RO Booster Pump Kit... Worth it? (1 Viewer)

[jlanger]

If you're using a booster pump with your RO unit, is it worth the added cost?

Since it was time to replace my filter cartridges and DI resin in my RO unit, I decided to also replace the membrane; 5yrs old.
I had been using the SpectraPure 90gpd membrane, but decided to just go with the BRS standard 75gpd membrane; in which I needed to also change my restrictor valve. After an hour or so of running water through the filter, the operating water pressure dropped down to 40psi.
I tested the output of the unit and I'm running at about 51gpd with a waste water ratio of 1:3.25.

Not that I really need to make 75gpd, is it still worth adding a booster pump to maximize the new membrane and improve the waste water ratio?
Or do I also upgrade to the 150gpd system and have the ultimate benefit of adding a booster pump?

 

[Nickz]

I will never run my ro without the Booster pump again... I get 3-4 gallons of Rodi per hour with it on my 75gpd system and way less waste I believe. I started mine the other day around 4-5 pm, by 5 am I had 55 gallons made and it was turned off, so all I know for sure is it made 55 gallons in under 12 hours.

 

[cathorn]

Hello Jason: My son and I both use the Aquatec CDP 8800 booster pump, with good results. I also have a Omnipure K5505JJ micro inline sediment filter in front of the booster pump. I agree with Nick about the time frame for filling up my 55 gallon RODI barrel, less than 12 hours. I only have a 100 gpd system, an older style, it came with the tank when I bought it. I think the Omnipure filter has helped the life span of the 3 main filters, not needing to change as often.

 

[Leicester56]

I run a 5 stage RO/DI 75 gallon/day from BRS. My water pressure isn't fantastic even in the basement. Added the BRS booster and it made a world of difference. Highly recommend it!

 

[RandoReefer]

In my last house a booster pump was a must, with only 40psi through a 5stage 150gpd BRS unit. After adding I was at 90psi and making water faster than I could keep up with.

Here in the new house basement, I get 70psi without booster and 95-98psi with. I'm a bit afraid I'm overpowering the system at such high psi. . If I'm not in a hurry, I'll probably keep it off, but it makes water so fast it's tempting not to run it.

Well worth the $$ though IMO.

 

[BlacknBlue2]

you can dial down the pressure on the BRS RODI systems

 

[zoolan70]

Being on a well, it has made a ton of difference for me.

 

[marty9876]

I'm surprised this is so one sided in a positive manor. Interesting.

 

[Nickz]

It's noisier than I like( I believe that is due to where its mounted), there is a con for you. But when starting with 42 psi, nothing can make that worse

 

[jlanger]

I'm surprised this is so one sided in a positive manor. Interesting.

I was expecting to hear a lot of the positive side of the decision.
Buying the booster pump has no real down side, but I was hoping for a justification for spending the money on it. I'm not in any need for the pump as I am still able to make water; now it's just at a reduced rate.

Has anyone compared their waste water ratios with/without the booster pump?
This would be the more critical piece of data towards knowing if the pump is worth the cost.

 

[reeffamily]

here is a link for your exact DOW membrane and all it's specs. good reading but read it all.they are truly made by DOW in st paul. should be run at 50psi water pressure. priced at 23$ makes it much easier to change more often. one question though. why do people care about how much waste water occurs?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/75GPD-FILMTEC-MEMBRANE-REVERSE-OSMOSIS-TW30-1812-75-RO-/170681082848

 

[marty9876]

Typical reason for waste water ratio is it's harder on the enviroment/using more natural resources than needed. Cost of the water would be minor but always a factor.

Not sure how much I buy into either justification but I respect others views on this. Water down the drain is just that.

 

[Jager]

Ive never used one, never needed one i guess. Minneapolis and Rockford water pressure has suited me just fine.

 

[David Grigor]

Like others have said you will never get your money back in savings. It's all about being "Green".

The main reason I have is to be able to produce water in an emergency. Using booster pump and a second membrane inline. Nice side benefit is the waste water reduction but not the main reason.

The diaphram does eventually wear out, I've have mine about 4 years and still going strong but won't last forever. I haven't looked into how easy to replace or just buy a new unit.