Vertex Puratek RO Unit Questions

[Madreefer]

A while back I got burned on this RO unit from a scumbag store in Abbotsford that is no longer around. Anyways I complained about it and the guy sent me a new membrane. The new one is for 100GPD the one I took out is for 50GPD. So how do I know what my RO unit is rated for? 50 or 100. Also when is it time to change out the filters and DI resin? And are all the cartridges compatible? Since changing the membrane from the 50 to the 100 I seem to have to clean my glass more often and wondering if this is a part of the reason why.

[sphelps]

I though all Vertex Puratek ROs used 100GPD membranes, perhaps this was your problem in the first place? Even the 200 unit uses two 100GPD membranes.

[Madreefer]

The problem I had was totally different subject. I was sent a used "store tester" unit that was not supposed to be sold to the public. The unit works good but just curious if I should assume it is 100gpd or when it is the right time to change the filter cartridges. How do you tell when it is time?

[sphelps]

I would just use the 100gpd membrane, I'm sure the unit is probably built for it anyway so it shouldn't cause any problems. Also the easiest way to tell when to change filters is with a TDS meter, the vertex should have one built in right? Note your TDS with new filters and when it climbs too high for your liking change the pre-filters and DI. There is no exact guideline typically people just change them when they become uncomfortable with the TDS reading, for some that's anything above zero, others around 10, 20, 40 or even 60ppm. Other way is just to use the basic rule of thumb which is once a year. The RO membrane should only require replacing after about 5 years or so. You'll know it's time if you change your pre-filters and your TDS is still too high for your liking.

[mr_alberta]

Do you have a TDS meter? That's the best way to tell when its time to change the cartridges. Also, there should be a flow restrictor on the waste water line (its this tiny trumpet looking thing inside the line). You may have to change that out if the original unit was a 50GPD unit and you changed it to a 100GDP unit.

[albert_dao]

The 100 gpd membrane is the correct part for that unit.

The store tester unit is built to the same spec as the consumer product with some minor changes, none of which have anything to do with the proper membrane sizing.

HTH

[Madreefer]

Yes it has a built in TDS meter but it has not worked from day 1. After my resevoir is full and the unit is no longer making water the TDS meter eventually climbs up to 50PP within a couple of hours and stays that way even after it does it's 30sec flush. Which is why i'm always unsure on the cartridges or membrane. The valve that the TDS meter plugs in to used to be before the DI canister. I have since moved that valve so it is between the outflow of the DI canister and my resevoir. The DI should be the final stage that filtered water flows from, correct?

[mike31154]

Your unit is rated for whatever membrane is in it, whether you put in a 50, 75 or 100. But as mr alberta mentioned in his post, when you change membranes to a different rating, you also need to get the appropriate flow restrictor, unless you have one of the newer adjustable flow restrictors which allows you to tweak the flow to match a certain membrane. A system with mismatched membrane & flow restrictor will work but not at its rated efficiency.

[Madreefer]

Thanks all! I dont see a flow restrictor on it. I decided I will change all of the filters except the membrane.

[albert_dao]

Here's a video I made a bit back about the restrictor valve:

http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/c...ictorValve.mp4