Reverse osmosis system connection diagram Atoll requires strict adherence to the sequence of water supply through pre-filters to the membrane element, since violating the order of connecting the tubes instantly disables the expensive membrane or leads to leaks at the joints of the fittings. Any error in flow routing, be it a mixed-up pump inlet or an incorrectly connected drain line, disrupts the pressure balance necessary for high-quality water purification.
Owners of series models A-550 or A-560 must understand that the visual similarity of the flasks does not mean the identity of their functions in the hydraulic circuit. Incorrect assembly, in which water bypasses the carbon post-filter or is supplied to the membrane without preliminary mechanical cleaning, leads to rapid contamination of the pores and a decrease in the performance of the entire system.
Before starting any work on the pipeline, it is necessary to completely shut off the water supply and release the residual pressure in the system by opening a clean water tap. Ignoring this step can lead to water hammer when disconnecting connections and damage to threaded elements or plastic housings.
Basic configuration and operating principle of the system
Water purification system Atoll is a multi-stage complex, where each stage solves a specific problem of removing contaminants. The fundamental element is a reverse osmosis membrane, which allows only water molecules to pass through, retaining up to 98% of dissolved salts, bacteria and viruses. The efficiency of this element directly depends on the quality of water preparation at the preliminary stages.
The standard scheme includes a mechanical filter, blocks of activated carbon and the membrane itself, after which water accumulates in the tank. To improve taste and mineralization, it is often installed postfilter, through which water passes immediately before entering the tap. Understanding the physics of the process helps to avoid common mistakes during installation.
The pressure in the system is a critical parameter: to force water through the pores of the membrane, a certain force is required, which is created either by pressure in the water supply or by an electric pump. If the pressure at the inlet to the membrane is lower than the calculated one, the cleaning process will stop and water simply will not flow into the storage tank.
- 💧 Mechanical cleaning removes sand, rust and suspended particles larger than 5 microns.
- 🌑 Coal blocks adsorb chlorine, organic compounds and improve organoleptic properties.
- 🛡️ Reverse osmosis membrane ensures deep demineralization and removal of heavy metals.
⚠️ Attention: Supplying water with a free chlorine content above 0.5 mg/l directly to the membrane without carbon pretreatment will lead to irreversible oxidation and destruction of the membrane material.
Pump operating principle
The pump (pump) in reverse osmosis systems is turned on by a signal from a low pressure sensor when there is water in the line, and is turned off by a high pressure sensor when the tank is full. This protects the pump from running dry and prevents diaphragm rupture due to excess pressure.
Detailed diagram of connecting tubes and fittings
Installation of the hydraulic part of the system Atoll is based on the use of John Guest type quick-release connections, which ensure tightness without the use of additional seals. Color coding of tubes and ports on filter housings simplifies assembly, but requires care, since inserting the tube all the way is a prerequisite for tightness. Failure to fully immerse the tube into the fitting will result in leakage under pressure.
The connection between the stages is made with 1/4 inch diameter tubing, which must be cut exactly perpendicular to ensure a tight fit to the internal stop of the fitting. An oblique cut can damage the O-ring inside the collet, which will cause permanent micro-leakage, noticeable only upon careful inspection.
It is important to follow the flow direction indicated by the arrows on the filter housings and on the membrane itself. Water must flow into the flasks sequentially: from the inlet valve through the mechanics, then through the coal, then onto the membrane, and only after the tank - through the post-filter to the tap.
- ✂️ Cut the tube with a special pipe cutter at an angle of 90 degrees for a perfect joint.
- 🔌 Insert the tube into the fitting all the way, controlling the exit of the end of the tube on the other side.
- 🔒 Use locking clips (blue or white) to secure the tube in the fitting.
☑️ Checking connections
When assembling the circuit, it is necessary to take into account that two lines extend from the membrane: one for clean water (permeate) and one for drainage (concentrate). Confusion of these lines at the stage of connection to the drain coupling or storage tank will disrupt the operation of the entire system.
Procedure for assembling and replacing cartridges
Replacing cartridges in the system Atoll produced according to regulations, which depend on the quality of incoming water and the volume of consumption. Mechanical filters are always changed first, since their service life is exhausted the fastest due to the retention of large rust and sand. Untimely replacement leads to a drop in pressure at the inlet to subsequent stages.
The replacement process begins by shutting off the water and releasing pressure. Then, using a special wrench, the flasks are unscrewed. It is important not to mix up the cartridges when installing new ones, especially if you use flasks of the same size but for different purposes.
After installing new cartridges, it is necessary to thoroughly flush the system, as new carbon blocks may contain coal dust. To do this, fill and drain the tank several times, without using water for drinking during this period.
Setting up the drain line and tap on the tank
Correct operation of a reverse osmosis system is impossible without properly configured drainage, through which the salt concentrate is removed. The drain coupling cut into the sink siphon should be located above the hose connection level to prevent sewer water from flowing back into the filtration system.
The tap on the storage tank plays the role of a regulator, shutting off the water supply to the tank when it is filled. In the standard scheme, this valve is connected to a membrane housing and, when the pressure in the tank increases, it shuts off the flow, directing all the water to the drain, which signals the pump to stop.
The optimal pressure in the air chamber of the tank should be 0.45–0.55 atm. Carry out the check only on an empty tank using a car pressure gauge through the nipple.
If the drain line is pinched or kinked, the system pressure will not be able to drop and the pump will run continuously trying to fill the tank. This will cause the equipment to overheat and possibly break connections.
Table of technical parameters and cartridge resources
To plan your maintenance budget and understand when elements will need to be replaced, you need to focus on cartridge life and membrane performance. These parameters are averaged and depend on the pressure in the water supply and water temperature.
| System element | Resource (months) | Water volume (liters) | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanics 5 µm | 3-6 | 4000-6000 | Suspension removal |
| Coal block | 6-8 | 6000-8000 | Chlorine removal |
| RO membrane | 18-24 | 10000-12000 | Salt removal |
| Postfilter | 10-12 | 8000-10000 | Improved taste |
Exceeding the service life of cartridges beyond the recommended not only degrades water quality, but also creates increased hydraulic resistance. This forces the pump to work in extreme mode or reduces the water pressure from the tap to a minimum.
⚠️ Attention: The use of hot water (above 35-40°C) in a reverse osmosis system is strictly prohibited, as this leads to deformation of the plastic elements and damage to the membrane.
Troubleshooting and common errors
During system operation Atoll Situations may arise that require user intervention. The most common problem is low performance or complete lack of water in the tank. The cause may be clogging of the prefilters or loss of elasticity of the membrane.
Constant running of the pump indicates a leak in the system or a faulty pressure switch. If the pump turns on and off too often, this may indicate a drop in pressure in the tank's air chamber or a clogged drain line.
For diagnostics, it is necessary to sequentially check the pressure in each section of the circuit, starting from the entrance to the system and ending with the exit from the tank. Pressure gauge is the main tool for identifying bottlenecks in a hydraulic circuit.
- 🔍 Check the tightness of all connections for drips or fogging.
- 📉 Measure the pressure in the water supply - it should be at least 2.5-3 atmospheres.
- 🧹 Rinse or replace the mechanical cartridge if it changes color to brown.
Early detection of a minor problem, such as a leaking fitting, can prevent serious consequences, including kitchen flooding and failure of expensive cleaning system components.
The main cause of breakdowns is ignoring the instructions for replacing cartridges, which leads to irreversible damage to the membrane and pump.
What should I do if after replacing the filters the water comes out black?
The appearance of black water after replacing the carbon cartridges is normal and is caused by the leaching of carbon dust. It is necessary to open the tap and drain the water for 10-15 minutes until completely transparent. If the water does not clear up, check that the cartridges are installed correctly.
Is it possible to install an Atoll filter on a well?
Installing a reverse osmosis system on a well is possible only after a preliminary water analysis and, most likely, will require additional purification steps (iron removal, softening). Standard scheme Atoll designed for tap water with certain parameters of hardness and iron content.
How often should you change your reverse osmosis membrane?
The average service life of the membrane is 1.5–2 years. However, if the content of hardness salts or iron in the water is high, the resource may be reduced to a year. An indicator of the need for replacement is an increase in TDS (salt content) of purified water or a critical drop in productivity.