GE E4H-CE Series - Manual (Page 26)

4.6 Membrane Element Removal
As time progresses, the efficiency of the membrane element will be reduced. In general,
the salt rejection does not change much until two or three years after installation, when
operated on properly pretreated feed water and routine maintenance performed. The per-
meate flow rate will begin to decline slightly after one year of operation, but can be
extended with diligent flushing and cleaning of the machine. High pH feed water and/or
precipitation of hardness can cause premature loss in rejection and even flow rate. The
following procedure is to be followed to replace existing membrane elements in the
machine.
STEPS
1. Remove the end caps and clamps from all the membrane element housings.
2. Remove all the membrane elements from the membrane element housings in the
direction of flow (where possible). If necessary, a membrane element can be
removed against the direction of flow. Heavy-duty pliers or channel-lock pliers
may be necessary to pull the old membrane element out of the membrane element
housing.
3. To reinstall replacement membrane elements, see Section 4.5 (Membrane
Element Replacement).
NOTE: Follow Membrane Element Specifications (Table 1.3).
NOTE: Do not allow the machine to freeze unless it is totally drained. It must
thaw a minimum of 24 hours before starting.
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