[Madreefer]

Originally Posted by mike31154

It's unlikely that you will find a 'Vertex' membrane. Vertex, Aquasafe, BRS, Buckeye Hydro & most of the other names you see on RODI units are companies/vendors that assemble the systems from standard, generic components. In our case, that means 10 inch cartridge housings for all your prefilters as well as a standard size RO membrane housing. Apart from that, the only difference is what options each vendor provides for what price. Auto flush, pressure gauge, TDS meter etc. Most of these are 'standard' components as well, sourced from other companies that specialize in their manufacture. I recall seeing one vendor/'brand' out there that individually tests each membrane before selling the system, but you pay for that in final price & to be honest, I'm not sure it's worth it. It's still a DOW membrane.

It's kind of like large appliances. In reality there are only a few actual manufacturers out there and companies like Sears, GE, Whirlpool etc. simply have them built with their own logo, a few cosmetic changes to differentiate them from the competition and on to the showroom floor they go. I'd wager the compressor in every refrigerator out there, regardless of brand name, comes from across the pond to the east.

Quite certain the DOW filmtec membrane is pretty much the standard these days & it's what you'll find in most good quality RO systems, Vertex included. Might be another manufacturer, maybe even two, but they're up against a giant with DOW & unlikely they have the R&D department, let alone the manufacturing might at their disposal to provide meaningful competition.

Yea that all makes sense Mike. And i've never seen a vertex membrane. I replace the membrane every year and I go thru the same thing each time. For the life of me I can never remember which membrane to get. As I said before this was a prototype I was sold so no box or instructions etc. The first time I changed this membrane the one I took out was a 50gpd membrane. I seen that someone posted about getting a vertex membrane and that added more confusion. Note to self....never buy prototype equipment or stuff from fly by night stores.