RO/DI Installation questions

Discussion in 'SpectraPure' started by elwolfe, Sep 13, 2012.

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  1. elwolfe

    elwolfe Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Hi guys, I just received my MPDI RO/DI unit and I have a few questions regarding the installation. Here's my situation:

    I have an ice maker that I want to feed (have not ordered the pressurized storage tank yet). The ice maker is currently fed by 1/2" PEX. My plan is to use the supply side of the PEX line to feed the RO/DI unit and then tee the output to feed the icemaker storage tank and my water holding bin for the tank. Will this work? Do you have any other recommendations on how I might hook this up?

    Thanks for your help, I'm really looking forward to getting this badboy going.

    --EW
     
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  3. AZDesertRat

    AZDesertRat Giant Squid

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    That would work fine. Make sure you follow Spectrapure's diagrams and place a check valve between the pressure tank and the DI so you don't have TDS creep issues.
    http://www.spectrapure.com/huds/4-STAGE-DWK-RODI-NAG.pdf
    http://www.spectrapure.com/huds/DWK-DI-AX.pdf

    I am a big fan of Spectrapure and own many of their products including a MaxCap UHE and a UPLC-II ATO system but their price on the add on drinking water kit is a little high. Take a look at the $59 kit here and add a 1/4" check valve and you should be in good shape.
    http://www.purelyh2o.com/index.php/...age=flypage.tpl&product_id=115&category_id=10
     
  4. Marshall O

    Marshall O Giant Squid

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    You would want to use the 1/2" (reduced to 1/4") to feed the RO. You would then tee off the output. One line directly feeds the DI. The other will need a check valve and then to the pressurized tank (which will feed the ice maker). Output of the DI would obviously go to your ATO and/or water change tank.

    Edit: He beat me to it!
     
  5. SpectraPure

    SpectraPure 3reef Sponsor

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    The best diagram we have for interfacing an RODI system to a drinking water setup is here on page 8:

    http://spectrapure.com/manuals/PRINTER_FRIENDLY/DWK.pdf

    You can tee off the faucet line to go to the fridge or not use a faucet at all.

    We don't have connectors that hook-up to PEX, so you will have to figure that out at the hardware/plumbing store. All our tubing is 1/4" "poly".

    Scott
    SpectraPure, Inc.
     
  6. elwolfe

    elwolfe Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Rat/Marshall/Scott... thanks for your quick and informative replies. I'll let you know what I come up with.
     
  7. elwolfe

    elwolfe Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Ok, so I got all the parts to hook it up in accordance with the diagram above (1lb check valves are in the mail).

    Here's my next challenge: What's the best way to ensure the RO/DI storage tank doesn't overflow? I need to have continuous RO going to the ice maker, so can't just shut it off at the input - has to be on the output of the DI.

    Is there a simpler way other than getting something like an electronic actuator valve connected to a float switch? Will the back pressure from a valve on the output of the DI section cause any problems?
     
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  9. Marshall O

    Marshall O Giant Squid

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    I responded to your other post with some ideas. I am a little confused why you can't have constant flow to your ice maker. If you use a float valve on your storage container, the flow will stop going into the container. Then if the ice maker needs water, the valve in the fridge will open and water will flow to the ice maker. Unless I am missing something.

    Either way, see what I wrote on your other thread.
     
  10. SpectraPure

    SpectraPure 3reef Sponsor

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    I stand by my suggestions in my previous post. I also mostly agree with Marshall. DRat's references are also right-on.

    The tank won't "overflow", but without an ASO and Check Valve, water will continue to run down the drain after no more water can be forced into the tank.

    Icemakers won't tolerate the slow drip that comes out of an RO system without the pressurized reserve the tank provides. That's the "constant flow" I believe you are looking for.

    Scott
    SpectraPure, Inc.
     
  11. elwolfe

    elwolfe Coral Banded Shrimp

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    I tee'd off for the ice maker before the DI section and installed the pressure tank per the diagram so I think I'm good there as soon as I get the check valves in.

    What I was concerned with was the DI output into the RO/DI storage tank - which is not pressurized. Sounds like a float valve is the way to go. I'm using 40g vertical plastic tanks so drilling a valve in there will not be a problem. I was mostly concerned with possible ramifications of shutting off the output and putting back pressure on the DI resin. But, based on your responses it sounds like a non-issue.

    Appreciate your patience guys..... Thanks
     
  12. SpectraPure

    SpectraPure 3reef Sponsor

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    You are correct and on the right track.

    Scott
    SpectraPure, Inc.