Written by: Alexandra Uta // Last Updated: Mar 14, 2023
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Going on an extended vacation and not planning to use your reverse osmosis system?
You may want to consider storing your RO membrane!
While storing your RO membrane is not common if your system is for residential use, there may be an odd occasion where you need to, so we wanted to discuss that process.
Key Takeaways
Storing RO membranes is usually something that is done for commercial or industrial water treatment activity when the membranes may be “offline” for more than a few days.
But even at home, if you are planning not to use your reverse osmosis system for quite some time, disassembling and storing the membrane may make sense to ensure it doesn’t degrade.
Depending if your RO membrane is new or used will affect how it should be stored.
If you have a new and unopened RO membrane, then it simply needs to be stored in its original packaging in a dry place out of sunlight that does not experience extreme temperatures (try to keep temperatures between 22 and 113°F if possible.
RO membranes can be stored for an indeterminate period of time if these conditions are met.
If you have an RO membrane that has been used and needs to be stored, there are two ways you can do it: Within the RO system or out of the RO system in a dedicated storage container.
Both methods require a preservative to be used that is safe for the polyamide thin-film composite or cellulose acetate that the RO membrane is made from.
Be sure to flush the RO membrane for around 30 minutes before preserving it for storage to get rid of any buildup or fouling. You can flush the membrane using a flush kit, or if you don’t have one, you can do it manually.
Flushing with a Flush Kit
Flushing without a Flush Kit
After flushing, carefully remove the RO membrane and store it in the long, cylindrical container together with the preservative. Screw the cap on and keep it in a dry place out of sunlight.
If you are keeping the membrane in your RO system, you will need to add the preservative into the system. This can be done by using a membrane preserving cartridge, for example, which you use like a filter cartridge, replacing one of your pre-filters with it. Take out a pre-filter, add the preservative cartridge, and run the system to get the chemical to the membrane. Again, keep in dry place and out of sunlight for storage.
The storage time for a used RO membrane is six months to 1 year, and the preservative should be examined every few months to make sure it looks clear, and the pH has not dropped below 3. If it did, you need to change out the preservative.
What are recommended RO membrane storage temperatures when using a preservative? Limits are 22°F to 113°F (-5.5°C to 45°C).
RO membrane preserving and storage is important if you aren’t using the system for some time because the membrane itself is capable of fouling and breeding bacteria, which can affect its performance. Storage in a chemical solution prevents biological growth.
If you have any questions about RO membrane storage please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
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Conspicuously absent is what preservative should be used, and where to get it.
ReplyIt’s best if you contact your RO membrane manufacturer about this. They will be able to make the best recommendation.
Reply