Looking for a isothiazol biocide solution source for RO membranes

[jsmbythebay]

Hello,

We hopefully plumbing is the right forum for this.

We have an Aquabase watermaker. A french build.

The manufacturer has stated that in order to pickle/preserve the membranes for storage, we need a isothiazol biocide solution, NOT the sodium bisulfite that is typically used.

The unit uses FIlmtec Dow membranes which are often preserved with the sodium bisulfite, but there are "plastic bits" that will be damaged by it.

Does anyone have any source for isothiazol biocide solution?

[tkeithlu]

I think that the problem may be that you are not a water treatment plant. Dow makes the stuff, but buying it in less than a five gallon bucket at hundreds of dollars...

What does Aquabase say is a source?

[jsmbythebay]

That is true. I could buy a big bucket for hundreds of dollars and then figure out how to dilute it.

Aquabase says buy from them. It's about $140 with shipping from France...

[Dsanduril]

Have you considered pickling with propylene glycol? This is what Spectra recommends for longer term storage. They too say that using sodium metabisulfite will damage plastics in the watermaker, but PG is acceptable.

https://www.spectrawatermakers.com/d...s-ae052616.pdf

[Moontide]

Might try any chemical supplier/warehouse. Many will sell small quantities (but not all).


Much cheaper than the watermaker shops.

[Lepke]

I use food grade Sodium Hydroxide (lye) bought on ebay or Amazon for years w/o problems.
I use my watermaker year round, flush with fresh water after making water, and haven't pickled in years.

[dfelsent]

There is a marine “water makers discussion group” on Facebook. It has an international membership. Some on there work for watermaker manufacturers. And there is helpful advice independent of brand.

I winterize with PG. but there are some oring compounds that do not tolerate it well. As in they crumble and you need to replace them.

Your manufacturer should know and be able to tell you.

But sometimes those component parts are changed with time. Or replaced with parts that are fine except for winterizing.

I’d ask in that group and see what you hear.

[David B]

Originally Posted by dfelsent

There is a marine “water makers discussion group” on Facebook. It has an international membership. Some on there work for watermaker manufacturers. And there is helpful advice independent of brand.

I winterize with PG. but there are some oring compounds that do not tolerate it well. As in they crumble and you need to replace them.

Your manufacturer should know and be able to tell you.

But sometimes those component parts are changed with time. Or replaced with parts that are fine except for winterizing.

I’d ask in that group and see what you hear.

Good tip - thanks. Just joined the group!

[jsmbythebay]

That's a great tip on the FB group.

Also, I will look into propylene glycol

Thanks all