Hydrotech FreshPoint U440 Ultrafiltration System - Manual (Page 19)

Page 19
Installation Instructions
Membrane Integrity Test (Recommended)
All membrane elements are factory-tested, and pass integrity tests before they are shipped. However, a full
system integrity test should be done upon startup and then routinely (once per year minimum) thereafter.
The integrity is used to check for:
Internal leaks, such as cut or misaligned O-rings
Damaged membranes
The preferred integrity test is the pressure decay test. Air pressure is applied to the membrane when it is fully
wet-out (the pores are full of water), which is the membrane’s condition when it has been properly flushed after
start up. The amount of pressure loss is measured over a set period of time. If the pressure declines too fast, it
indicates that there is a seal leak in the system or membrane fiber damage.
General Test Information
The test requires that the membrane be fully “wet-out” (all pores full of water).
The membrane assembly should be drained of all excess water.
This test does not require the visual detection of a bubble. Instead it measures the loss of pressure or vacuum
over time via a gauge.
A certain amount of pressure loss will occur in an intact system from diffusion of air through the trapped water
in the membrane pores (“baseline decay”). But a higher pressure loss will occur from membrane flaws or
broken seals.
To prevent contamination, use a clean air source, preferably filtered through a 0.2 micron filter on the air
source.
Equipment (See Figure 7)
Pressurized air source (~20 psig, 3+ scfm capacity) with pressure regulator, a small portable air tank, or a
portable compressor.
Pressure gauge (0-20 or 0-30 psig) with accuracy to 0.1 psi.
Positive shut off valve (a bubble tight ball valve) to isolate the FreshPoint™ membrane inlet, and one to
isolate the air source.
Stopwatch, or watch with a second hand.
Integrity Test Procedure
Ensure that the membrane is fully “wet-out” by operating the system at its maximum flow rate for at least 20
minutes by opening the nearest tap downstream.
Isolate the system by closing the inlet valve of the bypass plumbing arrangement.
If the system is installed with the optional flush tank, close the valve to the flush tank.
If installed with a backflush kit, disconnect the wiring harness from the inlet solenoid valve.
Depressurize the system by pressing the Extra Cycle button.
Open the nearest downstream faucet to allow air to escape during the test, or crack open the outlet union.
Drain the module by opening the 1/4” ball valve at the bottom of the module and pressing the Extra Cycle
button on the timer to open the drain solenoid valve.
The drain solenoid valve will need to be opened repeatedly using the Extra Cycle button until there is no
further evidence of water draining from the module.
Connect the Technician’s Decay Test Components, Figure 7, with the quick connect fitting to the valve at the
bottom of the module (see Figure 8).
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