Inside the Smart Buddie - Turbo charge your RO system
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OP
OP
The high pressure switch on the filtered line side is set for 35+/-. Are you measuring the pressure at the membrane only? What are you looking to do to increase the filtered water pressure?
Hi all
I have install it today is there any reason why my smart buddie booster the yellow lines vibrate almost like a pulsing vibration and it is a lot and makes a weird sound also my gauge is fluctuating from 80 to 85 psi always.
thank you in advance
I have install it today is there any reason why my smart buddie booster the yellow lines vibrate almost like a pulsing vibration and it is a lot and makes a weird sound also my gauge is fluctuating from 80 to 85 psi always.
thank you in advance
Last edited:
OP
OP
Good morning,
The pressure line from the Smart Buddie to the membrane can vibrate as this is the side that the pump pressurizes. The pump is similar to a diaphragm pump and will pulse as it pressurizes the water out of the pump. That is where bounce comes from on the gauge too.
A Glycerin filled gauge takes a look of the bounce out of the needle. Air filled will move more.
The pressure line from the Smart Buddie to the membrane can vibrate as this is the side that the pump pressurizes. The pump is similar to a diaphragm pump and will pulse as it pressurizes the water out of the pump. That is where bounce comes from on the gauge too.
A Glycerin filled gauge takes a look of the bounce out of the needle. Air filled will move more.
i will try to purge any air inside of the RODI to see if this helps
OP
OP
Yes you are ok. The vibration is a little more with smaller 50 GPD membranes and less with 100 GPD membranes. But you are good to go, no need to be concerned.
If any problems let us know.
If any problems let us know.
DeeBee
Active Member
I have been running the Smart Buddie for several years on a 75GPD membrane and consistently get 90 PSI coming directly off the "To membrane intake" line.
Is there any disadvantage if I move to a 100gpd membrane? Will I need to change the restrictor?
Is there any disadvantage if I move to a 100gpd membrane? Will I need to change the restrictor?
OP
OP
You can up the membrane size to a 100GPD. Two things should happen. The PSI to the membrane will likely drop some as the surface area of the membrane is larger. The ratio of filtered water to waste water will reduce. The 300 CC flow restrictor on a 100 GPD membrane would get you closer to a 1 to 1 ratio. If that is a concern I can help with increasing the water water flow some if you would like.
Joe's Coral Reef
Active Member
I recently moved houses and reconnected my smart buddie. It was sitting for a few month unused. Now I'm having a issue of it constantly draining waste water. The waste water will not stop. I went through and replaced all the filters and have checked the plumbing multiple times. Anyone know what could be wrong?
OP
OP
Send us some photos of the setup to [email protected] and we can review. The solenoid in the Smart Buddie when powered off should stop the supply of water to the entire system. If the system is powered off does the waste water still flow? If so that could mean the shut off solenoid piston is stuck in the open position. Could just need to be cleaned.
Quiverfull
Active Member
Hi Dave:
I have a Smart Buddy that I was using on my previous 90 gpd 3 stage unit. I was getting 85 to 90 PSI. I recently upgraded my RO system to a SpectraPure MaxCap Dual 90 GPD (total 180 GPD - Model # MC-RODI-180-10-MF). I have removed the flow restrictor and manual flush and I believe I have all my connections correct. I am now getting 65 PSI with this system. Is there anyway to improve my pressure?
Thanks
I have a Smart Buddy that I was using on my previous 90 gpd 3 stage unit. I was getting 85 to 90 PSI. I recently upgraded my RO system to a SpectraPure MaxCap Dual 90 GPD (total 180 GPD - Model # MC-RODI-180-10-MF). I have removed the flow restrictor and manual flush and I believe I have all my connections correct. I am now getting 65 PSI with this system. Is there anyway to improve my pressure?
Thanks
OP
OP
The Smart Buddie is rated up to a 100GPD membrane. When you go above that the pump will lose pressure and possibly be damaged. The surface area now with 180 GPD membrane is too much. There is no way to increase the flow and output on the unit. It would require a bigger pump.
Quiverfull
Active Member
What do you suggest I do? I like the smart buddie system and all that is does (automatic flush, turns off when float valve closed, etc.) Is there a way to change the pump for a stronger one?
OP
OP
Unfortunately, we do not have an option to upgrade the pump.
I can only suggest using a single membrane of 100 GPD or less. You may be able to find a pump that would fit but a larger pump may also require a larger power supply to operate the unit.
I can only suggest using a single membrane of 100 GPD or less. You may be able to find a pump that would fit but a larger pump may also require a larger power supply to operate the unit.
Quiverfull
Active Member
Thanks for your response. If I were to add an external booster pump, is there a configuration of attaching the tubing that would keep the rest of the unit functional?
OP
OP
You could hook up to the 24VDC power supply inside the unit, if the power supply is big enough for the larger pump.
The other concern is that there is a 300 CC flow restrictor inside that is also the flush valve. This would likely need changed or increased. The ratio of 180 GPD membrane and a 300 CC flow restrictor would put you upside down on the ratios and likely would damage the membranes. Roughly this would put you at 1 gallon filtered to 0.6 gallons of waste.
Does Spectrapure have a suggested booster pump for the 180?
The other concern is that there is a 300 CC flow restrictor inside that is also the flush valve. This would likely need changed or increased. The ratio of 180 GPD membrane and a 300 CC flow restrictor would put you upside down on the ratios and likely would damage the membranes. Roughly this would put you at 1 gallon filtered to 0.6 gallons of waste.
Does Spectrapure have a suggested booster pump for the 180?
OP
OP
I'm not familiar with a pump that can handle the larger flow rate requirement. I believe Aquatec may have something but not sure.
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