The internal pump is not big enough to handle the 150GPD total. We recommend the Smart Buddie up to a total of 100GPD of membrane.
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You can up the waste water flow if you would like. See the flow restrictor increase option below showing the modification to allow this. You can adjust the valve to the flow rate that you would like to use. Keep in mind your pressure to the membrane could drop some as the water is diverted to the waste stream.@AquaticLifeProducts
Hello, question about flow restrictors. The smart buddie which is rated for 50-100 gpd has a built in 300ml restrictor which seems like it's suited best for the lower end of output. I recall you even posted earlier in this thread that you use 800ml restrictors in your 100gpd systems. If i am using 100gpd membranes should i switch to 800ml restrictors? thanks!
- So with the lower water pressure the water processed though the membrane is reduced and the flow restrictor flow will remain close to the same. So your ratios will be different. Membrane flow rates are usually rate for 60 - 65 PSI.i guess what i am trying to wrap my head around is the relation of feed water pressure (front end) and flow restrictor (back end) in relation to membrane used. For example, i want to use 100gpd membrane. My understanding is something around 800ml flow restrictor is ideal but that depends on having the correct front end pressure. So there are 3 variables, water pressure, membrane and flow restrictor.
let me know if these assumptions are correct:
-low water pressure will result in more waste because it can't push water through the membrane fast enough.
-you can increase the pressure by using a booster pump and / or adding a smaller flow restrictor.
-However, since a 100 gpd membrane has more surface area compared to smaller membranes you need to push more water AND keep water pressure to maximize the 250ml flow rate.
-by using the included 300ml restrictor in the smart buddy, pressure will increase but flow decrease across the membrane thus resulting in close to a 1:1
but this might not be ideal for the 100 gpd memebrane?
-using a 800ml restrictor i am pushing more water through but need higher boosting power to keep the pressure up because of the increased flow rate.
But this is closer to how this membrane should operate?
-just to clarify, your suggestion of using a valve above assumes removal of the built in 300ml flow restrictor correct?
thanks!
Brian
I received an email with your pressure question, but it does not appear to be here now. Please see attached placement for the pressure gauge on the BRS 75 GPD system.
HI Phil, If you want to send me photos at [email protected] will be glad to help. We have many parts available to help out.
I too have had a great experience with Dave and Aquatic Life customer service...although not in this thread. I emailed a question about the Smart Buddie last week prior to finding this thread as my RO unit also supplies water to my fridge and ice maker. Dave was prompt in his replies and extremely helpful. He answered all my questions about my specific application and was very knowledgeable. Needless to say, my smart buddie arrived today and will be installed shortly.I wanted to post a big thanks to Dave at Aquatic Life. He sent me some parts that completely fixed my issue. I made 60 gallons of RO/DI this weekend w/no drips!
Fantastic customer support.
-Phil
I'm looking to add a second 75 gpd membrane. I'm running 90 psi now with the single 75 gpd and the buddy. Do I need to add a flow restricter to do this and if so what size and where do I put it? ThanksIt depends on your situation. The concern is the pressure created with the larger membrane area or the two membranes. If you only have 40 PSI, it will increase the pressure to the membrane in our experience close to the 60 - 65 PSI. If you already have the 65 PSI you would not really see an increase. The pump will produce around 750 ml of water at 60 PSI output. A single 150 membrane or double 75 would have around 395 ml of output per minute and then you need to add in the 300 CC/ml flow restrictor per minute. So 695 combined.
So it really would depend on your situation. Let me know your parameters and will be glad to help figure out if it will work in your situation.
I know we emailed about this but wanted to post the reply here for other to have as a resource.I'm looking to add a second 75 gpd membrane. I'm running 90 psi now with the single 75 gpd and the buddy. Do I need to add a flow restricter to do this and if so what size and where do I put it? Thanks
I asked this same question via email not too long ago as my unit feeds my Reef and my fridge. The issue you might run into is the output psi of the buddie is only 35 psi, which might not be enough pressure for some fridges. I got around this by having an additional booster pump after my drinking water storage tanks to supply higher psi to my fridge.Currently the output of my RO system is tee'd off after an ASO and one output goes to a standard RO pressurized storage tank that feeds my refrigerators. The other line goes to a DI filter and then to a Brute storage container that is controlled by an Apex Solenoid. If I install this system and remove the ASO will the pressurized storage tanks be filled to the current volume and pressure level that I get which services my refrigerators quite well?