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Defender Support
Replacing the Membrane Element
WARNING: THE BRINE SEAL MUST BE IN THE SAME POSITION FOR EACH MEM- BRANE ELEMENT HOUSING. MARK EACH HOUSING PRIOR TO REMOVING THE MEMBRANE ELEMENTS. THE BRINE SEAL IS A RUBBER SEAL THAT PROTRUDES ON ONE SIDE OF THE MEMBRANE AND IS ALWAYS ON THE FEED SIDE OF THE MEMBRANE ELEMENT.
1
Turn the Defender off. Make sure the system pressure is relieved
2
Remove the bottom hose on the membrane housing and allow it to drain. A bucket can be used to catch the water. Remove the clamps and membrane housing cap.
3
Remove one membrane element at a time from the membrane element housings, from the top of the housing
Needle nose pliers may be necessary to pull the old membrane element out of the membrane element housing.
Gloves should be worn to prevent contamination and also will protect your hands from fiberglass fibers.
4
Lubricate the brine seal with non petroleum based lubricant, Silicone DC 111
5
Install the new membrane in the housing. Be sure to put the membrane in the correct position.
The membranes have a brine seal on one side. This brine seal should be on the feed side of the membrane housing. If there are directional arrows on the housing be sure the brine seal is at the base of the arrow.
6
Membranes with the brine seal position at the top can be put in easily without damage to the brine seal. Membranes with the brine seal at the bottom must be installed at a slight angle. Insert the membrane while slightly rotating the element and being careful not to tear or flip the brine seal
A slow twisting motion should be used to insert the membrane element to ensure the brine seal stays in place. Re-lube the brine seal if necessary.
7
With a smooth and constant motion, push the membrane element into the housing so the brine seal enters the housing without coming out of the brine seal groove
8
Re-install the end caps by gently twisting the end cap while pushing it onto the housing
Ensure that you do not pinch or fatigue any O-rings while re installing the end plug. Push the end plug on until the outer diameter of the plug is flush with the outer diameter of the membrane housing.
9
Reconnect any fittings that may have been disconnected when the membrane element housings were disassembled
10
To start up the system, please refer to the Initial Start-Up section of this manual
CAUTION: WET MEMBRANES ARE SHIPPED IN A PRESERVATIVE SOLUTION. THE MEMBRANES MUST BE FLUSHED FOR AT LEAST 1 HOUR TO REMOVE THE PRESERVATIVE FROM THE MEMBRANE. DISCARD ALL OF THE PERMEATE AND CONCENTRATE WHICH IS PRODUCED DURING THE FLUSH PERIOD.