I've been shopping for a replacement TFC membrane for my RO system. This system was originally equipped with a 50gpd membrane. My understanding is that I can change the capacity by using a different capacity membrane and a suitable flow restrictor. A few questions come to mind:
- If 50 gpd serves my needs adequately (indeed, it's overkill), would there be any benefit if I 'upgrade' to 100 gpd? What if I 'downgrade' to 35 gpd?
- What is the impact of using an incorrect flow restrictor? My existing flow restrictor is 500ml. If I use a 100 gpd membrane with this flow restrictor, will my water quality be positively or negatively impacted? What about a 35 gpd membrane? How about the life of the membrane?
- Given the answer to #2, could I improve the quality of the water simply by changing the flow restrictor to something other than the recommended rate, albeit at the expense of a shorter membrane life or increased waste? (I live in the Great Lakes drainage basin, so don't lecture me about water conservation for the sake of water conservation - it's largely a symbolic gesture in this part of the world)
- Will a 100 gpd membrane last longer than a 50 gpd membrane, given the same usage and the correct flow restrictor?
- Is a higher capacity membrane (from the same manufacturer, each with the correct flow restrictor) more/less/equally effective at removing gunk from the water than a lower capacity membrane, all else being equal, including usage?
- Would additional storage capacity (bigger/additional tank) be a 'better' solution than increased membrane capacity for the occasional higher-usage day? (a couple gallons of back-to-back iced tea or lemonade is pretty much the limit of my system)
- Is there any advantage of resin over steel for storage tanks? What is the life expectancy of a storage tank? Is tank failure typically associated with the bladder or the tank itself? How much pressure should an empty tank be charged with?
- Is DI overkill for household use? What about UV?
- Where can I get information on how these beasts work with the goal of being able to answer such questions myself? (the web seems sorely lacking in such information - or perhaps it's just a problem with my choice of search engine)
I know I've asked a lot of questions. For some reason, the bug bit me and I absolutely need to know.
Thanks, Mike