CSM REVERSE OSMOSIS ELEMENT RE1812-50 Product Description CSM RE-1812- 50 Thin-Film Composite (TFC) Reverse Osmosis Membrane. 50 GPD (US Gallons Per Day/ 189 Litres) production capacity. Standard size fits most 4 and 5 stage residential RO systems with flow restrictions rated at 50 gallons per day. Length: 11.75” Outside Diameter: 1.8”. Fits all standard 2” x 12” RO membrane housings. The manufacturer part number is: RE1812-50. Specifications: • Membrane Type: Thin-Film Composite (TFC) • Membrane Material: Polyamide (PA) • Element Configuration: Spiral Wound • Maximum Operating Pressure: 125 psi • Minimum “Recommended” Operation Pressure: 40 psi • Maximum Operating Temperature: 113 Degrees F (45 Degrees C) • Operating pH Range: 3.0 – 10.0 Flow Rates and Production Capacity: All reverse osmosis (RO) membranes are carefully matched to achieve a certain flow-rate of permeate (treated) water consistent with the overall design of the RO system. This deliberate matching of design increases the efficiency and effectiveness of the contaminant rejection of the membrane along with optimizing the amount of reject water necessary to clean the membrane during normal everyday use. For this reason, always replace your RO membrane with one rated at the same production capacity. For example, if your current RO system is rated for 24 GPD, don’t think you can raise the production by installing a 50 GPD membrane. Your system has built-in flow restrictors that would cause a different membrane to foul and/or waste an excessive amount of water. TFC versus CTA Membranes. Two types of residential RO membranes have been used in the production of residential and light commercial reverse osmosis systems. The first type, TFC (Thin Film Composite) membranes are the most popular and contemporary technology and used in most RO systems manufactured in the past decade. They offer the best possible contaminant rejection and an excellent service life. However, they are subject to more rapid deterioration when exposed to chlorine. This is never a problem in the ROs they are commonly used in, as these RO’s always incorporate at least one stage of carbon filtration before the water is exposed to the membrane. The carbon filter stage is very effective at removing or reducing the chlorine in municipal water supplies so that it does not damage the TFC membrane. The second type of membrane is known as CTA (Cellulose Tri-Acetate). These membranes are chlorine-tolerant and historically have been used in less expensive RO systems because it allowed the manufacturer to reduce or eliminate the pre-membrane carbon filtration stage. If your system currently uses a CTA type membrane, and there is no pre-membrane carbon filtration stage, you should probably replace it with a CTA membrane. A Note About Water Pressure. We are referring to the feed-water pressure as it is supplied to the input side of your RO system. Most systems are rated to safely handle inlet water pressure of up to 100 psi and even more. Typical household water pressures are between 60 and 80 psi, which is optimal for RO water production. Three factors determine efficiency and performance in RO systems…(1) water temperature, (2) pH and (3) feed water inlet pressure. The first two, water temperature and pH are relatively constant in municipal water, but pressures can vary widely depending on a number of factors. Generally, an inlet pressure of 40 psi is considered the minimal acceptable water pressure for maximum contaminant rejection. Anything below 40 psi is generally not advised. NSF Certifications This membrane is tested and certified under NSF / ANSI Standard 58 for material requirement. ____________________________________________________________________ Save money on bottled water. Make your own filtered water for a fraction of the cost with this Filter. See our huge range of Stainless Steel bottles to take your own filtered water with you when you go.