Is Hot water bad for RO systems?

[ZoeReef]

I had a freind run a water line 60 feet to an RO system that feeds into a 60g holding tank before replenishing the aquarium.

He connected it to the hot water. I just found that out. Apparently the cold water connect is pretty burried. The water goes through a 3/8" copper tube on it's way to the RO system. When it gets there it is probably about 100 degrees.

Does anyone know how this will affect an RO system?

Thanks..Andy

[Honigbiene]

I think but not sure that there are more minerals and elements that get trapped in the water heater that could clog your filters up faster?

[AZDesertRat]

90 to 100 is probably the safe maximum without damaging the TFC membrane. I would replumb it to the cold water side for a couple of reasons, first off is the above, you run the risk of permanently damaging the membrane. Secondly colder water makes the membrane more efficient as far as TDS removal. True colder water lowers the production rate but it increases the removal efficiency due to viscosity of the water. Not that cold water is a problem here in the Valley!

[manderx]

...and hot water is expensive! remember that for every gallon you get, a couple goes down the drain. huge waste of energy heating all that water.

[Sk8r]

Shortens the life of the membrane, very likely.

[larryl]

I've read that RO membrane ratings are done at "optimal" conditions, which they say is 77 degrees F, and that with cooler water you get less output. No idea if going a lot higher would be good or bad. I'd suggest contacting Walter at airwaterice.com, very friendly and knowledgable. And post back to let us know what he says!

Larry

[reefshadow]

...and hot water is expensive! remember that for every gallon you get, a couple goes down the drain. huge waste of energy heating all that water.

yah, this is what i thought of too! Wow, hella expensive, and in arizona to boot. :eek:

[AZDesertRat]

Walter will tell you exactly the same thing I have already answered. RO membranes are constructed of extremely thin layers of plastic that are semi-permeable and cannot take hot water.

[vanmo92]

I have heard that hot water will ruin a membrane.

[ZoeReef]

Thanks to all. Those were my suspicions. We make the change.

[bllfish]

I believe the hot water will ruin the carbon filters too.

[Manderin]

and delicate organisms