Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are essential for providing clean and purified water for households and businesses. To ensure the longevity and efficiency of your RO system, regular servicing and maintenance are crucial and this blogpost provides knowledge on how to service and maintain your reverse osmosis system and RO membranes.
What are the causes of membrane damage or blockage?
The causes of reverse osmosis (RO) membrane damage or blockage is mainly due to poor raw water quality, scaling, pH or chlorine imbalance, high operating pressure or temperatures and poor maintenance.
Scaling or fouling is the mineral scale buildup on the membrane surface due to high levels of dissolved minerals or bacteria in the water can lead to blockages and reduced membrane performance thereby reducing water flow and efficiency.
pH Imbalance and chlorine damage: Extreme pH levels in the feed water or exposure to high levels of chlorine in the feed water can affect membrane integrity and lead to damage or blockages leading to degradation and reduced lifespan.
High Operating Pressure or Extreme Temperature: Operating the RO system at pressures or temperature higher than recommended can cause stress on the membrane, leading to damage over time.
Poor Water Quality: Contaminants such as suspended solids, oils, or chemicals in the feed water can cause membrane fouling and damage.
Importance of Servicing and Maintaining Your RO System:
Proper maintenance helps in preserving the system’s performance, extending its lifespan, and ensuring the quality of the water it produces. Neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased efficiency, increased energy/power consumption, and potential water contamination.
How to Service and Maintain Your Reverse Osmosis System and RO Membranes
1. Regular Filter Backwash and Filter Replacement:
- Depending on water usage and raw water quality, backwash your cylinder and/or FRP Vessels twice to three times weekly
- Candle Filter: Replace every 1-3 months.
- Filtration Media: Replace every 1-2 years.
- RO Membrane: Replace every 2-3 years.
2. Reverse Osmosis RO Membrane Servicing:
- Membrane Flushing: Every 1-3 months
- Flush the system periodically to remove accumulated debris, prevent bacteria growth, and maintain efficiency.
- Follow manufacturer guidelines for proper flushing procedures.
- Use approved flushing (basic and acidic) solutions and the right quantity for effective flushing.
3. to :
- Monitor the water quality from the display glass flow meter to know when your water quality has dropped
- Monitor system pressure and voltage levels to ensure optimal performance.
- Inspect all connections for leaks and damages and address any leaks or replace damaged parts promptly to prevent water wastage and potential damage.
- Conduct water tests regularly
Prices for Servicing and Maintenance of Reverse Osmosis System and RO Membrane:
The costs of servicing and maintaining an RO system can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the system, the frequency of maintenance, and the quality of replacement parts. Here is an approximate breakdown of common costs:
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Membrane Replacement: N100,000 – N150,000 per one
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Professional Reverse Osmosis Maintenance Service: N30,000 – N60,000 per visit (service includes inspection, candle filter replacement and membrane flushing)
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Filtration Media Replacements: This varies with type of raw water quality, quantity and size of vessels.
In summary, servicing and maintaining your reverse osmosis system is essential for ensuring clean and safe drinking water. By following a regular maintenance schedule and addressing issues promptly, you can prolong the lifespan of your RO system and maintain its efficiency. While there are costs associated with maintenance, the investment in servicing your RO system is a small price to pay for the benefits of clean and purified water for you and your family.
