Problem with SpectraPure RO/DI Unit

[208reef]

Hello,

I just set up a brand new SpectraPure Eliminator® 4 RODI System exactly as stated in the instructions, but after running it for about an hour, it is not sending any water to the DI canister and no product water is coming out.

Here is what I have tried so far:
-Confirmed the flush valve is in the correct position (completed the 2 minute flush before attempting to make product per instructions)
-Confirmed the pressure is good (getting a reading of 55 psi - booster pump only required if you are below 40psi)
-Made sure there was no packaging material on the membrane to remove
-Made sure there was no packaging material on the DI canister to remove
-Made sure the hoses are all connected per the picture in the manual
-Let it run or like 45-60 minutes to flush out any air

Any other ideas for what I should try?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Does it have an automatic shut off valve? Should look something like this

Very common that those get hooked up incorrectly.

 

[208reef]

Yes, it came with one of those auto shut-off valves pre-installed.

 

[208reef]

Yes, it came with one of those auto shut-off valves pre-installed.

Just checked the auto shut off and it appears to be plumbed in correctly ("in" side being fed by the RO membrane, "out" side going to waste and DI canister). Maybe the auto shut off valve itself is froze up or faulty?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Can you snap a picture? It doesn't happen often but it may be on the wrong sides from the factory

 

[208reef]

I tried removing the product line from the auto-shut off to see if it would produce any product out of the membrane and nothing.

Everything look normal here?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Can you take a good picture of your hose routing like a top down shot of where the hoses come out of and go to? There's gotta be a routing issue

 

[208reef]

Here are some more pictures. Let me know if you need better pictures of any of it. I'm starting to think it might be a problem with the membrane itself.

 

[Shirak]

I would try taking the auto shut off out of the system. Waste out of RO housing to the flow restrictor and RO out to blue line going to DI canister and see what happens. It's unlikely the RO membrane.

 

[Crabs McJones]

The blue and black lines with the probes in them, im assuming blue is water in and black is water out to the ro membrane correct?

 

[Patx]

...

 

[KStatefan]

There are two different styles of auto shut off valves.

https://www.buckeyehydro.com/content/Auto_Shut_Off_Valve.pdf

I would disconnect the permeate fitting at the membrane housing and see if you get ant thing there then call spectrapure.

 

[208reef]

There is no water coming out of the product side on the membrane housing, so it can’t be the auto-shut off. Water on the product side is never even making it to the auto-shut off.

I emailed SpectraPure yesterday and no response. I’ll try calling them tomorrow.

 

[Crabs McJones]

There is no water coming out of the product side on the membrane housing, so it can’t be the auto-shut off. Water on the product side is never even making it to the auto-shut off.

I emailed SpectraPure yesterday and no response. I’ll try calling them tomorrow.

No product water but is waste water coming through?

 

[208reef]

No product water but is waste water coming through?

Yes, exactly. Is it normal to have to remove a protective layer on the membrane to start using it? I didn't see one when I pulled it out, but it has been a long time since I've handled an RO membrane.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Yes, exactly. Is it normal to have to remove a protective layer on the membrane to start using it? I didn't see one when I pulled it out, but it has been a long time since I've handled an RO membrane.

I wouldn't think so. If it came pre-assembled I'd think they'd remove the plastic cover in manufacturing

 

[Crabs McJones]

Wait! On the product water line is there a check valve? Right where the product line comes out of the ro housing?

 

[Crabs McJones]

I'm an idiot. I just figured it out. In your picture the waste water line is running through your check valve. I don't think it's suppose to

 

[Shirak]

When you pulled the cap off the end of the RO housing did you check the rubber seal around the membrane with the housing? Could be water is bypassing the membrane. There was a funny looking black area in your photo which makes me wonder if the seal is not right. I would check that an maybe pull the membrane out and put it back in.

 

[208reef]

When you pulled the cap off the end of the RO housing did you check the rubber seal around the membrane with the housing? Could be water is bypassing the membrane. There was a funny looking black area in your photo which makes me wonder if the seal is not right. I would check that an maybe pull the membrane out and put it back in.

I checked and it's not there, so must have just been some water. I also noticed the bolt right under that is already rusting just from having regular water sit on it for a few hours. This whole thing just seems like a lemon lol.