Booster Pump Selection Questions

[seldon]

I am looking to purchase a booster pump for my system and had some questions on what to get. I have a SpectraPure 180 GPD system. My incoming city water pressure is about 45 psi. I am looking at the Aquatec 8800 series booster pump. I believe I should get the 8852, but I'm guessing the fittings could easily be changed on a 8832 or 8842. What should I target for a discharge pressure (with the booster pump after the pre filters and before the membranes)? Would it be worthwhile to upgrade to high pressure membrane housings? What should be the by-pass pressure of the booster pump. I have been looking to get a 24V DC version, but it seems the 24 VAC is there more common variant. What are the benefits of the AC pump over the DC pump? Is there anything else I should consider about the booster pump?

Thanks
Seldon

[alton]

I use the following and love it
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/1-4-aquatec-8800-booster-pump-kit.html

I am not sure why the DC is worth twice the price? I believe everyone sells the same model and brand?

[drauka99]

I have about the same pressure as you and I use the pump that alton linked.. i had to actually adjust the pressure down some on mine. works great... love how fast I get ro/di water now and the ro membrane is much more efficient.

[JB NY]

I bought this one from amazon last year.

Watts CDP 6800 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002XISS42)

Pretty much plug and play, my water was just about the 40 psi mark it is now at 80.

[seldon]

What pressures are you targeting at the inlet of your membrane? I have found that rarely do the companies selling the aquatec booster pump list the full model number, they just call it an 8800. I was interested in DC because I have several 24V DC power supplies lying around that I can use. I have not seen anywhere that sells the DC version of the pump other than Marine Depot and it is not just the pump:

http://www.marinedepot.com/SpectraPure_High_Flow_Booster_Pump_Kit_for_Automatic_Flush_RO_DI_Systems_Booster_Pumps_for_RO_DI_Wat er_Filter_Systems-SpectraPure-SP60120-FIRORABP-vi.html

Looking at the spec sheets on aquatec's website, the DC pump appears to be able to deliver a higher lpm than the AC pump. It also looks to run cooler.

[iammrhappy]

Anyone try the ebay ones?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Reverse-Osmosis-RO-100-GPD-Booster-Pump-ShutOff-Switch-/190533554951?hash=item2c5caf5307:g:vzoAAOSw9mFWNS8o

[Member No. 1]

One advantage the 24v DC has over the 120v AC is safety. If you are using an in-line pressure switch to shut the pump off, you want the low voltage due to the fact that most of those pressure switches use 1/4" quick connect terminals which are semi-exposed, so the low voltage would be safer. Not the mention the fact that it is in a "wet" environment.

[JB NY]

I have not seen anywhere that sells the DC version of the pump other than Marine Depot and it is not just the pump:


The exact same pump made by watts is on amazon in the post right above yours. 24V as well.

[seldon]

What are the specifications on the Watts pump? Do you have a link to the manufacturers website? Do you know if the output pressure is adjustable?

[seldon]

Is this the pump?http://www.watts.com/pages/_products_details.asp?pid=5988
As I am looking for a 180 gpd system, would the 8800 be better suited for my use?

[JB NY]

I think they are all the same just rebranded. 6600 is 1/4 tubing and 6800 is 3/8

[thetedinator]

I am looking to purchase a booster pump for my system and had some questions on what to get. I have a SpectraPure 180 GPD system. My incoming city water pressure is about 45 psi. I am looking at the Aquatec 8800 series booster pump. I believe I should get the 8852, but I'm guessing the fittings could easily be changed on a 8832 or 8842. What should I target for a discharge pressure (with the booster pump after the pre filters and before the membranes)? Would it be worthwhile to upgrade to high pressure membrane housings? What should be the by-pass pressure of the booster pump. I have been looking to get a 24V DC version, but it seems the 24 VAC is there more common variant. What are the benefits of the AC pump over the DC pump? Is there anything else I should consider about the booster pump?

Thanks
Seldon

My water pressure is ~40 psi and averages over 450 tds. I have the Spectrapure CSPDI 2:1 Manual Flush 180-GPD RO/DI System. I use the Aquatic Life Smart Buddie. I am very happy with this setup. I tested through put when brand new and I got better than 1:1 ratio.

[Buckeye Hydro]

Careful here guys. The OP said he has a 180 gpd system. Without more info, I suspect what he was is a system with two "90 gpd" membranes. These "90 gpd" membranes are actually relabeled 75 gpd membranes. So run the two at 50 psi and you have a 150 gpd system. Run the two at 60 psi and you have a 180 gpd system.

The Aquatec 8800 series booster pumps, arguably the best and most widely purchased booster pumps on the market, will handle up to 120 gpd. You can make them work on up to 150 gpd if you work with a knowledgeable vendor.

Russ

[seldon]

Russ, you are correct. It is a dual membrane system. I have seen your posts in other threads about pluming the pump after pre filters and a strainer and before the membranes. Are there any other recommendations you have? What pressure should I target at the inlet if the first membrane? You said "You can make them work on up to 150 gpd if you work with a knowledgeable vendor." What is the limiting factor preventing me from achieving the full 180gpd?
Thanks
Seldon

[Buckeye Hydro]

Filmtec 75 gpd membranes, (and Filmtec 75 gpd membranes that have been relabeled as something else) produce close to the rated capacity when you have factory spec conditions, among these are 50 psi and 77F water temperature.

If you give it 60 psi (10 psi over the manufacture's spec) and 77F water, guess what? You'll get just about 90 gpd from the 75 gpd membrane. Plug your water temperature and water pressure into our calculator (http://www.buckeyehydro.com/calculator/) to see what to expect from your membrane(s). If you're seeing less than 80% of that number, your membranes may be bad.

Russ

[seldon]

Russ,
I understand how SpectraPure relables filmtec membranes. I also have a general understanding of how temperature affects yield along with pressure. My intent in this thread is to help me select the best model booster pump to suit my application to help me maximize my yield. In theory, I should be able to ramp my pressure way up to far exceed the rated yield. I also understand there are limits to theory. I am trying to understand those practical limits such as what optimum balance of pressute and flow are for the booster pump are as well as what the membrane housings can handle?

Thank you,
Seldon

[Buckeye Hydro]

You are at the upper end of the capability of an 8800 with 150 gpd worth of membrane. Technically, they are rated for use with up to a 120 gpd membrane, but you can make a easy change to your configuration and make it work. The devil is in the details. Don't hesitate to give us a call.

The max recommended pressure on RO membrane housings can vary by manufacturer. Not sure what brand of RO housings were used to build your system.

Russ

Russ
513-312-2343

[KyleO]

I use the following and love it
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/1-4-aquatec-8800-booster-pump-kit.html

I am not sure why the DC is worth twice the price? I believe everyone sells the same model and brand?

Purchased and installed this same booster (Aquatec) and absolutely love the performance!!!

[Buckeye Hydro]

I always love hearing how customers recognize the improved performance once the feed pressure is boosted. Higher pressure really does make one heck of a difference.

Here's two examples (results from our calculator (http://www.buckeyehydro.com/calculator/)) at the same temperature but different pressures:

75 gpd filmtec membrane @ 55F and 38 psi will produce 35 gpd.
75 gpd filmtec membrane @ 55F and 90 psi will produce 94 gpd.

Russ

[Buckeye Hydro]

If you bought a booster pump and found that the quick connect fittings on the pump are 3/8", but you need 1/4" for your system... these stem reducer fittings (http://www.buckeyehydro.com/stem-reducer/) solve the problem.

Russ