H2O ECONOX User manual

H2O Innovation 819-344-2288 [e-mail]
ECONOX
Separator for
Maple Grove

2
TABLE OF CONTENT
I. Introduction p.4
II. Diagrams and specifications p.4
Main unit p.4
Control Panel p.5
Starting the Econox p.6
Stopping the system p.6
General characteristics p.6
Electrical components p.8
Plumbing installations p.9
Required tanks p.9
Connecting system to tanks p.9
H2O Innovation technician availability p.10
Initial start-up (new Econox) p.10
Econox installation - Diagram p.11
Different operation cycles p.12
Non observance of the membrane recovery rate p.14
Rinsing and washing procedure p.14
Pure water permeation (PWP) factor calculation p.15
Rinse cycle p.15
Wash cycle p.16
Daily putting away p.17

3
Automatic shut-off p.17
III. Maintenance procedure p.18
Seasonal start-up (spring) p.18
Rinsing p.18
Regular and daily maintenance p.19
End of season putting away p.21
Membrane installation and O-ring position p.23
IV. Warranty p.24
V. Before calling a technician p.25
VI. Annexes p.26
Temperature correction factor chart p.27
Ideal operating conditions p.28
Feed pump specification sheet 1HP p.29
Feed pump specification sheet 2HP p.30
Pressure pump specification sheet p.31
Pressure pump specification sheet p.32
Concentration pump specification sheet 1HP p.33
Maintenance and operation logbook p.34

4
I. INTRODUCTION
The new Econox, of modern conception in the Maple Grove Industry, is inspired by a
long industrial expertise of reverse osmosis. This economical series is conceived for a
simple manipulation and great maintainability, it responds to the highest requirements in
the maple industry. The Econox is at the finest of its technology using a range of high-
output and very quiet centrifugal pumps.
II. DIAGRAMS AND SPECIFICATIONS
Main Unit

5
CONTROL PANEL
The Econox is powered by a simple and very easy to use Control Panel
Permeat Flow
Pression à la membrane
Membrane pressure Vanne « Contrôle de
concentration »
Valve "concentrate control"
Débit de perméat
Permeate flow
Débit de concentré
Concentrate flow
Vanne « Contrôle
pression »
Valve “pressuse control »
Pression après préfiltre
After prefilter pressure
Indicateurs lumineux
Luminous indicators
-En marche/ In fonction
-Basse pression/Low pressure
-Haute température/Hight
pressure
-Faute moteur/Motor error
Sélecteur de mise en
marche/Selector switch
« OFF/ON/START »
Vanne « Lavage et rinçage »
Valve “Cleaning and rinsing”
»
Température de l’eau
Water temperature
Concentration
Concentrate
Pression avant préfiltre
Before prefilter pressure

6
Starting the Econox
To start the Econox, place the selector switch on “START”, it will start the feed pump.
Keep the selector on this position until the pump starts working. Once the pressure pump
works, let go of the selector and it will automatically go to the “ON” position. A delay of a
few seconds is expected before the recirculation pump starts.
Stopping the system
To stop the Econox, place the selector switch on “OFF” this will stop simultaneously stop
all the pumps. The Econox also has a few protective dispositions that will stop
simultaneously the system in case of problems. Related to the luminous indicator:
High temperature water
Low pressure at the entrance of the pressure pump
Motor error
General characteristics
Main module specification
Power supply required: 120/240 volts, 60 Hz, single-phased
Dimensions:
Height : 72" (183 cm)
Width : 27" (69 cm)
Depth : 30 " (76 cm)
Plumbing connection:
Maple sap inlet : 1 ½ " PVC slick
Permeate outlet : quick adaptor 1" PVC type A
Concentrate outlet : quick adaptor 1" PVC type D
Drain : 1 ½" PVC slick
Feeding pump:
Stainless steel pump, equipped with a motor 1 HP or 2 HP, 60 Hz, 3500
rpm, 230 volts single-phased.
Pressure pump:
With a motor of 5 HP or 7.5 HP, 60 Hz, 3500 rpm, 230 volts single-phased.
Recirculating pump:
With a motor of 1 HP, 60 Hz, 3500 rpm, 230V.

7
Transparent glass flow meter for an easy read:
Concentrate flow meter : 0-10 GPM or 16 GPM
Permeate flow meter: 0-10 GPM or 35 GPM
Three (3) pressure gauges (glycerine) reliable and easy to read:
Pressure before and after 5 microns pre filter
Membrane pressure
A visual thermometer
Security switch:
Low pressure switch (adjusted between 0 and 20 PSI) for a complete stop of
the unit, placed at the prefilter.
High temperature switch at the pre filter exit, adjusted to 40ºC.
Maximum operation pressure:
600 psi
Stainless steel structure
A 5 micron sediment cartridge filter
Three (3) adjustment valves:
Control valve of permeate placed at the exit of the pressure
Control valve of concentrate placed on the flow meter
Bypass valve of the concentrate valve to carry out washings with great flow
Two faucets to gather samples for the permeate and the concentrate, placed on the
appropriate flow meter.
A 20 Gal. wash tank used to clean membrane after each concentrating cycle.
One (8" diam. by 40" long) membrane in stainless steel high-pressure resistant housing.

8
Provision of the electrical components

9
Plumbing installation
The Econox is part of an integrated system of maple sap gathering and concentrating. To
make sure it operates with accuracy and efficiency, it must be correctly linked to all the
other elements of the system. The following explanations will provide you suggestions of
installation. The physical provision of the places can change, but the principles of
suggested connections seem important to us to operate in a sedentary, effective and
reliable way.
Required tanks
There are three tanks, please see page 11 for details
Permeate tank (B-2). To gather pure water (permeate) extracted from maple
sap. This water will be used to wash your Econox separator;
Maple sap tank (B-3). To maintain a sufficient supply of maple sap to feed
your separator
Concentrate tank (B-4). To store concentrated water to supply your
evaporator.
The capacity of the tanks is related to the importance of your maple bush (your number
of taps); to the size and the performance of your evaporator and to the way you want to
manage your equipment (gathering and then concentration before evaporation or
simultaneous operations launched one after the other)
Considering all these possibilities, we will not give here any strict rules. We suggest you
consult your H2O Innovation expert who will guide you according to your personal needs.
However, for best quality maple syrup, most American and Canadian specialists
recommend that maple sap should be concentrated as soon as possible after gathering
and that boiling should begin right after concentration (the sooner the better).
Connecting tanks to system
See the installation chart on page 11. It shows a simple installation that should
adequately suit your personal needs. All tanks must be connected to the drain (sewer)
since each has to be emptied and cleaned regularly. Each tank must be equipped with
an outlet valve (BV-2 to BV-4) connected to a single line leading to the drain.
Permeate and maple sap tanks should be connected to the feed pump. In diagram # 5,
you can see that the same line is used to go towards the feed pump and towards the
drain, using valves BV-6 and BV-1 to proceed to the necessary diversions.
A non-return valve (CR) at the pressure pump's entrance is necessary.
An 840 microns filter installed between the Econox and valve BV-1. To prevent
discharges and for more protection against bacterial contamination, we recommend that
a built-in air gap should be installed between the line and the drain.

10
The separator's concentrate outlet must be linked to the wash and concentrate tanks.
The separator's permeate outlet must be linked to the permeate and wash tanks.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that you must always be able to connect or
isolate, if necessary, one or more components, in case of repairs, depending on the
various cycles the separator will be used and according to its different functions
H2O Innovation technicians availability
Part or complete installation of your Econox can be done by H2O Innovation technicians.
Contact your local distributor for prices and estimate of costs.
Initial start-up (new Econox)
An H2O Innovation technician will be able to assist you with this initial procedure.

11

12
Different operation cycle
Concentration cycle
1. This cycle is carried out in 2 stages
First: all rinsing water residue must be flushed away from membrane and
pipes for one minute.
Second: concentrate maple sap.
Step by step procedure
Shut all valves
Open maple sap tank outlet valve (BV-3)
Open BV-I valve before the Econox unit
Open S-1 valve to allow permeate to flow towards the permeate tank B-2
Open S-2 valves to let the last washing water flow towards the drain and
open BV-1 to evacuate the drain: long enough for the last rinsing is
evacuated from the membrane and it is replaced by concentrated maple
sap.
On the control panel
Open (a few turns) the concentration-control valve
Start the system on concentration mode
When you see water running through the permeate flow-meter, adjust the
concentration valve like this: more opened at the beginning, slowly shut it
until you reach the desired level of concentration
Then adjust the pressure-control valve in order to never exceed the system's maximum
total flow capacity. Total flow = permeate flow + concentrate flow.
Permeate + Concentrate = 10 GPM
At the tanks :
After about one minute, take a sample to see if concentrated water begins to
sweeten.
If so, open S-2 valves to feed the concentrate tank B-4.
Regularly check pressure-control valve and concentration-control valve
adjustment for the first half-hour of operation; then once every hour.
One hour before ending concentration cycle, fill wash tank with permeate
with the valve S-1

13
WARNING:
Frequently check prefilter F-I, most importantly before each concentration
cycle and during operation.
Change the filter cartridge when you note a difference of more than 20 psi of
pressure between the two pressure gauges.
Immediately (or at least inside the next 30 minutes) following a
concentration cycle, you must run a rinse cycle (see page 14) to eliminate
bacteria and sugar.
Flow calculation of the Econox
It is easy to calculate the Econox flow. Simply add the flow of concentrate to
the flow of permeate
Flow meters are in gallons per minute.
Readings are taken at the top of the float
Example
Readings are: 4 GPM of concentrate and 6 GPM of permeate
Total flow: 4 GPM + 6 GPM = 10 GPM

14
Non-observance of the membrane recovery rate
The more membrane a system contains, the higher the recovery rate can be.
The table below gives a few examples. It is possible to exceed these criteria but clogging
of the membranes will happen much faster.
Please note that the operation of a system cannot be based on the concentrate’s degree
of °Brix as the latter varies according to the feed water quality and temperature. The
operation of a system must be done in accordance with the recovery rate.
Number of membrane in series 12345678
Max. recovery rate recommended at
8°C75% 78% 80% 82% 84% 86% 87% 88%
Concentration if inlet of 2°Brix 8.0 9.1 10.0 11.1 12.5 14.3 16.7 18.2
Concentration if inlet of 2.5°Brix 10.0 11.4 12.5 13.9 15.6 17.9 20.8 21
Concentration if inlet of 3°Brix 12.0 13.6 15.0 16.7 18.8 21.0 21.0 21
Rinsing and washing procedure
To be done every 6 hours
1. Rinse cycle
a. 15 minutes rinse with permeate water
b. Take permeate reading at 150 PSI and take temperature reading
c. Determine PWP factor (p.16)
d. If flow rate loss is less than 20% resume production (concentration cycle)
e. If flow rate loss is more than 20% proceed to wash cycle
2. Wash cycle
a. 20 minute wash with cleaning solution (open circuit – in wash tank)
3. Rinse cycle
a. 10 minute rinse with water (open circuit – towards the drain)
b. Read permeate flow at 150 PSI and take temperature reading
c. Determine PWP factor
4. Continue with concentration cycle

15
Pure water permeation (PWP) factor calculation
Procedure
Rinse membrane with permeate.
Adjust pressure to 150 psi
Take permeate flow rate reading
Take water temperature reading
Correct permeate flow at 13 °C (55 °F).
Please see annex 1: Temperature correction factor chart
Data
Initial PWP = 7 GPM (to be taken when membrane is new, after 12 to 24 hours of use
and at 13 °C).
If today's readings are:
Pressure =I50 psi at 20 °C Permeate flow = 6 GPM
PWP calculation
Initial flow rate (7 GPM) - current flow rate (compensated at 13 C) 5 GPM* = Flow rate
loss (2 GPM) / Initial flow rate (7 GPM) = 71 % vs the initial 100 %. So 100% - 71%= 29
% lost
FLOW RATE LOSS IS OVER 20% THEREFORE YOU MUST PROCEED TO A WASH
CYCLE.
* See page 27
Rinse cycle
General outlook
Maple sap contains a good amount of sugar and bacteria. The spiral-type membrane
collects sugar and bacteria deposits on its surface and in the wound mesh. That's why it
is absolutely necessary to regularly and thoroughly rinse the reverse osmosis system.
This cycle is carried out in two stages:
First: all concentrated water must be flushed away, using permeate, towards the
concentrate tank B-4.

16
Second: the membrane must be rinsed for 15 minutes using permeate (B-2) water.
Step by step procedure
Shut all valves
Open permeate tank valve BV-2
Open BV-1 valve before the Econox
Divert permeate outlet S-1 towards permeate tank B-2
Temporarily divert concentrate outlet valve towards concentrate tank B-4
Completely open the cleaning and rinsing valve
Start the system on rinsing mode (concentration)
Let pump run for two minutes until water is flushed from membrane and
pipes
Shut valve S-3 and open S-2 valves to divert rinse water towards the drain
Wash cycle
General outlook
For the same reasons mentioned in the rinse cycle section, bacterial and mineral
accumulation in the system makes washing compulsory when the membrane reaches a
flow rate loss of 20% or more. This is why it is imperative to regularly check the efficiency
of the membrane by making a PWP calculation (page 13).
Step by step procedure
Carry out a complete rinse cycle. Don't forget to keep some permeate for
the final rinse.
Fill wash tank with permeate.
Add 850 ml. of Bio-membrane cleaner. If you use Ultra Bio-membrane add
425 ml.
Warning: do not exceed this quantity of cleaner.
Using more cleaner can permanently damage the membrane.
Pour the recommended quantity of Bio-membrane or Ultra Bio-membrane cleaner into
the wash tank already filled with permeate to obtain a pH of 11 to 11.5. (Depending on
the membrane you use, do a verification before) Ex.: H2O membrane maximum PH12
at 104°F.

17
Make sure to correctly divert the cleaning solution towards the feed pump by:
First, shut all valves.
Second, open the wash tank outlet the BV-1 (before the Econox) valve
invert concentrated water and permeate towards the wash tank
(S-1 and S-2)
On the control panel:
Open cleaning and rinsing valves
Press start button to begin wash cycle
Let the system run until it automatically stops. Automatic shut-off occurs
when temperature reaches 40oC (104oF).
Empty the wash tank:
Open BV-I valve and BV-6
Proceed with a rinse cycle to wash away all cleaner residues.
Daily putting away
Rinse membrane (page15), compare your current PWP with the initial PWP and proceed
to a wash cycle if necessary. Then, let it stand in rinse cycle permeate until the next day.
If your reverse osmosis system is not going to be operated for more than 3 days, put 6
cups of Metabisulfite in the wash tank already filled with permeate.
Circulate the solution for 5 minutes and let stand until next use. This solution can be kept
for 3 to 4 weeks but is not to be used for seasonal putting away.
Never make this solution heat up in the Econox.
Automatic shut-off
The Econox has a protection against high temperature (40 °C - 104°F) and low pressure
(20 psi) when either situation occurs.

18
III. MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE
Seasonal start-up (spring)
If the membrane was put away in a sleeve:
Take the membrane out of the sleeve
Insert the membrane in the high-pressure chamber (refer to page 23
Membrane installation and O-ring position)
Reinstall membrane in the Econox and rinse it for approximately 20 minutes
with good quality water
If the membrane was put away inside a high-pressure chamber, in a solution, thoroughly
drain system and rinse for 30 minutes before proceeding to a concentration cycle.
Precautions to be taken before starting
New membrane comes soaking in a protective liquid. It must then be thoroughly rinsed
before being used. A 30 minutes rinse is advised before use.
Surrounding conditions
If your separator has not been stored in a heated room, it is important to heat the place a
few hours before starting production. The production room must be heated during the
whole production period.
Electrical check-up
Check in the main power box if the Econox breaker has been reset (ON).
Plumbing check-up
Make sure all connections to main unit, tanks and drain are in good
condition and functional.
Install a new 5 microns sediment filter inside the prefilter.
Rinsing
Initiate rinse cycle:
Look out for any leaks on the Econox and all pipes linking tanks and drain.
Check out if pumps and gauges are working properly.
Do not forget to keep record of all your operations in the logbook.
At the end of the day, proceed to the daily putting away operation.

19
Regular and daily maintenance
General perspectives
Considering the large amount of micro-organism (bacteria) that maple sap contains, we
could easily say that the Econox concentrates a live mixture.
Bacteria proliferation is also closely related to surrounding temperature, piping and
equipment cleanliness. Any experienced producer working with a reverse osmosis
system will say that conditions are subject to sudden changes and may quickly
deteriorate because of bad hygiene conditions.
Finally, the membrane, a major and expensive part of your reverse osmosis system is a
spiral-type structure and its surface made of very fine pores makes cleaning very difficult
and most important. Neglecting adequate maintenance will create accumulation that will
obstruct the membrane and may cause permanent damage. For all those reasons, it is
important to look after your Econox. Meticulous care will protect your investment and
insure quality production for many years. Be on the lookout for any condition that could
affect your system. The Econox is a very reliable and efficient system that will provide
you with quality and low-cost production provided it is regularly and adequately taken
care of.
Never a customer regretted having maintained too much his separator. Some regretted
not having more frequently done it though.
5 micron pre-filter maintenance
Replacement time
To be done at the beginning of each new season.
When you note a difference of more than 20 psi of pressure between the pressure
gauges you should replace your 5 micron pre filter.
The Econox warranty will not be valid unless you prove that
maintenance was done according to specifications.
Your maintenance and operation logbook accurately and regularly
filled will be required.

20
Replacement procedure
Stop system and shut BV-1 valve (preceding feed pump)
Open sampling tap E-I to decompress the Econox
Unscrew the prefilter (by hand).
Remove old cartridge and insert new one
Screw back on prefilter (by hand) making sure the o-ring is correctly in place (see
section 5.4, diagram # 6).
Recommendations
If you want to lubricate the o-rings, a glycerine based lubricant is required. Never use a
petroleum based lubricant as it would cause deterioration of the o-ring.
Never use any tools to screw or unscrew the prefilter to prevent damaging.
The replacement frequency of the cartridge depends on the quality of the maple sap
brought to the system. You must keep a close eye on the pressure gauges.
When the Econox is drained (for example before starting new production in spring) the
system must be bled. To do so, open the pressure control valve V-I (located at the
pressure pump outlet) and concentration-control valve V-2 (on control panel). At first, air
will come out until the system is filled with water.
Compulsory rinsing
To be done before concentrating if the membrane was soaking in a preserving solution
during the off-season period.
This rinse is most important to wash away all bactericide solution from the system.
After each concentration cycle
This rinse cycle is imperative to clear membrane, pipes and system of all sugar deposits
left by the maple sap. This is the only way to protect your system and extend its useful
life. It must be done and recorded in the logbook.
One more compulsory rinse
During the off-season, the membrane was left soaking in various types of solutions
(depending on the manufacturer) to protect it. It is then imperative to thoroughly rinse for
20 to 30 minutes with permeate or good quality water to clear the membrane of all
residuebefore starting the system for the new season.