SpectraPure MAXCAP RO User manual

REV 05-11-2009
Reverse Osmosis/Ion Exchange Water
Purification System
(Single-90 or Dual-180 Membrane Model)
The MAXCAP RO/DI™System
INSTALLATION AND OPERATING
MANUAL
WARNING
Please read carefully before proceeding with installation. Failure to
follow any attached instructions or operating parameter may lead to
the product’s failure and possible damage to property.

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No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or
by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written
permission of SpectraPure Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2009© BY SPECTRAPURE INC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Thank You for your purchase of a SpectraPure® System. With proper
installation and maintenance, this system will provide you with high quality
water for years to come. All SpectraPure® products are rigorously tested
by us for safety and reliability. If you have any questions or concerns, please
contact our customer service department at 1.800.685.2783 or refer to our
online troubleshooting at www.spectrapure.com.
Table of Contents.........................................................................................................................2
Systems Information
System Specifications..........................................................................................................3
System Description..............................................................................................................4
Installation
System Initialization.........................................................................................................5-6
Measuring Waste to Product Water Ratio...................................................................7
Flow Restrictor Removal, Adjustment and Replacement.................................8-10
Using your Systems Basic Parts
Metering & Diagnostics...................................................................................................11
Filter Diagnostics
Sediment Filter Diagnostic.............................................................................................12
Carbon Filter Diagnostic.................................................................................................13
RO Membrane Diagnostic.......................................................................................14-18
Deionization Cartridge Diagnostic...............................................................................19
Troubleshooting Guide
Troubleshooting Guide...................................................................................................20
Mounting.............................................................................................................................21
Tips & Storage....................................................................................................................22
Warranty.......................................................................................................................................23
Replacement & Optional Parts............................................................................................24

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Sediment Pre-Filter 0.5 micron MicroTec™ sediment pre-filter
Carbon Filter 0.5 micron carbon block pre-filter
RO Membrane Type Thin-Film Composite (TFC)
DI Cartridges
MAXCAP DI ™
SilicaBuster™ DI
Rejection Rate Greater than 98% average
Input Water Pressure 60 psi (4.15 bar) line pressure*
Input Water Temp 77°F (25°C)
Recovery Rate 20% (i.e. 20% of the water will be
collected as pure water)
Nominal Membrane Flow Rates @ 60 psi & 77° F :
GPD (lpd) Product Water Flow Rate Concentrate Flow Rate
90 (340) 235ml/min 940 ml/min
180 (340) 235ml/min 940 ml/min
Reverse Osmosis Membrane Feed Water Requirements
For the 1 year SpectraSelect TFC membrane pro-rated warranty to be honored, the
following conditions must be met:
Operating Pressure* 40 – 80 psi (2.75 – 5.5 bar)
pH Range 3 – 11
Maximum Temperature 100° F (38° C)
Maximum Turbidity 1.0 NTU
Maximum Silt Density Index 5.0 (based on 15 min. test time)
Maximum Chlorine less than 0.1 ppm
Maximum TDS 2000 ppm
Maximum Hardness 10 grains (170 ppm as CaCO3)
Maximum Iron less than 0.1 ppm
Maximum Manganese less than 0.1 ppm
Maximum Hydrogen Sulfide 0 ppm
Langlier Saturation Index LSI must be negative
*Operating pressure less than 40 psi will require a booster pump:
less than 49 GPD use BPLF-MO-115(-230),
more than 49 GPD use BPHF-MO-115(-230).
*Operating pressure greater than 80 psi will require a pressure reducing valve.
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS:

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1. First, the incoming feed water (1/4” Black line) is passed through a 0.5
micron Micro-Tec sediment pre-filter. This filter is required to remove excess
turbidity (particulate matter) that may cause the carbon block filter to plug.
2. The second stage of filtration is a 0.5 micron carbon block pre-filter. This filter
removes organics and chlorine from the feed water that can damage the
membrane.
3. The third filtration stage of the system is a high rejection thin film composite
(TFC) reverse osmosis membrane. It removes over 98% of most inorganic
salts, all micro-organisms and organics above 100 diatoms molecular
weight.
(90 gpd Systems have 1 membrane, 180 Systems have 2
membranes.)
4. The fourth and fifth stage filter is our MAXCAP DI ™ cartridge followed by
SpectraPure’s SilicaBuster ™ cartridge.
The
MAXCAP DI ™ system comes equipped with two Dual Inline TDS monitors.
The first monitor shows TDS levels of pre-and post- RO membrane water. The
second monitor helps detect the exhaustion points of the DI stages.
The
MaxCap DI ™ is used as a “roughing” cartridge followed by our original
SilicaBuster™ . For example, if the RO water has 25 ppm TDS (Total Dissolved
Solids) entering a SilicaBuster™ cartridge alone, it may only process about 200
gallons of pure DI water. By placing a
MaxCap DI ™ cartridge in front of the
SilicaBuster™ cartridge,
600 gallons of water will pass through both cartridges
before the Max Cap DI ™ is exhausted. The SilicaBuster™ DI cartridge will be only
one-third exhausted. A second Max Cap DI ™ will process another
600 gallons
and the SilicaBuster™ cartridge will now be two-thirds exhausted. Only after a
third Max Cap DI ™ cartridge processes another
600 gallons will the
SilicaBuster™ cartridge finally become fully exhausted.
This example illustrates that three Max Cap DI ™ cartridges plus the original
mixed-bed cartridge will process 1800 gallons of pure DI water. It would have
taken nine original mixed-bed cartridges to produce the same amount of pure DI
water.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are starting up this system for the first
time, or replacing either the membrane or DI cartridge(s), it is very
important that you follow the directions on page 5,
“System Initialization”.
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:

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IMPORTANT: During the initial rinse-up of the MAXCAP RO/DI ™, a large ionic load is pre-
sented to the downstream DI cartridges. Be sure to rinse up all new
MAXCAP DI ™ with
the downstream cartridge removed as shown below. This rinsing step will ensure that
the
MAXCAP DI ™ cartridge is initially rinsed up to produce high quality water before con-
necting your downstream cartridge. Failure to rinse this upstream
MAXCAP DI ™ cartridge
may reduce the lifetime of your downstream DI cartridge.
RINSE-UP PROCEDURE:
1. Remove the MaxCap DI™ & Silica-Buster ™ Cartridges and re-install the
empty housing back on the system.
Attach the garden hose adapter to your cold water source. If you want
to permently install the tap water to the system, you will need a Feed Water
Adapter and a Drain Saddle. The Feed Water Adapter connects the cold
water line to the system and the Drain Saddle connects the waste water
(concentrate) to a drain pipe. Never run hot water (greater than 100 F
(38 C)) through system.
2. Place the
Yellow (concentrate) and Blue (Product) tubing into a drain. Do not
restrict flow from these lines.
3. Slowly open the cold water supply valve and allow the housings to fill.
You may use pressure up to 75 psi (5.5 bar). If the pressure is less than 40-PSI,
a booster pump will be required. If the pressure is greater than 80- PSI, a
pressure regulator will be required.
Let system run for 15-20 min.
4. There are two groups of sensor wires. At the end of the wires, you will find a
white connectors. Just insert it into the receptacle on the top of each TDS
monitor. You will then use the Velcro on the back to mount it where desired.
Turn water off to the system & re-install the MaxCap DI™ into its housing.
Turn the water back on and run for 2-5 min. Turn on both TDS meters. Set
the left-side meter to “OUT” and the right-side meter to “IN”.
5. When the right-side meter reads zero, turn the cold water feed off and place
the SilicaBuster™ DI cartridge back into its housing. Turn the cold water feed
back on and run the system until the “OUT” probe of the rigt-hand meter
reads zero.
This completes the rinse-up procedure.
6. Now follow the instructions for testing the concentrate to purified water
ratio on pages 7-10.
SYSTEM INITIALIZATION:

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Fig. A: System Components
TFC RO Membrane
(MEM-xxxx)
.5 micron
MicroTec™
Sediment
Pre-Filter
(SF-MT-.5-
10)
.5 micron
Carbon
Block Pre-
Filter (CF-.5-
10)
Pressure
Guage
(2) TDS
Monitors
DI Cartridge
#1DI-MC-10
“MaxCap”
DI
Cartridge #2
DI-SB-10
“Silica-Buster”
Tap Water
Connection
“Black line”
BLACK LINE: Tap Water Input to system. (Comes with garden hose adapter)
BLUE LINE: Product Water. (Automate the product water with Liquid Leve Controllers)
YELLOW LINE: Concentrated Waste Water. (Goes to drain. Use a drain saddle to
connect to drain pipe)
CHECK:
- Ensure that all fittings are tight and leak-free before leaving the system unattended.
- The concentrate line (yellow) includes a smaller capillary tube (flow restrictor) that is
located “inside” of the tubing. Do not remove or discard this restrictor; the system
will not produce permeate water without the flow restrictor.
Note: It is recommended that at least 2 gallons (7.57 liters) of purified
water be discarded before collecting purified water for use. If the unit is
not used for several days, run the system for at least 15 minutes before
collecting any water.
Upon start-up, air may be trapped in the DI cartridges (housing may not
appear full), this is a normal condition and it will not affect the operation
of the DI system.

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CHECKING THE CONCENTRATE TO PURIFIED WATER RATIO
This procedure will assure you of maximum life and reliability of your SpectraPure System.
Failure to perform this procedure can permanently damage the membrane.
In order to maximize the life of your SpectraPure RO Membrane, you may need to adjust
the ratio of the concentrate to purified water. If not enough concentrate is allowed to flow
past the membrane during operation, the impurities will precipitate out on the membrane
surface, clogging the RO Membrane. To keep this from happening, the Concentrate to
Purified Water Ratio must be checked and adjusted in order to compensate for pressure
and temperature variations that exist in all water supplies. The flow rate of the concentrate
must be a minimum of 4X the product flow rate.
4X to 6X is an acceptable concentrate flow
rate.
PROCEDURE: (You will need a Stop Watch and Measuring Cup)
1. Open the cold water supply valve and let the system run for 5 minutes. Direct
both tube down the drain.
2. Collect product water from the blue tubing into a measuring cup for one minute.
Measure the collected amount in
milli-liters (236 mL = 1 cup) . Do the same with
the waste water from the yellow line.
WASTE (YELLOW) IN MILILITERS______________
DIVIDED BY
PRODUCT (BLUE) IN MILILITERS______________
The resultant is the Concentrate to Product Ratio
(Although not needed in this proceedure, the daily product flow rate in Gallons per Day
(GPD) can be calculated to be equal to the product flow rate times 0.38 ).
3. If your ratio is less than 4:1 Disconnect yellow drain line from the
membrane housing and then remove flow restrictor as shown on page 8-9
Use the appropriate Flow Restrictor Chart to determine how long to cut the
flow restrictor in order to obtain a 4:1 ratio. ( page 10)
4. If ratio is greater than 6:1, flow restrictor requires replacement (Please contact
SpectraPure Inc).
5. Turn on feed supply and check for leaks.
6. This completes the procedure.
NOTE: WHEN TESTING AND ADJUSTING THE RATIO THE WATER PRESSURE
SHOULD BE BETWEEN 40-80 PSI. IF YOUR PSI IS BELOW 40, YOU WILL
NEED A BOOSTER PUMP.

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FLOW RESTRICTOR REMOVAL, ADJUSTMENT & REPLACEMENT
1. Locate the yellow concentrate tubing (Fig. B ). Remove tubing from its push-fitting:
a.) Firmly depress and hold the push-fitting collar down with your thumbnail.
b.) While the push-fitting collar is depressed, pull the tubing straight
out of the push-fitting. Once the tubing is removed, release the collar.
2. Carefully remove the flow restrictor assembly, now visible as a plastic insert In the end
of the yellow tubing (Fig. C). You may use an object such as a dull knife to help pry the
flow restrictor insert from the end of the tubing. The entire flow restrictor (consisting
of the insert coller and thin capillary tubing) may then be gently extracted.
Note: Sometimes, the Flow Restrictor might get stuck in the membrane fitting.
To remove, use needle nose plyers and rock the collar back and forth, while
pulling. Take care not to crush or otherwise damage the delicate capillary tubing.
3. Refer to the Flow Restrictor Tables (Fig. D). Find the table that represents the
Flow Restrictor Assembly for the system that you have. Find the product
flow rate in the left-most column and the length of the flow restrictor in the
right-most column.
Example: If your Flow Restrictor Assembly is for a 90 GPD Membrane and
the product flow rate is 175 mL/min, then the flow restrictor length should
be a total of 6 inches (15.2 cm).
Fig. B: Reverse Osmosis Assembly
Top/Rear View
membrane
feed
push-fitting
black
tubing to
membrane
feed
RO membrane yellow concentrate tubing
blue purified water
tubing
black feed water
tubing
(Waste Water)
(Good Water)
(Tap Water)

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4. Using a new single-edge razor blade, carefully measure and then cut the
flow restrictor to the total length indicated.
(Do not cut with scissors)
5. Re-insert the flow restrictor assembly into the yellow tubing and firmly
re-seat the insert into the end of the yellow tubing by carefully pressing on
the insert with your thumbnail.
Care should be taken not to crush or other-
wise damage the end of the capillary tubing protruding from the end of
the insert.
6. Re-insert the yellow tubing into its push-fitting in the RO membrane as
follows:
a.) Moisten the O-ring seal inside the concentrate outlet fitting by dripping
a few drops of clean water into the fitting.
b.) Grasp the yellow tubing near the flow restrictor end, and insert the
tubing into the push-fitting. Push the tubing into the fitting until
resistance is felt, approximately 1/2 inch (12.7 mm). The tubing is now
resting on the O-ring seal inside the fitting.
c.) Firmly push the tubing approximately an additional 1/4 inch
(6.35 mm) further into the fitting to completely seat the line into
the fitting and O-ring seal.
7. Turn on the system water supply and check for leaks prior to further use or testing.
If a leak is observed, you may not have pushed the yellow tubing into the push-fitting
far enough to seal the tubing against the O-ring. Turn off the system water supply and
re-seat the tubing as described above.
YELLOW TUBING:
(Disconnected
from membrane
housing’s fitting.
)
CAPILLARY TUBE:
(Specific diameters are
matched for each size
membrane to restrict
the flow of waste
water leaving the RO
membrane’s housing.)
PLASTIC INSERT: (Insert keeps
capillary tube in the yellow line and
prevents it from washing down the
drain. It also forces waste water to
flow through the capillary tubing to
restrict waste water as it leaves the
housing.)
Fig. C: Flow Restrictor Assembly

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Fig. D: Flow Restrictor Tables
(For 4:1 Concentrate to Product Ratio)
FR
-
90
ml./min. gpd in. cm.
269 102 1 2.5
233 88 2 5.1
213 81 3 7.6
198 75 4 10.2
183 69 5 12.7
175 67 6 15.2
164 62 7 17.8
154 58 8 20.3
148 56 9 22.9
141 54 10 25.4
136 52 11 27.9
133 50 12 30.5
129 49 13 33.0
128 48 14 35.6
124 47 15 38.1
124 47 16 40.6
PRODUCT RATE CUT TO LENGTH
FR-180
ml./min. gpd in. cm.
490 186 1 2.5
460 175 2 5.1
430 163 3 7.6
400 152 4 10.2
379 144 5 12.7
356 135 6 15.2
344 131 7 17.8
326 124 8 20.3
311 118 9 22.9
300 114 10 25.4
289 110 11 27.9
281 107 12 30.5
270 103 13 33.0
263 100 14 35.6
259 98 15 38.1
256 97 16 40.6
PRODUCT RATE CUT TO LENGTH
(GREEN)
(YELLOW or WHITE)

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This SpectraPure purification system has been fully equipped with sufficient instrumentation
to make monitoring and troubleshooting an easy process. The provided pressure gauge is
used to determine the tap water pressure and to evaluate the condition of the sediment
and carbon prefilters.
(The pressure will drop as the pre-filters become clogged by dirt [turbidity] from the tap
water).
The digital TDS meter (left side) will provide a reliable means of evaluating the efficiency of
the RO membrane. This meter will indicate the tap water conductivity and the RO water
conductivity. The difference between the two meter readings will be used to calculate the
percentage of rejection of the (TFC) RO membrane.
The Digital TDS meter (right side) will be used to determine the condition of the two stages
of the DI system. As the reading on the meter begin to increase, the operator will be alerted
to the possibility that the DI system may have deteriorated past the exhaustion point and
that the DI cartridges may need to be replaced.
(See page 16 for DI exhaustion details.)
USING THE PRESSURE GAUGE
The pressure gauge is used to monitor the condition of the Sediment and Carbon
Pre-Filters. With the Sediment and Carbon filters removed, the gauge will indicate
the “actual” input water tap water pressure. When the prefilters are “new”, the
pressure shown on the gauge will be slightly less than the actual tap water
pressure and as the filters age the pressure will drop due to the dirt that will
collect in the prefilters. When the pressure on the gauge drops below 40-PSI or as
the filters collect particulates and the pressure drop is greater than 15% to 20% of
the normal water pressure, the pre-filters are in need of replacement.
NOTE: When the pressure on the pressure gauge drops below the normal
readings; do not “assume” that the sediment filter is the only cause. In some
geographical areas where the input water contains a high percentage of very
small micron particulates, the carbon filter may become clogged before the
sediment filter. (The filters may look “new” but still cause the water pressure to
drop). Do not judge the condition of the pre-filters by their color, always use the
pressure gauge to determine the condition of the pre-filters.
METERING AND DIAGNOSTICS:

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A Sediment Filter will usually last approx. 4-6 months, depending on micron
rating and quality of water. (The life span of the filter is determined by the
turbidity, iron content, organics, and total particulate volume in your water
source). The best way to determine when your Sediment Pre-Filter needs
replacement is to use a Pressure Gauge. When you have a drop in pressure
between 15-20% from where your normal house pressure is, replace filter. To
check this, run water through the system without the filter in it’s housing. If the
pressure jumps back to your normal house pressure without the filter, you know
the filter you just took out was plugged up.
**NOTE: A drop in the system’s production is “in most cases” an indication that
the sediment filter has become saturated with contaminants and will need to be
replaced. If you remove the sediment and the pressure does not return to normal,
the carbon filter may be plugged.
Sediment Pre-Filter Replacement
Materials Required: 0.5 micron MicroTec™ Sediment Filter (SF-MT-0.5-10),
Filter Wrench
Procedure:
1. Turn off water supply to the system.
2.
Refer to Fig. A (System Pic). Using the provided filter housing
wrench, remove the first housing on the left. Unscrew it
counterclockwise as viewed from the bottom.
3. Remove the old filter and discard.
4. Thoroughly wash the housing with a mixture of hot soapy water
and a few teaspoons of household bleach. Rinse well with clean
hot water.
5. Install the new pre-filter onto the round port in the head of the
housing, Screw the housing back onto the assembly, and hand
tighten only. NOTE: Do not use filter wrench to tighten housings.
Over-tightening will damage housings and void your warranty.
6. Proceed with carbon block filter replacement, if needed.
** If your water contains a great deal of sediment or chlorine, the pre-filters
may require more frequent changes to maintain adequate production rate and
extended membrane life.
SEDIMENT PRE-FILTER REPLACEMENT:

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A Carbon Filter will usually lasts approx. 4-6 months ,depending on micron
rating for the filters, usage and the quality of your tap water. The best way to
determine when your Carbon Block Pre-Filter needs replacement is to use a
chlorine test kit.
Any chlorine level above 0.1 ppm will cause damage to the membrane and
indicates that the carbon block filter must be changed. To test for chlorine
breakthrough , collect a 10 ml sample of the concentrate from the yellow
tubing and test the chlorine concentration using test kit TK-CL-25. If the
chlorine concentration is above 0.1ppm, replace the carbon pre-filter.
**NOTE: A drop in the system’s production is “in most cases” an indication that
the sediment filter has become saturated with contaminants, but a carbon filter
can also drop production, if its covered with extremely fine sediment. If the
carbon becomes plugged with sediment, it will no longer be able to remove
chlorine.
Carbon Block Filter Replacement
Materials Required: 0.5 micron Carbon Block Filter (CF-0.5-10),
Filter Wrench, Chlorine Test Kit (TK-CL-25)
Procedure:
1. Turn off water supply to the system.
2.
Refer to Fig. A (System Pic). Using the provided filter housing
wrench, remove the second housing from the left.
Unscrew it counterclockwise as viewed from the bottom.
3. Remove the old filter and discard.
4. Thoroughly wash the housing with a mixture of hot
soapy water and a few teaspoons of household bleach.
Rinse well with clean hot water.
5. Install the new carbon block filter, making sure that
the black gaskets on both ends of the filter are firmly
seated in the gasket recesses.
6. Screw the housing back onto the assembly, and hand
tighten only. NOTE: Do not use filter wrench to tighten housings.
Over-tightening will damage housings and void your warranty.
7. Turn on system water supply and check for leaks.
CARBON BLOCK FILTER REPLACEMENT:

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Although RO membranes are capable of maintaining high water quality
over extended periods of time they eventually will begin to deteriorate.
Normally, the conductivity of the permeate water will increase as the
membranes age. By comparing the difference in TDS readings between
the Tap water conductivity and the RO water conductivity, the per-
centage of rejection of the RO membrane may be calculated and the
resultant number may then be used to determine the condition of the
membrane and thus the operator will know when the membrane needs
to be replaced. Membrane failure will be indicated by a reduction of the
percentage of rejection which will be determined by calculating the
differential between the input and output numbers.
In order to accurately determine the condition of the RO Membrane, a
conductivity tester (TDS meter) capable of reading the tap water
conductivity and the permeate water conductivity has been provided
with this system. With the assistance of the TDS meter you will be able to
easily determine the RO membrane’s condition.
Before performing the diagnostic test on the RO membrane, make sure
that the RO system has been “ON” and producing pure water for a
minimum of 10 minutes. Also check the brine (yellow) line to make sure
that water is flowing and that the flow ratio between the permeate
water and the brine water is at a ratio that is > 4 to 1. (NOTE: The
pressure gauge should indicate a pressure reading of > 40 PSI during this
15-20 minute test period.
Procedure:
1. Turn on the meter 1 ( left meter) by depressing the on switch.
2. Locate the meter slide switch on the front of the DM-1 TDS meter.
3. Slide the switch to the Left “IN” and read the Tap water conductivity
then record the reading ________ .
4. Next, slide the switch the to Right “OUT” and read the RO water
conductivity then record the reading ________.
5. See page 15 on “TESTING THE RO MEMBRANE REJECTION RATE ”
RO MEMBRANE DIAGNOSTIC:

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TESTING THE RO MEMBRANE REJECTION RATE USING THE
TDS METER ON THE LEFT SIDE
PROCEEDURE:
1. First, make sure that the system has been turned on and producing
water (filling the tank) for 5-10 minutes.
2. Turn the left meter on by depressing the “ON” switch then locate
the slide switch on the front of the meter.
A. Measure the tap water conductivity by sliding the switch to
the Left “IN”. (Call it X)
B. Measure RO water conductivity by sliding the switch to the
Right “OUT”. (Call it Y).
C. Subtract RO water conductivity from tap water conductivity.
(X - Y)
D. Divide this quantity by tap water conductivity. (X - Y) ÷ X
E. Rejection = [(X - Y) ÷ X ] ×100
* Conductivity in the above procedure could be caused by hardness,
alkalinity, nitrate, phosphate, silica etc. (The measurement is in ppm
or mg/l).
Rejection of the RO Membrane Calculation Example
1. Tap water hardness = 150 ppm (X)
2. RO water hardness = 7 ppm (Y)
3. X - Y = 143 ppm
4. (X - Y) ÷ X = 143 ÷ 150 = 0.953
5. Rejection = [ ( X - Y) ÷ X ] ×100 = 0.953 ×100 = 95.3
Membrane Hardness Rejection = 95.3 % : Rejection rates less than 95%
may indicate that the membrane should be replaced.
As a general rule; the RO membrane would be considered in good
condition when the rejection rate is = to or > 95%.
NOTE: There are many variables in the input (Tap) water chemistry that may
affect the rejection rate of the RO membrane. (If, after testing the membrane,
there are questions regarding its condition, please call our Technical Support
staff for assistance).

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Membrane Output Calculation
Membranes produce the rated gallons per day (GPD) at 60 psi (4.1 bars)
operating pressure, 77°F (25°C) operating temperature and 500 ppm total
dissolved solids.
Membrane output gallons per day (GPD) depends on operating pressure, water
temperature and the ppm TDS in the feed water.
Expected GPD = Rated GPD × PCF × TCF
PCF is the pressure correction factor
TCF is the temperature correction factor
Calculation of Pressure Correction Factor (PCF): The output (GPD) from
the membrane is directly proportional to the applied pressure.
Note: The membrane is rated to produce the rated GPD at 60 psi. For any pres-
sure other than 60 psi the output GPD is multipled by the PCF.
PCF = Line Pressure (in psi) ÷ 60
Calculation of Temperature Correction Factor (TCF): The output (GPD)
also decreases with decrease in temperature. This is because water viscosity
increases with decrease in water temperature.
Temperature Correction Factor Table (TCF)
°F /°C TCF °F \°C TCF °F \°C TCF
41.0 /5 0.521 59.0 /15 0.730 77.0 /25 1.000
42.8 /6 0.540 60.8 /16 0.754 78.8 /26 1.031
44.6 /7 0.560 62.6 /17 0.779 80.6 /27 1.063
46.4 /8 0.578 64.4 /18 0.804 82.4 /28 1.094
48.2 /9 0.598 66.2 /19 0.830 84.2 /29 1.127
50.0 /10 0.620 68.0 /20 0.857 86.0 /30 1.161
51.8 /11 0.640 69.8 /21 0.884 87.8 /31 1.196
53.6 /12 0.661 71.6 /22 0.912 89.6 /32 1.232
55.4 /13 0.684 73.4 /23 0.941 91.4 /33 1.267
57.2/14 0.707 75.2 /24 0.970 93.2 /34 1.304

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RO MEMBRANE REPLACEMENT
1. Turn off the water supply to the RO system. Place the system
where the membrane housing is easily accessible.
2. Remove the black tubing from the membrane feed push-fitting
by depressing the collar on the fitting with your thumb and pulling
the tubing from the push-fitting (Page 8).
3. Lift the membrane housing from the retention clips.
4. Unscrew the membrane housing lid. This may require two people.
5. Use a pair of pliers to grasp the membrane stem and pull the
membrane from the housing (Fig. E).
6.
Remove the black housing O-ring (Fig. E). Wash the empty housing
with soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with hot, clean water.
7. Insert new membrane into the housing, with the double
O-ring end first (Fig. F). The tube must fit into the recess at the
bottom of the membrane housing. When the membrane is aligned
with the hole, firmly push the membrane into the hole until it
bottoms out.
Fig. E: Removing the Membrane Element
Fig. F: Inserting the New Membrane Element
black
membrane
brine seal
black
membrane
housing O-
ring
membrane
product
water tube
double O-ring
end of membrane
product water
stem tube

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8. Place the black housing O-ring on the housing rim and carefully
screw the lid back on to the base.
9. Reconnect the black tubing to the membrane feed push-fitting.
Note: If you have a dual-membrane system, perform steps 2 thru 9 on
the second membrane now.
* If the new replacement membrane is rated differently in gallons
per day than the original membrane, you will need to remove the
old flow restrictor, replace it with the correctly matched one and
follow this procedure for adjustment:
1. Disconnect the yellow concentrate tubing (page 9) from the
membrane housing. Remove and discard the flow restrictor
(Fig. C).
2. Reconnect yellow concentrate tubing back to membrane
housing and run water through system for at least 2 gallons.
(This step will flush out membrane preservatives.)
3. Insert the new flow restrictor and follow procedure on page 7
for measuring waste to product water ratio.
4. Check for leaks. Allow at least 2 gallons of water to run through
the system before using water.
* If the replacement membrane is rated identical in gallons per day
than the original membrane:
1. Disconnect the yellow concentrate tubing (page 9) from the
membrane housing. Remove flow restrictor and set aside.
2. Reconnect yellow concentrate tubing back to membrane
housing and run water through system for at least 2 gallons.
(This step will flush out membrane preservatives.)
3. Re-insert flow restrictor and check for leaks. Allow at least 2
gallons of water to run through the system before using water.
Housing O-Ring

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Procedure:
1. When the reading on the right-hand TDS meter (set to “IN”) displays 75%
of the reading on the left-hand TDS meter (set to “OUT”), it is time to
replace the
MAXCAP DI ™ cartridge.
2. Follow the directions on page 5 to rinse up the MAXCAP DI ™
cartridge.
3. Make sure the DI cartridge is installed in the correct direction as marked
on the cartridge shell and be sure that the top seal is securely attached to
the top of the cartridge.
4. Tighten the cartridge housing by rotating it clockwise and hand tighten.
5. Turn on system and check for leaks.
Procedure:
1. When the reading on the right-hand TDS meter (set to “OUT”) displays
“001”, it is time to replace the SilicaBuster
™ DI cartridge.
2. Follow the directions on page 5 to rinse up the SilicaBuster
™ DI cartridge.
3. Make sure the DI cartridge is installed in the correct direction as marked
on the cartridge shell and be sure that the top seal is securely attached to
the top of the cartridge.
4. Tighten the cartridge housing by rotating it clockwise and hand tighten.
5. Turn on system and check for leaks.
For service or repair of these monitors, please send to:
HM DIGITAL, INC
5819 Uplander Way
Culver City, CA 90230
DM-1 METER Specifications:
Range 0-1999 PPM Resolution 1PPM (1-999 PPM)
Accuracy 2% Probe ¼’’
Power Source (2) 1.5V button batteries Battery life Approx 1000 hours
MAXCAP DI MAINTENANCE AND REPLACEMENT:
SILICA-BUSTER MAINTENANCE AND REPLACEMENT:

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1. Low production rate:
a. plugged pre-filters. i. Replace pre-filters.
b. low water temperature. ii. Heat feed water OR use higher GPD membrane.
c. low line pressure. iii. Use booster pump OR use higher GPD membrane.
d. high TDS content. iv. Use booster pump OR use higher GPD membrane.
e. fouled membrane. v. Clean or replace membrane to restore flux.
f. plugged flow restrictor. vi. Replace flow restrictor & membrane.
2. Zero production rate:
a. Missing flow restrictor. i. Put flow restrictor in the yellow line.
b. Dried RO membrane. ii. Try to restore flux by soaking in rubbing alcohol
OR replace the membrane.
c. Plugged flow restrictor. iii. Replace flow restrictor and replace
the membrane.
3. Extremely high production rate:
a. Ruptured membrane. i. Replace
b. Very high line pressure (> 80 psi). ii. Use a pressure reducing valve.
4. Pressure gauge does not register pressure when the system is “ON”:
a. Missing flow restrictor. i. Put flow restrictor in the yellow
line.
b. Pressure gauge screwed in too far. ii. Unscrew pressure gauge one
turn and retest.
c. Plugged pressure gauge orifice. iii. Clean orifice with a needle.
d. Defective pressure gauge. iv. Replace it.
5. Low deionization cartridge life:
a. Defective membrane. i. Replace it.
b. Low pressure (< 40 psi). ii. Use booster pump.
c. High CO2 levels in water (> 5 ppm). iii. Aerate RO product water or use a
straight anion cartridge ahead of
DI cartridge. (Call Technical
Support)
d. High TDS in feed water (> 1000 ppm). iv. NO EASY SOLUTION.
e. High levels of silica, nitrates, v. Use straight anion cartridge
ahead of mixed-bed for
phosphates etc. in tap water.
f. Bad or faulty DI cartridge.
g. High pH tap water (> 9.0). vi. Acidify feed water to the RO
membrane to improve its
rejection.
h. Faulty monitor/probe. Test and Replace if required.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE: