Question: 

 

Do I need to use a flow restrictor on my RO unit?

 

Answer: 

 

Reverse osmosis units work by creating a back pressure on the exiting water to force the pure water through membrane. This back pressure is created by adding a flow restrictor on the waste pipe and unless this is fitted you will never achieve good quality water.

D-D Reverse Osmosis units have a flow restrictor with a tap on the top of it. This tap allows the user to periodically flush the membrane, which in turn enhances the life of the membrane and aids water quality. This flushing action should be carried out every 2 weeks or so to keep the membrane in top condition.

In normal operation the tap must be closed. The tap will be closed when it is turned 90 degrees to the direction of flow and will begin to cause the correct ammount of backpressure for the membrane.

Flow restrictors have a flow raiting, this must be correctly matched with the size of the membrane used in the RO unit.

  • 50 USG/day RO Membrane uses a 300ml/min flow restrictor
  • 75 USG/day RO Membrane uses a 400ml/min flow restrictor
  • 125/150 USG/day RO Membrane uses a 800ml/min flow restrictor