RO Booster pump question

[d5332]

I have been debating if a booster pump will aid in actually producing 150 gallons per day of RO water.

Water pressure is 55 and at 55 I get 90 gallons per day.

I am confused by some of the data I find on the internet.

Is there anyone in NJ currently using the Aquatec 8800 booster pump, if yes, are you able to modify the pump to generate 85 PSI?

If I can create 85 PSI I may be able to achieve the 150 gallons per day that i desire.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I have the 8800 pump.

I haven't touched the pressure settings....one reason is that I have an old RO unit with no pressure guages. But it is my understanding that it can be adjusted by turning a little screw on the top of the unit. I will tell you that it made a tremendous improvement in water production of me....especially during the winter where the incoming water is rather cold.


EDIT TO ADD:

HERE's info on adjusting the pump.....factory setting is 80PSI.

 

[d5332]

That is a very neat installation bracket you created.
Do you allow your pump to run for hours without a timer to turn it on and off to provide cooling time for the pump? I see the power switch that would indicate you turn it on and come back hours later to turn it off when done.

That's the confusing part for me, bulk reef supply indicated that the screw is set at the factory and one should not fiddle with it, its not meant to be used as a pressure regulator but rather sets the pressure inside the pump to prevent pump damage.

I do have a pressure gauge on the filter and would purchase a pressure gauge for the pump.
Water is not terribly expensive therefore breaking even on the cost of the pump would probably take years.

I would like to produce water faster due to all of the traveling I do. If I can come home on Fridays and make 55 gallons in 8 hours would be great.

I don't feel comfortable allowing the RO filter to be online 100% of the time with float valves, simply don't want a frantic call one day while I am away.

 

[downbeach]

Here is a video of the pump, toward the end he explains the adjusting screw, and its purpose. He also claims you need at least 60 gpd for the dual membrane/ water saver unit. But according to Russ at Buckeye Hydro 65 psi would be a preferred minimum with 80 psi being the max.

 

[redfishbluefish]

That is a very neat installation bracket you created....

That simple bracket was made with scrap plywood I had lying around. You need a place to put the voltage supply, and I also had to mount it to the concrete wall in the basement. This bracket just made that simple to do.

Do you allow your pump to run for hours without a timer to turn it on and off to provide cooling time for the pump? I see the power switch that would indicate you turn it on and come back hours later to turn it off when done......

No timer for me. My typical water making day is starting the pump in the morning; allowing it to run all day; turning off before I go to bed. The pump gets warm....but not hot.

.....That's the confusing part for me, bulk reef supply indicated that the screw is set at the factory and one should not fiddle with it, its not meant to be used as a pressure regulator but rather sets the pressure inside the pump to prevent pump damage.....

If it were me, I'd get the pump and set it up as-is and run it to see what it does. I'm willing to bet the increase from 55 to 80 psi will improve you output considerably.....especially during the winter months.

 

[Hockeynut]

I have the same pump and I do have a gauge. Without touching the preset screw I read 75 psi. I also have a float and pressure switch in line which shuts the pump off when the water reaches the float thus shutting the whole system down.
The whole setup was well worth the money when I am low I turn the water on turn the pump on and forget it till tomorrow. When I get up I shut it all down till the next time. I can make 75 gals per day but only fill a 32 gal brute at a time.
Nice bracket Paul I should do something like that I have to plug and unplug every time.

 

[d5332]

I ordered it already
Hopefully it will cut down the time its taking me.

Appreciate the replies.

 

[Lostinthedark]

I added a pump to the Typhoon Extreme III and it probably doubled my water output. From what I've read there is very little improvement in output once you go above 65psi unless you have a dual membrane setup. I have no problem filling a 32 Brute can over night. I have a 29 gallon tank that is always kept filled as well as a "T" to a pressure tank that is hooked up to the fridge for ice and water.

 

[lefkonj]

The increase is noticeable. I added this and the second membrane. Used to take 6-7 hours to make water for a change Now it's down to 4


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[d5332]

The increase is noticeable. I added this and the second membrane. Used to take 6-7 hours to make water for a change Now it's down to 4


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Did you add a 2nd membrane as a project or water quality necessity?

Any benefits you may have noticed?

 

[redfishbluefish]

Did you add a 2nd membrane as a project or water quality necessity?

Any benefits you may have noticed?

The second membrane doubles output while reducing waste water. Look HERE. Because you are running the waste from membrane one into membrane two, the life of the second membrane is reduced.