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Installation and Service Manual – UF Water Treatment System

L-18UF-215
WATER ULTRAFILTRATION SYSTEM

MANUAL FOR
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
OF
WATER ULTRAFILTRATION SYSTEM
W/O #: 5941
2325 Cousteau Ct.
Vista, CA 92081
Phone: (760) 727-3711
Fax: (760) 727-4427
Email: Sales@AppliedMembranes.com
Web: http://www.AppliedMembranes.com

Systems and Components


Membranes, Filters, Chemicals
2325 Cousteau Ct., Vista, CA 92081 USA • www.appliedmembranes.com • E-mail: sales@appliedmembranes.com
Page 1 Copyright © 2008 Applied Membranes, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Contents
GENERAL INFORMATION and SAFETY ............................................................................................. 3
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................................... 4
SYSTEM INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................................... 5
SYSTEM OPERATION ......................................................................................................................... 9
General Operation ............................................................................................................................. 9
Description of Operation .................................................................................................................. 10
Filtration ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Membrane Backwash .................................................................................................................. 10
Membrane Forward Flush ............................................................................................................ 11
Installation and Calibration of GF Flow Transmitters and Paddle Wheels .......................................... 11
INITIAL SYSTEM START-UP ............................................................................................................. 24
SYSTEM SHUT-DOWN ...................................................................................................................... 25
OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM ......................................................................................................... 26
UF SYSTEM DATA LOG ................................................................................................................. 26
Temperature Correction Factor ....................................................................................................... 27
OPERATING DO'S & DON'TS ............................................................................................................ 28
MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM .................................................................................................... 29
MAINTENANCE TIPS ..................................................................................................................... 29
WHEN TO CHANGE CARTRIDGE FILTERS ................................................................................. 29
WHEN TO CLEAN MEMBRANES .................................................................................................. 29
REPLACING PREFILTER ............................................................................................................... 30
WARRANTY ....................................................................................................................................... 33

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GENERAL INFORMATION and SAFETY

DISCLAIMER:
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
Applied Membranes Inc. shall not be liable for technical or editorial omissions made herein; nor for
incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing, performance, or use of this
material.

READ THIS MANUAL:


Prior to operating or servicing this unit, the manual must be read and understood. If anything is not
clear, call for assistance before proceeding. Keep this and other associated manuals for future
reference and for new operators or qualified service personnel.

USE PROPER POWER CONNECTIONS:


Use proper wiring and connection methods to satisfy local electrical codes. SHOCK HAZARD:
Connect this unit to a properly grounded connection in accordance with the National Electrical Code.
DO NOT, under any circumstances, remove the ground wire or ground prong from any power plug.
Do not use extension cords or an adapter without proper consideration.

WARNING:
Unplug the system prior to servicing.

WARNING:
Do not make any alteration or modification in the wiring or plumbing of the system. This can result in
damage to the system and cause injury to operators or users.

WARNING:
Flush the system for 30 minutes before use to remove all chemicals present.

CAUTION:
Chlorine can damage the membranes. Chlorine should be removed from the feed stream before
entering the system. The feed stream should be tested for chlorine at least once a week. Always
follow proper maintenance procedures.

CAUTION:
Never let the system freeze. Freezing can damage the membranes and plumbing.

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SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
Important design and operating conditions are listed below and must be closely followed for proper system
performance. All system data must be recorded on a daily basis.

Operating Conditions Design Notes


Feed Flow (Filtrate + Concentrate) 17
1
Product Flow (Filtrate), GPM 13.5 to 17 80%-100%
Concentrate Flow, GPM 0-3.5 0%-20%
Product to Feed Flow Ratio (Recovery) 80-100%
Inlet Pressure, (cartridge filter inlet), PSI 5 to 50
Outlet Pressure, (cartridge filter outlet), PSI 5 to 50
3
Transmembrane Pressure (∆P), Filtration, 1.5 to 20
PSI
Transmembrane Pressure (∆P), Backwash, 5 to 40
PSI
2
Design Temperature, DEG C 25

Note: Any deviation in operating conditions may change the performance of the system, foul the membranes or permanently damage
the membranes.

Notes
1 UF membranes can be run at varying recoveries, up to 100%, depending on the application. Crossflow
(concentrate flow) can be increased to reduce UF membrane fouling if necessary. The system pressure is a
variable and will increase with runtime between backwashes. The exact value of the pressure will vary.
2 Product (filtrate) flow will increase at a higher temperature and decrease at a lower temperature. Adjust
pressure to bring filtrate flow to design value.
3 Backwash is required when transmembrane pressure (differential pressure) across the UF Membrane rises to 8
PSI or greater as well as after 12 days of operation (both indicated by the illumination of the lights on the
controller box)
4 To preserve membranes use 1% sodium metabisulfite (0.1 lbs per gallon)

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SYSTEM INSTALLATION

Unpack the Water Treatment System. Inspect the assemblies for any type of damage. (cracked
couplings, broken instruments, split pipe, loose pressure vessels, bent frames, etc.)

Place the components in such a manner to expedite connection and service of system.

CAUTION
System performance will be adversely affected if the raw water source does not
have a sufficient flow to the system inlet.

Connect the feed line to the system.

Feed inlet
connection

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Connect the product/filtrate line from the UF skid to the product storage tank.

Backwash Water
Connection

Waste Water Product Water


Connection Connection

Connect the concentrate line from the UF skid to an open drain to prevent back pressure. The piping
should be done in such a way as to prevent back pressure and prevent siphoning at UF shutdown.
(See note on next page)

CAUTION
It is recommended to not install a service valve in the product line. Running the
unit with the filtrate and concentrate outlet valves both closed can cause
damage. It is recommended to not connect the filtrate line to a storage tank in
such a manner as to create a static head.

Install an electrical main disconnect within site of the UF system.

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CAUTION
Ensure all electrical power is turned off before making any connections to the
site electrical source.

Connect power source to the connections inside the control panel. Refer to the electrical drawings for
details.

Electrical Ground

Electrical
Power

Specifications
Power: 120/240 VAC -15+10%, 50/60Hz, 25Watts
Environment: -22°F to 140°F, 0-95% RH, non-
condensing
Enclosure: 10" X 8" X 6”

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SYSTEM OPERATION
General Operation
Once the proper electrical wiring is placed securely into the unit at the proper location,
and then plugged into a power source, the unit is constantly on or “powered”. This
power is only for the instruments located on the front of the electrical panel, as the rest
of the system is mechanical in nature and necessitates no power. Essentially, the
powered components of the unit are the two Flow transmitters, the two status lights, the
push button, and the differential pressure switch located on top of the differential
pressure gauge (behind the front panel of the frame). If power is removed from the unit,
when power is reapplied the unit will display the same status before power was
removed.

Front Panel Controls and Indicator


Feature Description
GF SIGNET FLOW Displays a GPM Readout on the
TRANSMITTER LED Display of these transmitters.
There is one transmitter for
Filtrate/Product Flow and one for
Waste Flow.
TIMER Red Light below the label
BACKWASH Illuminates when the timer inside
the electrical enclosure has been
supplied with power for 12 days.
The assumption is that if the
system is supplied with power,
then it is running water through the
membrane. When this light is lit, a
backwash is necessary.
DIFF. PRESSURE If the Differential Pressure across
BACKWASH the membrane reaches at least 8
p.s.i., the red light below the label
will become illuminated and thus
indicate a backwash is necessary.
BACKWASH This green button located on the
TIMER RESET bottom right side of the front of the
electrical enclosure will reset the
timer for the backwash and thus
turn off the light. You should press
this button after a backwash has
taken place on the system.

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Description of Operation
Filtration

Filtration is the normal (online) mode of operation. In this mode, feed water is fed
through the feed water inlet valve and into the UF module, where the filtration occurs
from the inside of the UF fibers to the outside. Each fiber contains seven capillaries,
inside which the water passes through a filtration layer (membrane) containing pores
rated at approximately 0.02 micron before passing to the outside of the fiber. Due to
the miniscule size of the pores, the UF fibers provide reliable blocking of
microorganisms and viruses, along with filtration of suspended solids and reduction of
turbidity. The inside diameter of the capillaries is 0.9 mm and the outside diameter of
the fibers is 4.0 mm.

The filtered water then exits the module through the filtrate outlet.

The UF unit can be run at a recovery rate up to 100% (all feed water passes through the
fibers and exits the unit as filtrate). However, to reduce fouling and allow for longer
runtimes between backwashes, a concentrate (cross flow) stream can be added by
opening the diaphragm valve on the concentrate outlet. The amount of concentrate flow
can be monitored on the waste stream flow meter display on the UF control panel.

During filtration, the backwash inlet valve is closed.

Membrane Backwash

If one of the two red lights is illuminated on the front panel of the electrical enclosure,
this is an indication that a membrane backwash is in order (this is either due to an
increase of differential pressure across the UF Membrane of 8 psi or greater, or due to
running the system for at least 12 days straight).

The backwash will be performed by 1) completely opening the concentrate diaphragm


valve, 2) closing the filtrate outlet valve, 3) opening the backwash inlet valve and 4)
closing the feed water inlet valve.

In this mode, feed water passes through the backwash inlet and exits the unit through
the concentrate outlet. Inside the module, the water passes from the outside of the
fibers to the inside and exits the unit through the concentrate (waste) stream. This
action causes the flow to sweep away the foulants which have collected inside of the
fibers during filtration.

The backwash step is typically brief (less than a minute) before the system is ready to
be forward flushed and brought back online. Observe the transmembrane pressure
once the unit is put back online to determine the efficacy of the backwash.
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Membrane Forward Flush

After the backwash step, the unit needs to be forward flushed before it is put back into
filtration mode.

To forward flush the unit after a backwash, simply 1) open the feed water inlet valve and
2) close the backwash outlet valve.

In this mode, feed water passes through the feed water inlet and exits the unit through
the concentrate outlet. Inside the module, the water remains inside the capillaries,
where it washes along the membrane surface and exits the unit through the waste
stream. This step insures that the system is completely flushed before the unit is
brought back online.

To bring the unit back online after a forward flush, 1) open the filtrate outlet valve and 2)
adjust the concentrate diaphragm valve to the desired concentrate flow rate.

Installation and Calibration of GF Flow Transmitters and Paddle


Wheels

(On following pages)

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INITIAL SYSTEM START-UP

NOTE: Direct the filtrate stream to drain during the first half hour of operation. This
allows any chemical preservatives to be flushed from the system.

Plug unit into the Power Supply after making appropriate electrical connections

Fully close the Backwash Inlet valve located above the product/filtrate outlet valve.
Open the BV on the Feed Water Inlet Line (See P&ID).

Open the BV on the Union Filtrate Outlet (See P&ID).

Go to the Diaphragm Valve on the concentrate line (See P&ID) of the system and turn
clockwise to produce more filtrate/product or counterclockwise to produce more waste
water.

Pump water to the system at a rate of 17GPM at 30psi.

Wait until all air is expelled from the system. This may take about 10-15 minutes.
Some filtrate will be produced during this step and must be discarded to drain.

After you establish the correct feed flow, increase or decrease the production by
adjusting the concentrate control valve until the filtrate matches the specified flow.

Let the system run for approximately 30 minutes to purge out preservative and verify
stability.

A record should be made of all operation data as indicated by the instruments on the
RO System.

Keep an operation record as follows:

1st and 2nd days - every 4 hours

After that - once every 8 hours

(Minimum once per day)

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Shown As:

% Recovery = (Product flow rate ÷ Feed flow rate) × 100


Feed Flow = Filtrate Flow + Concentrate Flow

Example: If filtrate flow is 10 gallons/minute and concentrate flow is 15 gallons/minute,


then
Feed Flow = 10 + 15 = 25 GPM

% Recovery = 10 x 100 = 40%


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A higher recovery rate means less concentrate going to the drain. Depending on the
application higher recovery can also mean shorter runtime between backwashes.

CAUTION
System performance will be adversely affected if system is not backwashed
when necessary (after buildup of suspended solids inside UF fibers and
resultant increase in transmembrane pressure).

SYSTEM SHUT-DOWN

Turn off the supply of water into the UF system.

Unplug the unit from the power supply.

If the UF System is to be shutdown for more than a week, a membrane preservative


should be used. Refer to the instructions for preserving membranes.

When the system is restarted after an extended shutdown, both filtrate and concentrate
should be diverted to drain for 30 minutes.

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SYSTEM MONITORING AND RECORD KEEPING


The system should be monitored and all pertinent data recorded on a daily basis. Data
is needed to determine operating efficiency and for performing system maintenance.
The latter includes cleaning of the membranes adjusting the operating conditions,
replacement of membranes, and antiscalant use.

** Membrane Warranty Claims can not be processed without adequate operating data
and history of UF system.

OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM

UF SYSTEM DATA LOG


Measured Variable Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7

Date
Time
Feed Parameters
Filter Inlet pressure, PIT1-B, (psi)
Filter Outlet pressure, PIT2-B, (psi)
Differential pressure (psi)
Product/Filtrate Parameters
Filtrate flow (gpm)
Filtrate pressure (psi)
Waste Water Parameters
Waste flow (gpm)
Waste pressure (psi)

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Temperature Correction Factor

The water temperature is one of the key factors in the performance of the reverse
osmosis membrane element. The higher the temperature, the more the product flow,
and vice versa.

All ultrafiltration membrane elements and systems are rated at 77° Fahrenheit (25°
Celsius).

To find the membrane filtrate rate at a different temperature, follow these steps:

Find the temperature correction factor (TCF) from the below table. Divide the rated
filtrate flow at 77° Fahrenheit by the temperature correction factor. The result is the
filtrate flow at the desired temperature.

EXAMPLE
QUESTION: For a thin-film membrane filtrate rated at 1800 gallons per day at 77º
Fahrenheit, what is the actual filtrate rate at 59º Fahrenheit?
ANSWER: Temperature correction factor (from below table) for 59ºF = 1.47
Filtrate flow at 59 degrees Fahrenheit = 1800 ÷ 1.47 = 1224 gallons/day

Feed Water Temperature TCF for TCF for Feed Water TCF for TCF for
Cº Fº Thin Film CTA/CAB Temperature Thin CTA/CAB
1 33.8 3.64 2.23 Cº Fº Film
2 35.6 3.23 2.15 26 78.8 0.97 0.97
3 37.4 3.03 2.08 27 80.6 0.94 0.94
4 39.2 2.78 2.00 28 82.4 0.91 0.91
5 41 2.58 1.93 29 84.2 0.88 0.89
6 42.8 2.38 1.87 30 86 0.85 0.86
7 44.6 2.22 1.80 31 87.8 0.83 0.83
8 46.4 2.11 1.74 32 89.6 0.80 0.81
9 48.2 2.00 1.68 33 91.4 0.77 0.79
10 50 1.89 1.63 34 93.2 0.75 0.76
11 51.8 1.78 1.57 35 95 0.73 0.74
12 53.6 1.68 1.52 36 96.8 0.71 0.72
13 55.4 1.61 1.47 37 98.4 0.69 0.71
14 57.2 1.54 1.42 38 100.4 0.67 0.68
15 59 1.47 1.38 39 102.2 0.65 0.66
16 60.8 1.39 1.33 40 104 0.63 0.65
17 62.6 1.34 1.29 41 105.8 0.61
18 64.4 1.29 1.25 42 107.6 0.60
19 66.2 1.24 1.21 43 109.4 0.58
20 68 1.19 1.17 44 111.2 0.56
21 69.8 1.15 1.13 45 113 0.54
22 71.6 1.11 1.10 46 114.8 0.53
23 73.4 1.08 1.06 47 116.6 0.51
24 75.2 1.04 1.03 48 118.4 0.49
25 77 1.00 1.00 49 120.2 0.47
50 122 0.46

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OPERATING DO'S & DON'TS

DO

Monitor the system and keep a log daily.

Run the system, as much as possible, on a continuous basis.

Run the manual flush when lights are illuminated.

DON'T

Permit chlorine in the feed water.

Shut down the system for extended periods.

Close the control valve completely.

Operate the system for more than twenty-four hours without antiscalant.

Operate the system with insufficient feed flow.

Close the valve in the filtrate lines.

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MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM

MAINTENANCE TIPS

MAINTAIN PROPER OPERATING CONDITIONS


(See Section: "Operation Conditions")

WHEN TO CHANGE CARTRIDGE FILTERS

Cartridge filters should be changed regularly to maintain proper pump pressure and
flow. If the pressure drop across the cartridge filter (as indicated by the change in inlet
pressure gauge) increases by 10 psi, the cartridge filters should be changed.

WHEN TO CLEAN MEMBRANES

In normal operation, the membrane surface and pores in ultrafiltration elements can
become fouled and plugged by suspended solids, biological matter, and grime. These
foulants build up during operation until they cause loss in water output and increase in
transmembrane pressure, or both. Elements should be cleaned whenever the
transmembrane pressure (pressure drop) increases beyond 15% of its initial
value and does not drop back down after a backwash (the pressures established
during the first 24 to 48 hours of operation).

IT SHOULD BE NOTED:

The water output rate will drop if feed water temperature decreases (about 1 1/2
percent per degree F). This is normal and does not indicate membrane fouling. A
malfunction in the pretreatment, pressure control or pump can cause a drop in feed
water delivery pressure, feed water flow, or product water output, or an increase in salt
passage. If such adjustments are needed, the element may not require cleaning.

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REPLACING PREFILTER

There is a limited life to cartridge filters. For best performance, the cartridges should be
replaced when the pressure differential becomes greater than 10 psi.

TOOLS:

• Screw Driver

PROCEDURE:

Turn unit off.

Disassemble the filter housing.

Remove and replace cartridge.

Before replacing housing, insure that the O-ring seal is lubed and placed in groove of
housing. Inspect seal and replace as needed.

Assemble housing.

Place unit back in service

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STORAGE AND FREEZING PROTECTION

To prevent bacterial growth and help maintain flux, it is recommended that elements be
immersed in a solution 20.0 percent, by weight, glycerin and 1.0 percent by weight AM-
88.

TO PREPARE SOLUTION

Add about 1 ounce of AM-88 per gallon of water. Also add about 1.5 lbs of glycerin per
gallon of water.

1. Storing Elements

Mix the solution well. Soak the elements in this solution for 1 hour. Drain and bag them
for shipment.

2. Storing UF System

For storing elements in a membrane system, follow this procedure:

• Drain system as well as is practical.

• Attach feed water inlet to any container with 30 gallons of the solution.

• Wait until container is empty.

• Store system until ready to use again.

• To return to service, discard the filtrate for 30 minutes to drain.

CAUTION
Handle all chemicals with care. Wear protective clothing and eye protection.

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TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION

Inlet pressure low. Low supply pressure Correct incoming supply pressure

Cartridge filters plugged Change filters

Solenoid valve malfunction Replace solenoid valve and/or


coil

Filtrate flow low Low water temperature Adjust water temperature

Low system pressure Adjust control valve

Membranes fouled Backwash or clean membranes

Filtrate quality poor Low inlet flow Adjust control valve

Low system pressure See above

Recovery too high Reduce recovery

Membranes fouled Clean membranes

Membranes damaged Replace membranes

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WARRANTY
SELLER hereby warrants to CUSTOMER that the goods herein described will be free
from any liens or encumbrances, that good title to said goods will be conveyed to
CUSTOMER by sale of same.
SELLER warrants materials of its own manufacture against defects in material and
workmanship under normal conditions of usage and service for one year from
whichever of the following events occurs first:
First use in a system

Three (3) months following date of shipment from Vista.

Materials not manufactured by seller receive only such warranty, if any, of the
manufacturer thereof and which are hereby assigned to CUSTOMER without recourse
to SELLER.
SELLER’S obligation under this warranty is limited to and shall be fully discharged by
repairing or replacing any defective part FOB its works. SELLER shall not be liable for
repair or alterations made without SELLER’s prior written approval; for nanofilter
elements becoming plugged by suspended matter, precipitates, or biological growth; or
failure to properly maintain the element. SELLER shall not be liable for damages or
delays caused by defective material. Elements returned to SELLER for warranty
examination must be shipped freight prepaid.

SELLER’S Liability: SELLER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR PROSPECTIVE PROFITS


OR SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, NOR SHALL
RECOVERY OF ANY KIND AGAINST SELLER BE GREATER IN AMOUNT THAN THE
PURCHASE PRICE OF THE SPECIFIC GOODS SOLD AND CAUSING THE
ALLEGED DAMAGE, WHETHER SUCH CLAIM BE BASED ON CONTRACT OR
TORT; provided, however, the aforesaid to the contrary notwithstanding, SELLER shall
not be liable for any bodily injuries or property damage directly caused by its willful,
wanton or negligent acts.

All Other Warranties and Damages: THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES ESTABLISHED,


EXPRESS OR IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING THE WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY, EXCEPT THOSE SET FORTH ABOVE OR ANY
PERFORMANCE WARRANTY WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THIS ORDER.
Permits, Ordinances and Code Compliance: CUSTOMER has full responsibility for
obtaining any licenses, permits and inspections required with respect to installation and
use of the goods herein described.
Governing Law: Any agreement based upon this Order and the obligations thereby
imposed on SELLER and CUSTOMER shall be governed by and construed according
to the laws of the State of California.

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