
Install above P trap
Plugged Top Connector
Locking Bar
Keep to Minimum
Prefilter
RO Membranes
Support Leg (sump wrench)
Manifold
Elbow
Connectors
Note: If a flush tank is not
installed the manifold
connection must remain
plugged. Removal of plug
will cause a system leak.
Feed Pressure Gauge

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Figure 2 Typical Basement Installation
Floor
Dispensing Faucet
without Air Gap
1.5" Air Gap Required
Inlet-1/2" Natural
Drain - 3/8" Black
Feed Water Valve
Cold Water Line Only
Carbon Postfilter
Product - 3/8" Blue
RO Assembly
Note: If a flush tank is not
installed the manifold
connection must remain
plugged. Removal of
plug will cause a system
leak.
Keep to Minimum

THE BASIC REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM 9
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Figure 3 Typical Light Commercial Installation
1.5" Air Gap Required
Inlet-1/2" Natural
Drain - 3/8" Black
Feed Water Valve
Cold Water Line Only
Feed Pressure
Gauge
RO Assembly
Note: If a flush tank is not
installed the manifold
connection must remain
plugged. Removal of
plug will cause a system
leak.
External Prefilter
Product Storage Tank
To Point of Use
Vented to
Atmosphere
Liquid level float
sensor to control
feed solenoid valve
Feed Solenoid
Valve

10 THE BASIC REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM
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REQUIRED TOOLS AND MATERIALS
• Adjustable wrench, and larger adjustable jaw pliers or pipe wrench to fit sink
drain
• Saw for cutting drain pipe
• Slotted and Phillips head screwdrivers
• Tubing cutters
• Electric drill and bits for cutting the faucet mounting hole
Note that some sinks will have a pre-drilled hole with a plug for the faucet.
INSTALLATION
STEP 1: Install cold water supply valve
STEP 2: Install drain adapter
STEP 3: Install faucet
STEP 4: Make tubing connections
STEP 5: Install RO assembly
STEP 6: Put system into operation
STEP 1: INSTALL COLD WATER SUPPLY VALVE
Comply with local plumbing codes. A typical connection using a water supply
valve is shown.
Water Supply Valve
Cold water pipes vary in size and style. The installer will determine type of valve
that will be used. Install a valve on the cold water supply pipe to adapt 1/2-inch
OD tubing. If threaded fittings are used, be sure to use pipe joint compound or
Teflon tape on outside threads.
Turn the valve off.
NOTE: Consult a licensed plumber if you are not familiar with plumbing
procedures.
NOTE: Be sure to turn off the water supply and open a low faucet to
drain the pipe.