RO/DI conversion to DI only! TOTW 1-27-08

[FireEater]

I set it all up today and now have a web page up to show what I did. First I got the idea from THIS thread. I then ordered everything though Buckeye Field Supply.


my RO/DI unit before conversion

parts I ordered for conversion

My modified DI unit after conversion

The 65g barrel that holds my water. I keep a Mag Pump in it to supply the water.

It came out great and I am getting zero PPM out with no waste water, strictly DI water.

Valve 1 comes in from the water source while Valve 2 goes to the 65g drum. The valves are there to keep the water from moving to fast through the unit. The water has to have enough time to pass through the DI resin. I keep Valve 1 open all the way and use Valve 2 to adjust the amount of time I want the water to pass through the unit. I use a dual TDS meter and have opened Valve 2 enough to fill up the barrel in a reasonable amount of time while maintaining 0 PPM output.

A. 5-micron sediment filter
B. 1-micron sediment filter
C. Matrikx® Sweetener cartridge 2 micron
D. Matrikx® 1 Chlorine Guzzler .6 micron
E. DI Resin in top and bottom cartridges

The water supply comes in and goes to (A) 5-micron, then (B) 1-micron, then (C) 2-micron, then (D) .6-micron, then (E) DI resin before going to the barrel from the top DI cartridge.

Below is the parts I ordered from Buckeye Field Supply for this project.
1. BFS-74 Add on DI housing
2. BFS-214 Add-on housing kit (2 of these)
3. BFS-67 Color changing mixed bed DI resin cartridge, refillable
4. BFS-70 Color changing mixed bed DI resin refill (2 of these)
5. BFS-240 2-pack, Specialty Sediment Cartridge, 1 Micron Depth Filter
6. BFS-275 2-pack, Specialty Sediment Cartridge, 5 Micron Depth
7. BFS-2 Carbon block cartridge - The Chlorine Guzzler, 10-inch
7. BFS-219 Carbon block cartridge - The Sweetener, 10 inch

[scubadude]

Very interesting to say the least mark, I know Anthony Calfo used this method too and Im sure it is successful, my question is for how long...do you have to spend more money on DI resin in the long run to make up for the RO membrane/parts ? The DI resin HAS to be getting depleted much quicker because the RO membrane isnt inline anymore doing its job.

Also what about GPD gallons per day? Im guessing this improved when you took out your RO membrane, even with all the extra addons?

[FireEater]

Well since it just got hooked up, I have no idea about the GPD yet. Though as long as it keeps my barrel full I will be happy.

I got this idea from Eric Borneman and from what he said, everything should last longer than it usually does. I will find out though as it make water.

Later this week is my new T5 setup. I will take pics of it as I put it all together also.

[scubadude]

Mark can you tell us what your TDS are coming straight out of the tap?

[FireEater]

It varies around 600 to 625 PPM out of the tap water.

[scubadude]

WOW thats kind of high!

[FireEater]

That's why I went with two DI cartridges. Not everyone has to use two of them. Just when you feel your tap waters TDS is to high for one to handle.