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If you have just installed the filter or have been using it for several years and no water is coming out of it or filling the tank, one of the most likely reasons for this is the pressure in the osmosis tank. Today we will figure out what it should be and what to do about it.
Functions and design of the reverse osmosis tank
The membrane element of a household filter typically delivers 8 to 12 liters of purified water per hour. The process is gradual. The tank of the reverse osmosis system plays the role of a storage tank to ensure a uniform supply of the required amount of water.
Structurally, it is a plastic or metal housing, inside which there are two chambers separated by a membrane made of flexible polymer. During operation, the upper chamber is filled with water, while the lower chamber maintains the required pressure slightly below atmospheric pressure to ensure the suction effect.
At the bottom of the tank is a nipple designed to pump in or out air.
What pressure should be in the reverse osmosis tank?
The normal pressure in the reverse osmosis tank is 0.4 - 0.6 atm. Values higher and lower than these indicators indicate that the filter will not work effectively.
Usually in a new tank the pressure is set exactly according to these indicators, but it happens that during transportation, service or other manipulations it shifts, in which case it must be measured and equalized.
How to check the pressure in the reverse osmosis tank?
If you have noticed that something is wrong with the filter and have ruled out other problems, it is worth checking the pressure in the tank; if the service is performed by a service engineer, we recommend asking them to check and set the pressure.
To perform the check yourself, you need to perform a number of simple manipulations.
- Shut off the water supply to the filter.
- Open the drinking water tap and wait until the residue flows out of the tank.
- Unscrew the nipple cap, which is usually located in the lower side or bottom of the tank.
- Connect a pressure gauge and record the pressure readings.
If the pressure is normal, then you should return to finding the causes of the malfunction, if it is below 0.4 atm, you need to pump it up.
Both electronic and mechanical pressure gauges can be used for measurement.
Water leakage from the nipple when unscrewing indicates a rupture of the membrane between the air and water chambers. In this case, the tank is not serviceable and needs to be replaced.
How do I increase the pressure in the storage tank?
This operation is also not difficult to perform - you will need a car compressor or a hand pump. It is important to pump air slowly and smoothly, with intermediate pressure measurements. The most convenient way to do this is to use a pressure gauge integrated into the pump. Do not try to get the maximum reading, as this may cause the tank membrane to rupture.
- Open the drinking water tap.
- After the preliminary measurement, unscrew the nipple cap.
- Connect the pump.
- Set the required pressure (if the pressure gauge is not integrated, pump in stages).
- Turn off the pump and close the nipple cap.
Water leakage from the drinking tap will be normal.
If you have performed all the manipulations and the water does not come out of the filter, you will have to look for another reason. Among the main ones are:
- low pressure in the water supply (the recommended value for the effective operation of reverse osmosis systems - 3 atm);
- pinched tubes in the filter (often happens after service or installation);
- untimely replacement of cartridges or a problem with the membrane.
Causes of pressure drop in the reverse osmosis tank
A drop in pressure in the reverse osmosis tank can occur for several reasons:
- If there are particles or contaminants in the membrane of the reverse osmosis system, a decrease in pressure in the tank may occur. The solution to the problem may be to clean or replace the membrane.
- If there is a leak in the system, for example, due to faulty fittings or piping, this can lead to a loss of pressure in the system and, as a result, a drop in pressure in the tank.
- Defects in the tank itself, such as leaks or pressure problems, can cause a decrease in pressure. In this case, the tank should be checked for defects and corrected accordingly.
- If the initial water supply pressure is too low, the system may not be able to provide sufficient pressure for proper operation. Installing a pump or pressure regulator can solve this problem.
And remember that our service centers can perform installation and maintenance of water filters in any region of Ukraine.
