Using same filters after 1 year (UHE)

[kenargo]

I purchased a UHE just a but over 1 year ago (10/15/07) and have still not had a drop in pressure (measured with pump unplugged), no chlorine in the bypass water and meter readings as follows:

Meter 1:
In = 35, out = 0

Meter 2
In = 0, out = 0

I've been running 1:2 and making about 40 gallons per week.

I realize these are some of the best units on the market and I am very pleased with them; I wanted to check if you expect the filters to last this long.

On a whim I switched the 2 meters just to verify that the readings didn't change and they did not; the readings stayed with the position as I'd expect.

By now with my older unit i would have changed most, if not all the cartridge filter my now; maybe 2-3 times.

I love this unit!

[SpectraPure]

Kenargo-
the wonders of advanced technology! :-)
You are measuring and monitoring the right things as recommended, and in our experience field testing this is not unusual (just bends your mind a bit given traditional systems performance). Running at 1:2 you must have saved a lot of water, and with no filter changes saved at least a few $ on filter changes. Your ultimate cost of ownership after a year must be approaching on an ROI of about 18 months depending on your water costs and sewage costs (many municipalities base sewage fees on water consumption). Can you comment?
ps: Thanks for the positive feedback!
bruce

[kenargo]

We have fixed charges on sewage/treatment, water is 7.37 per 100 cf of water. I certainly saving on filters and water.

[kenargo]

Starting the new year with the same membrane; is this common with the UHE; I have to ask since before with different units it would be unheard of to have a membrane last so long?

The membrane has lasted (10-15-07 until now (1/1/12)) and still no signs of needing to be replaced. Meaning a bit over 5 years and still reading as follows:

Meter 1:
In = 45, out = 0

Meter 2
In = 0, out = 0

[SpectraPure]

Yes, very common.

Scott
SpectraPure, Inc.

[SpectraPure]

My UHE at home has been running for 5 years as an experiment with filter changes only every 16 months on our crummy water (tds of 600-1000 seasonally).
My rejection is still acceptable. BUT, I have almost no chlorine (I dont like to say zero) in my water so my carbon is not susceptable to to loading/experation which as you know can fry your membrane. SO, as a side note, I think I wrote a sticky thread above on determining filter changes that you should check out. It suggests the best way to determine carbon filter exhaustion is via a chlorine test kit (and pressure drop).
While TDS meters tell you much, pressure gages and chlorine kits will tell you when to perform routing maintenance on the prefilter sections which will enable you to obtain the longer life from your membrane, and in turn rduce consumption of the post DI stages (remember, for every 2% loss in rejection, it cuts the life of your DI in half).
Regarding prefilter life on the UHE, since it operates at a higher recovery rate, your prefilters also do not have to process as much total water per gallon of purified water. Another big savings, especially in high sediment load areas or heavily chlorinated waters that would otherwise fry your pre filter stages quickly.


Enjoy!
bruce