How to handle poor water flow from your lab ultrapure water system

During the entire operation of a lab ultrapure water system, wastewater is continuously discharged. If the drainage pipe becomes obstructed, the wastewater flow rate will be significantly reduced. Why is that? Let's explore the reasons behind poor equipment drainage, with insights from Hitech, a leading manufacturer of lab ultrapure water systems.

1. Water pipe issues: The tap water pipe is the sole carrier for water supply within the system. If a pipe leaks due to damage, or becomes blocked due to deformation or bending, it will cause poor water drainage. The specific sections that are leaking or blocked can be repaired. If the affected area is extensive, the pipe should be replaced promptly.

2. Clogging: Excessive debris, such as fine sand, in the water distributor can cause severe clogging, impairing salt absorption and wastewater discharge. A clogged filter cartridge affects water production flow, and the wastewater volume decreases accordingly. The water distributor and filter cartridge can be cleaned, and replaced promptly if necessary.

3. Drain flow restrictor: A mismatched drain flow restrictor and water jet assembly results in high drain line resistance and failure to adsorb salt.

4. Booster pump malfunctions:​A booster pump malfunction leads to insufficient pressure, resulting in reduced flow rates of both purified water and wastewater, which impairs normal operation. The pump should be serviced or repaired promptly.

5. Component issues: If internal components of the equipment are damaged, even if there is no impact on operation in the short term, a decrease in output will occur and may even lead to secondary contamination. The damaged component (s) should be replaced immediately. During replacement, ensure the water inlet ball valve is closed.

Poor drainage in the equipment means a reduction in wastewater discharge volume. Currently, some lab ultrapure water system manufacturers on the market attract customers with claims of extremely low or even zero wastewater discharge. Is reduced wastewater discharge a good thing? A detailed analysis reveals the answer. As we know, when the solubility limit of a substance in water is reached, crystallization and precipitation will occur. With less wastewater discharge, the TDS value of the wastewater increases, meaning more dissolved solids are present. At this point, the precipitated crystals will deposit on the RO membrane, causing clogging and even affecting its service life. In essence, normal wastewater discharge ensures the longevity of filter cartridges.

We hope the above information helps clarify the reasons behind your system's drainage issues. If your purification system experiences drainage issues, refer to the above guidelines for troubleshooting. For any further questions, please feel free to contact us—we are here to promptly resolve any issues for you.