{"product_id":"reverse-osmosis-membranes","title":"Reverse Osmosis Membranes","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReverse osmosis water that has started to taste like tap water again. A storage tank that takes all night to fill. A TDS meter reading that creeps up month after month.\u003c\/strong\u003e When fresh pre-filters do not fix it, the membrane is the part that has worn out. It is the core purification stage of every RO system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis listing brings Crystal Quest's thin film composite (TFC) reverse osmosis membranes together in one place: the residential 50, 75 and 100 GPD membranes for under-sink, countertop and bottleless cooler systems, and the larger 2.5\" x 14\", 2.5\" x 21\", 2.5\" x 40\" and 4\" x 40\" elements used in whole house and commercial RO. The 100 GPD membrane is the standard in every Crystal Quest Thunder under-sink RO system; 50 and 75 GPD remain available for the systems that list them.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAt a glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePurer drinking water again:\u003c\/strong\u003e a new membrane restores the reduction of dissolved solids, including lead, mercury, cadmium, trivalent chromium, fluoride and nitrates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeven TFC formats in one place,\u003c\/strong\u003e each with its own part number\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUp to 99% reduction\u003c\/strong\u003e of dissolved solids (TDS)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlan on 2 to 3 years of service,\u003c\/strong\u003e depending on feed water quality, system configuration and usage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat you are looking at\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eA reverse osmosis membrane is a spiral wound element. Long leaves of membrane are wrapped around a perforated center tube, with polyethylene netting between the layers so water can travel across every square inch of membrane surface. Polyolefin inner and outer wraps hold the roll together, and polypropylene end caps with Buna-N gaskets seal it inside the housing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe residential 50, 75 and 100 GPD membranes measure 1.75\" x 11.75\" for 2\" x 12\" residential membrane housings. The larger elements carry a brine seal for commercial-style pressure vessels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow a thin film composite RO membrane works\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eA barrier thinner than a soap bubble\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eA TFC membrane is built in layers. A polyester fabric gives it strength, a porous support layer sits on top of that, and the working surface is an ultra-thin polyamide film. Water molecules pass through that polyamide layer. Dissolved salts and metals, which travel through water as charged ions surrounded by water, are turned back at the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003ePressure does the work\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eLeft alone, water moves from the purer side of a membrane toward the saltier side. Reverse osmosis reverses that: household water pressure forces water through the membrane and leaves dissolved solids behind. The purified water (permeate) collects in the center tube and flows to the storage tank. The rejected solids stay on the feed side and are carried away in a stream of concentrate to the drain.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhat gets through, and what does not\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eDissolved minerals and metals are rejected. Dissolved gases and some very small, uncharged molecules pass more easily, which is why Crystal Quest RO systems put carbon stages before the membrane and a polishing stage after it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eRated GPD is not what you will always get\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eGPD (gallons per day) is the production rating at the membrane's standard test conditions. At home, three things change real output: lower water pressure means less push, colder water moves through the membrane more slowly, and higher feed TDS pushes back harder. That is why the same membrane makes more water in one home than another.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhy chlorine is the membrane's enemy\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe polyamide layer that does the purifying is damaged by chlorine. Once it is attacked, salts start slipping through and the damage does not reverse. Carbon pre-filters remove chlorine before it reaches the membrane, so keeping them current is the single best thing you can do for membrane life. Hard water is the other threat: high hardness can leave a crystallized layer of scale on the membrane surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhere the drain water goes\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe concentrate stream carries rejected solids away and keeps the membrane surface from clogging. Crystal Quest RO systems send 1 gallon to drain for every 1 to 3 gallons of purified water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat it reduces\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary target:\u003c\/strong\u003e total dissolved solids (TDS), the minerals, salts and metals dissolved in your water. Crystal Quest lists lead, mercury, cadmium, trivalent chromium, fluoride and nitrates among the dissolved contaminants the membrane reduces.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSalt rejection:\u003c\/strong\u003e up to 99% of dissolved solids. Real-world rejection depends on your water's chemistry, temperature and TDS.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandled by the other stages:\u003c\/strong\u003e chlorine and chloramine (carbon pre-filters), taste and odor (the polishing stage) and UV treatment on Thunder 3000 and 4000 models. Very hard water should be softened ahead of RO to protect the membrane from scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy Crystal Quest\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMatched to our systems.\u003c\/strong\u003e Each rating and element size is the part named on Crystal Quest system replacement lists, so you are not guessing at a \"fits most\" membrane.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStraight answers on output:\u003c\/strong\u003e what GPD means and what changes it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOver 1,000,000 people served since 1994.\u003c\/strong\u003e Crystal Quest builds under ISO 9001 quality management, has made water filtration in the USA for over 30 years and offers lifetime support by phone, email or chat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhere it fits\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100 GPD (CQE-RC-04064):\u003c\/strong\u003e the standard membrane in every Crystal Quest Thunder under-sink RO system, such as the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/reverse-osmosis-under-sink-water-filter-1000c\"\u003eThunder 1000C\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e75 GPD (CQE-RC-04063):\u003c\/strong\u003e listed as an optional membrane for Thunder systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e50 GPD (CQE-RC-04041):\u003c\/strong\u003e the membrane listed for the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/countertop-reverse-osmosis-water-filters\"\u003eCountertop Reverse Osmosis System\u003c\/a\u003e and the SHARP, TURBO and Hybrid UF + RO bottleless water coolers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2.5\" x 14\", 2.5\" x 21\", 2.5\" x 40\" and 4\" x 40\" elements:\u003c\/strong\u003e the sizes named on the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/whole-house-reverse-osmosis-system\"\u003eWhole House Reverse Osmosis System\u003c\/a\u003e replacement list and Crystal Quest commercial RO systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"cq-product-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I find the right reverse osmosis membrane?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eCheck the replacement list for your system or the label on the membrane you are replacing. The residential 50, 75 and 100 GPD membranes (1.75\" x 11.75\") and the larger 2.5\" and 4\" elements are separate formats and do not interchange.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs a higher GPD rating always better?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eGPD is the membrane's rated daily production, not faucet flow. Real output changes with water pressure, temperature and TDS. Use the rating your system lists, and ask Crystal Quest before changing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen should I replace my RO membrane?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlan on every 2 to 3 years. Replace it sooner if your RO-water TDS keeps rising, or if production stays low with fresh pre-filters and normal water pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat damages an RO membrane?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eChlorine is the biggest threat because it attacks the polyamide layer that does the purifying. Exhausted carbon pre-filters let it through. Hard water can also coat the membrane with scale, and long periods without use let water go stale in the system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan an RO membrane reduce fluoride from well water?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe published fluoride application is municipal water with inorganic fluoride. For fluoride from a well or another natural source, speak with Crystal Quest before choosing treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy does my RO system send water to the drain?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe concentrate stream carries away the solids the membrane rejects, which keeps the membrane surface clean. Crystal Quest RO systems send 1 gallon to drain for every 1 to 3 gallons of purified water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes a membrane come with pre-filters?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. Each option is one membrane or element. Pre-filters are sold separately and are replaced on their own schedules.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n###\n\u003ch3\u003eMembrane options\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSKU\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSIZE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSERVICE LIFE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eCQE-RC-04041\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e50 GPD\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e2 to 3 years*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eCQE-RC-04063\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e75 GPD\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e2 to 3 years*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eCQE-RC-04064\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e100 GPD\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e2 to 3 years*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eCQE-RC-04084\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e2.5\" x 21\" TFC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e2 to 3 years*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eCQE-RC-04111\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e2.5\" x 14\" TFC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e2 to 3 years*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eCQE-RC-04109\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e2.5\" x 40\" TFC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e2 to 3 years*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eCQE-RC-04086\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e4\" x 40\" TFC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e2 to 3 years*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMembrane and performance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMembrane type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThin film composite (TFC) reverse osmosis, spiral wound\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eResidential membrane size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.75\" x 11.75\" for 2\" x 12\" residential membrane housings (50, 75 and 100 GPD)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalt rejection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 99%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChlorine\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRemove ahead of the membrane with carbon pre-filtration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDrain water (Crystal Quest RO systems)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 gallon to drain for every 1 to 3 gallons of purified water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eResidential 50, 75 and 100 GPD membranes\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction Materials\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOperating Specifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e• Polypropylene End Caps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e• Minimum Operating Pressure: 20 psi (1.4 bar)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e• Buna-N Gaskets End Caps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e• Maximum Operating Pressure: 60 psi (4.1 bar)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e• Polyolefin Inner\/Outer Wraps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e• Minimum Operating Temperature: 40° F (4° C)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e• Polyethylene Netting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e• Maximum Operating Temperature: 90° F (32° C)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e*Service life is an estimate. Actual life depends on feed water quality, system configuration and usage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Crystal Quest Water Filters","offers":[{"title":"50 GPD \/ Single","offer_id":67868436758761,"sku":"CQE-RC-04041","price":65.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50 GPD \/ Pack of 2","offer_id":67868436791529,"sku":"CQE-RC-04041-2PK","price":131.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50 GPD \/ Pack of 4","offer_id":67868436824297,"sku":"CQE-RC-04041-4PK","price":262.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"75 GPD \/ Single","offer_id":67868436857065,"sku":"CQE-RC-04063","price":89.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"75 GPD \/ Pack of 2","offer_id":67868436889833,"sku":"CQE-RC-04063-2PK","price":179.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"75 GPD \/ Pack of 4","offer_id":67868436922601,"sku":"CQE-RC-04063-4PK","price":358.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 GPD \/ Single","offer_id":67868436955369,"sku":"CQE-RC-04064","price":113.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 GPD \/ Pack of 2","offer_id":67868436988137,"sku":"CQE-RC-04064-2PK","price":227.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 GPD \/ Pack of 4","offer_id":67868437020905,"sku":"CQE-RC-04064-4PK","price":454.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5\" x 21\" TFC \/ Single","offer_id":67868437053673,"sku":"CQE-RC-04084","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5\" x 21\" TFC \/ Pack of 2","offer_id":67868437086441,"sku":"CQE-RC-04084-2PK","price":390.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5\" x 21\" TFC \/ Pack of 4","offer_id":67868437119209,"sku":"CQE-RC-04084-4PK","price":780.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5\" x 14\" TFC \/ Single","offer_id":67868437151977,"sku":"CQE-RC-04111","price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5\" x 14\" TFC \/ Pack of 2","offer_id":67868437184745,"sku":"CQE-RC-04111-2PK","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5\" x 14\" TFC \/ Pack of 4","offer_id":67868437217513,"sku":"CQE-RC-04111-4PK","price":500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5\" x 40\" TFC \/ Single","offer_id":67868437250281,"sku":"CQE-RC-04109","price":275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5\" x 40\" TFC \/ Pack of 2","offer_id":67868437283049,"sku":"CQE-RC-04109-2PK","price":550.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5\" x 40\" TFC \/ Pack of 4","offer_id":67868437315817,"sku":"CQE-RC-04109-4PK","price":1100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4\" x 40\" TFC \/ Single","offer_id":67868437348585,"sku":"CQE-RC-04086","price":339.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4\" x 40\" TFC \/ Pack of 2","offer_id":67868437381353,"sku":"CQE-RC-04086-2PK","price":678.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4\" x 40\" TFC \/ Pack of 4","offer_id":67868437414121,"sku":"CQE-RC-04086-4PK","price":1356.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0814\/4512\/6377\/files\/reverse-osmosis-membranes-crystal-quest-water-filter-cartridges-1263260586.webp?v=1793830202","url":"https:\/\/clearwaterworld.com\/products\/reverse-osmosis-membranes","provider":"Clearwater World","version":"1.0","type":"link"}