I'd like a "show of hands" to see how prevalent having on hand a backup RO pump/motor assembly is. We had one go at our unit in February and I estimated the total costs incurred at about 6K for the day and 1/2 we were on DI's. Our water vendor will rebuild the old one for about 3K for us to have as a spare. There is administrative concern that since this ( the pump failing ) is such a rare ocurrence the risk doesn't justify the expense. Opinions please & thanks !

We would never spend the money to have a backup laying around awaiting the same catastrophe you went through. It would be a nice luxury to have a spare pump, but we squeeze the dineros around here. Does your computation of 6K include getting the new pump?

Like BoTech said... it's a nice luxury, but I wouldn't want it on my inventory. Too much money just laying around. Of course, the reasoning can go the other way too. The motor in the RO now won't last forever and will eventually need replaced as well. Should you swallow the costs now?

Matt

I guess I should count my blessings, I have redundant RO systems, I can service one while the other is in full operation....
It's good to be the king!!!
LOL!

We do keep a spare pump and motor for our ro's. We have 12 units within a 50 mile radius so we keep it in a central location.

I too am blessed with redundant RO's (2 23-G's)
but!! where I am located having DI as a backup is not the best of situations. So, my vender and I have an agreement that a replacement pump or motor must have the highest of priorities, if needed. Pete

I'm curious why a DI isnt a good back up where you are. Do you alternate your 23Gs on a weekly basis? How big is your unit?

JD,

DI is a great backup and very easy to use if you know what you're doing, but it is very costly and can be dangerous. Also, in my area, there was a time when it was difficult to obtain DI tanks because nobody wanted to deal with dialysis centers and those that would couldn't guarantee a reasonable time window for delivery.

Pete,

You are blessed. I had that luxury at one time. How do you have those setup? We had two storage tanks (200 or 300 gal??, can't recall) and each RO dumped into the individual tanks. On the first tank we had two pumps, one for each side of the clinic. The second tank had one pump that fed the two Zyzatech SDS systems and the Granuflo mixer. But, it was plumbed in a manner that would allow uninterrupted operation should one RO or a repressurization pump go down. Just turn a few valves and your back up and running again. I wish more systems were set up that way.

Matt

Matt, I rotate my RO's, thats why they're called ODD and EVEN. (easy for the staff to remember.) On the down days they flush for 15 minutes every two hours. (Has worked for me.) I have a 300 gallon holding tank that is fed by either one of the RO's. Than, two cerculation pumps that also rotate every four hours. A little redundent maybe but its good for my nerves. As far as DI is concerned. I would love to get DI as a polisher/backup, the trouble I have is that I have two RO's for 18 stations (Hard to justify) and availabilty of tanks and service does not come easy in my neck of the woods. Pete

Pete CHT,
Why do you want to get DI as a polisher/back up?

pato

pato, DI not so much as a back-up since I'm lucky enough to have two RO's, but as a polisher for the RO's. I make very good water now but I really can't call it ultra pure. My medical director and I both have a pipe dream to match our water to that of the Europian pharmicopia which in time I think will be mandated here also. Money is as usual the stumbling block, but like I said, ultra pure is going to become the next generation of dialysis water here in the states as well. Pete

pete,
The ultrapure water standards they use in Europe relate to Culture and Endotoxin (microbiological contamination). In another life, I worked with clinics where DI polishing was the "GOLD STANDARD". Water analysis (AAMI Profile) where taken from the Reverse Osmosis and post DI tanks. The results where compared and there were two substances (Calcium and Sodium) which concentrations were higher post RO when compared to post DI. The difference was minimal, also it is interesting that later on these electrolytes are added to the Ultrapure water to form what we call Dialysate.
DI does not remove bacteria neither endotoxin from water, on the contrary, DI tanks are good breading places for bacteria. Also, DI tanks when not monitored properly are a risk for the patients.
pato

Thank you Pato. I am very much aware of the dangers of DI when not monitored correctly we agree on that, but if DI doesn't remove bacteria, what does in units where only DI is used? I don't want to sound smug Pato, but rather interesed in what you have to say. I am always willing to learn more. One more question, do you feel that RO water can be called ultra-pure? I was under the impression that water needed to be >18 megohms or better before it can be called ultra-pure. One more thing, isn't it true that most of the calcium is removed by the water softner as protection from percipatate build on the RO membrane. Look forward to hearing from you. Thanks.Pete

Hi Pete,
DI systems should have at least 1 pyrogen filter
after the DI tanks. The pyrogen filter is what
removes the bacteria, endo and makes the water safe for the patient. The pyrogen filter may be in its own housing that is disposable or in a
housing like a sediment filter. Much like
sediment filters, they come in different sizes and specs. I check my portable DI systems like I
would an RO. I culture and take LAL post pyrogen
on a monthly basis to ensure it is still working
properly. I will also take an AAMI at least
every 3 months.
Hope this answers some of your pyrogen questions.
SK8

How frequently do you change your pyrogen filter?