ATO + RO/DI

[ramsey]

I'm looking to get another RO unit and have it automatically refill my top of container. I know I'll need a float valve and solenoid. I'd like to have the solenoid so that I can limit it running to 30 minutes or so twice a day. My problem is, how do I stop water production via the float switch and have it also cut off waste water supply? Do you all have an out of the box product that will do this?

[BuckeyeHydro]

You have a lots of options - here's a couple:
1. Use a float VALVE, and install an automatic shut off valve on your system. Quick, easy, low cost. The system will produce water whenever the float valve opens. Not sure how your system is confugured (how you are drawing water out of the top off reservoir), so this may or may not meet your criteria of coming on for 30 mins twice a day.

2. Use a transformer, simple digital timer from the hardware store, a shut off solenoid, and a single float switch. We have the transformer, solenoid and switch available. In this set up, water would flow to the RODI only when the float switch called for it, AND the digital timer is "on."

Russ

[ramsey]

Thanks for the quick reply. I didn't want to go with the first option because I read that turning on the RO/DI unit for very small amounts of time doesn't work too well. Instead, you should let it run for a while when you turn it on. The second option seems like what I'm looking for. Excuse my ignorance, but what exactly does the transformer do?

I'm currently getting topoff water to my tank by using a Tunze Osmolator and a 30G container.

[hclchicken]

You could easily do a combination of both. An electrical timer switched which allows the water to flow into a large reservoir. With a top-off mechanism that feeds the water into the tank.

[BuckeyeHydro]

You're right about avoid a situation where the system cycles on and off frequently. You'd have to do some manual control. On my own system, I sized the reservoir to be 1.1 times weekly evaporation. I manually turn the system on once a week (and stick the waste water tube into the washing machine), and let it run for long enough to fill the reservoir. Through the week the reservoir gravity drains to a float valve in the sump.

The transformer provides power to the solenoid, and energizes the circuit that the float switch controls.

Are you clear on the difference between a float valve and a float switch?

Russ

[ramsey]

You're right about avoid a situation where the system cycles on and off frequently. You'd have to do some manual control. On my own system, I sized the reservoir to be 1.1 times weekly evaporation. I manually turn the system on once a week (and stick the waste water tube into the washing machine), and let it run for long enough to fill the reservoir. Through the week the reservoir gravity drains to a float valve in the sump.

The transformer provides power to the solenoid, and energizes the circuit that the float switch controls.

Are you clear on the difference between a float valve and a float switch?

Russ

I know that a float valve is manual and operates off of pressure. I guess a float switch is something that sends an electric signal to a controller or something (like my Osmolator or a JBJ ATO, etc.). Am I off base here?

If I went with option 2, would I only need a float switch, transformer, auto shut off valve, solenoid and a timer? Also, I have an old Kent RO/DI unit sitting around and the RO membrane needs replacing. Do you guys have the membrane that'll fit it? I'm not sure how many GPD it's rated for but is it possible to just get the membrane that's rated for the lowest GPD from you guys? It's not going to need to produce more than 5 GPD. Thanks again! I'm hoping I can get an order going with you guys by the end of this week.

[ramsey]

One more question, will the "BFS-194 Drain saddle" work for the waste water drain? I need something to put on my sink drain that I can run the RO waste water to. I already found the "BFS-270 Inline undersink shutoff supply valve" that I'll need for getting tap water to the RO unit.

[BuckeyeHydro]

I guess a float switch is something that sends an electric signal to a controller or something (like my Osmolator or a JBJ ATO, etc.). Am I off base here?

If I went with option 2, would I only need a float switch, transformer, auto shut off valve, solenoid and a timer?

A float switch is just that - like a light switch it interrupts or completes the circuit depending upon the water level. No "controller" needed.

No ASOV needed with option 2 - that what the solenoid does. You'd need float switch, transformer, solenoid and a timer.

[BuckeyeHydro]

Also, I have an old Kent RO/DI unit sitting around and the RO membrane needs replacing. Do you guys have the membrane that'll fit it? I'm not sure how many GPD it's rated for but is it possible to just get the membrane that's rated for the lowest GPD from you guys? It's not going to need to produce more than 5 GPD. Thanks again! I'm hoping I can get an order going with you guys by the end of this week.

Yes - all our membranes will fit that unit. Pull the old membrane out and look at the sticker on the side - should tell you how many gpd it is.

[BuckeyeHydro]

One more question, will the "BFS-194 Drain saddle" work for the waste water drain?

Yep - that's exactly what its for.

Russ

[ramsey]

I see, the solenoid will sit between the tap water supply and the RO unit. I was confused and thought it would sit between the production water line and the storage container. Makes more sense now! Russ, thank you so much, you've been a huge help! I'll be placing an order with you guys this week.

[BuckeyeHydro]

glad to help!

Russ

[jroescher]

How long can a solenoid be energized? If I make 20 gallons of water that would be several hours of the solenoid being continuously on. Current draw?

[BuckeyeHydro]

Current draw would be very minor (24 volts). Long periods of it being energized not a problem - that's how these solenoids are used...

Russ

[ramsey]

Thanks again for answering all my questions, Russ. I may hit you up again when I try to hook everything up. Rest assured, I'll be buying my next RO/Di unit from you guys! :)

[ramsey]

I hooked up everything I ordered from you guys over the weekend. Everything works great! All your instructions were easy to follow. It's so nice that my water container in the garage won't overflow any more and I'll never have to fill my top off container!

[BuckeyeHydro]

Good deal!