This document describes the FINERFILTERS Reverse Osmosis System, an advanced water purification unit designed for home or commercial use. The system is engineered to remove a wide range of impurities from water, providing clean and safe drinking water. It is available in both 3-stage and 4-stage configurations, with the 4-stage unit including an additional DI resin filter for enhanced purification.
Function Description
The core function of the Reverse Osmosis (RO) system is to purify water by forcing it through a semi-permeable membrane, which effectively filters out contaminants. The system operates in multiple stages to ensure comprehensive purification:
- Stage One (Polypropylene Pre-filter): This initial stage is crucial for removing larger particulate matter. It targets sediment and dirt down to 5 microns, protecting subsequent filters from premature clogging and extending their lifespan.
- Stage Two (High-Density Carbon Block Filter): Following the sediment filter, water passes through a carbon block filter. This stage is designed to remove chlorine, which is commonly found in tap water, along with other organic compounds that can affect water taste and odor. Removing chlorine is also vital for protecting the delicate RO membrane from damage.
- Stage Three (Reverse Osmosis Membrane): This is the heart of the system. The RO membrane is a highly effective filter that can remove impurities down to 0.0001 micron. It targets foreign particles, colloids, organic substances, heavy metals, soluble solids, bacteria, viruses, pyrogens, nitrates, microorganisms, hormones, fluoride, and other harmful impurities. The membrane works by allowing only water molecules and dissolved oxygen to pass through, while rejecting over 96% of contaminants. The rejected water, containing concentrated impurities, is then expelled to the waste line.
- Stage Four (Post DI Resin Filter Chamber - for 4-stage units only): For units equipped with this stage, a refillable DI (Deionization) resin filter is included. This post-filter is designed to remove any remaining ions in the water, aiming to achieve ultra-pure water with a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) reading as close to 0 as possible. This stage is particularly beneficial for applications requiring extremely pure water.
The system is designed to be installed on a cold water supply only. It requires a minimum operating pressure of 3 Bar (45 PSI) for optimal performance, with an ideal pressure of 5.5 Bar (80 PSI). Booster pump kits are available for systems operating under lower pressure conditions. The system is designed to handle inlet water temperatures between 4°C and 42°C and can process tap or ground water with TDS levels below 1000 ppm.
Usage Features
The FINERFILTERS RO system is designed for straightforward installation and operation, though careful adherence to the manual is essential.
- Installation: Before installation, the mains water supply must be turned off. The system connects to the cold water supply using a three-way valve and an isolator tap. A drain clamp is installed on the drain pipe to manage waste water. Tubing connections are made using quick-connect (QC) fittings, which require the removal of a collet clip, insertion of the tubing until it locks, and then re-insertion of the clip to secure the fit. Tubing should be cut straight with no jagged edges to ensure proper sealing.
- Pressure Limiting Valve: A pressure limiting valve is provided and should be installed if the water pressure exceeds 7 bar (100 PSI) or if there are significant pressure fluctuations. This valve is adjustable to maintain the optimal operating pressure for the RO unit.
- System Flushing: A critical step before initial use is a two-stage flushing process. The first flush is performed with the pre-filters installed but before the RO membrane is added. This flushes out any carbon fines, dust, or air from the pre-filters. The water is run for approximately 10 minutes or until clear. After the membrane is inserted, a second, final flush is performed, running water for 10-15 minutes to ensure the entire system is clean and ready for use.
- Water Output: The system produces purified water at various rates depending on the membrane installed: 50 GPD (185 L/day), 75 GPD (275 L/day), or 100 GPD (370 L/day), based on optimal water pressure.
- Waste Water: It's important to note that RO units typically waste around 70% of the incoming water as part of the purification process, expelling concentrated impurities to the drain.
- Flush Valve (L1): The system includes a flush valve (L1) that can be manually operated to clean the RO membrane. This feature helps to remove impurities and bacteria that accumulate on the membrane surface, which can affect water quality and volume.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance, particularly filter replacement, is crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of the RO system.
- Filter Replacement Schedule:
- PP Sediment Filter: Recommended replacement every 6 months.
- Carbon Block Filter: Recommended replacement every 6 months.
- RO Membrane: Recommended replacement every 1-3 years, depending on water quality and usage.
- DI Resin Filter (4 Stage only): Recommended replacement every 6 months.
These schedules are guidelines and may need to be adjusted based on local water quality, hardness, and particulate levels.
- Replacing Filters (Excluding Membrane):
- Turn off the water supply using the isolator tap.
- Drain as much water from the unit as possible.
- Crucially, remove the RO membrane from its housing and set it aside before changing other filters. This prevents contamination or damage during the filter replacement process.
- Carefully remove the housing bowls, empty any residual water, and dispose of the exhausted filters.
- Unwrap and insert the new filter(s) into their respective housings.
- Screw the housing bowls back into place.
- For 4-stage units, remove the DI chamber from its bracket, unscrew the cap, remove the old media, rinse the chamber, add new media, and reassemble.
- After replacing filters, perform the 1st System Flush (as described in the "System Flushing" section) to prepare the unit.
- Replacing Filters and Membrane: If both filters and the membrane are being replaced, follow all steps for replacing filters, then re-insert the new membrane into its housing. After the membrane is installed, perform both the 1st and 2nd System Flushes to ensure the entire system is properly prepared.
- RO Membrane Pressure Washing: To maintain the RO membrane's efficiency, it should be cleaned periodically. This is done manually by turning 'on' the flush valve (L1) for 2-3 minutes once a week. It is essential to ensure this valve is CLOSED after the cleaning process is complete.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common issues such as no water flow, slow flow, leaks, and bad odors, offering probable causes and solutions to help users diagnose and resolve problems.
- Parts Availability: All replacement filters and membranes can be purchased directly from the manufacturer's website or by contacting their customer service.
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