Skip to main content

Technical Specification — Juliet Coffee Water System

For Drinking Water & Specialty Coffee / Beverage Application

FieldDetail
Document NumberRO-SPEC-001
RevisionRev I — Procurement-anchored to BOM Rev H. Full change list: Progress.
Date21 April 2026
ApplicationDrinking Water Production — Specialty Coffee, Ice & Beverage Service
Supply Voltage240 VAC Single-Phase, 60 Hz (USA)
Intended UsePotable Water — Sanitary Construction Required

⚠ ALL MOTORS, DRIVES, AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS MUST BE RATED FOR 60 Hz OPERATION


1. System Overview

This specification defines the requirements for a compact reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment system intended for commercial drinking water production in a specialty coffee shop environment. The system serves an espresso machine, an ice maker, and a drinking water filling station. The system shall be of full sanitary construction throughout all wetted surfaces and shall comply with applicable NSF/ANSI standards for potable water contact materials.

The system processes municipal or well feed water through sequential pre-filtration, RO membrane separation, UV disinfection, and controlled mineral re-injection to achieve a final product water profile optimised for specialty coffee extraction.

Two-Tank Architecture with UV Recirculation

The system employs a two-tank architecture with a continuous UV recirculation loop on Tank 1:

  • Tank 1 (T-101) — Buffer (15–20 gal) stores raw RO permeate. Sized for peak-hourly demand bursts (ice machine + T-102 fill ≈ 10 gal worst case) with margin, not for full-day storage — RO permeate output (30–90 gph) outpaces peak demand (~10–15 gph). A recirculation pump (P-102) continuously circulates T-101 water through a UV disinfection unit and back to prevent bacterial growth during storage. Valved branches off the UV discharge provide on-demand supply to the ice machine (direct, no minerals) and to the treatment path (mineral injection → Tank 2).

  • Tank 2 (T-102) — Small buffer (5 gal) stores fully treated product water (UV-disinfected, mineral-injected) ready for distribution to the espresso machine and drinking water station.

A dedicated distribution pump (P-103) supplies pressurised product water from T-102 to the espresso machine and drinking water station.

Process Flow Diagram

FEED ──► Sediment Filter ──► Carbon Filter ──► P-101 (RO Feed) ──► RO Membrane ──► T-101
(5µm pleated) (carbon block) (CRN1S-15, VFD) (XLE Pro-2540) (15–20 gal)
(USWPF-4520-05) (USWCB-4520-10)

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── SV-RECIRC (N.O.) ◄┤
│ (recirculation return) │
▼ │
T-101 ──► P-102 (Recirc/Transfer, CRN1S-4, VFD, continuous) ──► UV ─────────────┤
(Pulsar PUV-200-20) │

SV-ICE (N.C.) ─────┤──► Ice Machine
│ (no minerals)
SV-TREAT (N.C.) ───┘

Mineral Injection
(3 × DDC 6-10 metering pumps)

Static Mixer
(Koflo 105955Q34R)

T-102
(5 gal)

P-103 (Distribution, ½ HP VFD — TBD)

┌──────────┴──────────┐
Espresso Machine Drinking Water
Filling Station

Process Sequence

StageProcess StepPrimary Function
1Sediment Pre-Filter — 4.5″ × 20″, 5-micron pleated (US Water Systems 550-USWPF-4520-05)Remove particulates, protect downstream media
2Carbon Block Filter — 4.5″ × 20″, 10-micron coconut-shell carbon block (US Water Systems 507-USWCB-4520-10)Remove chlorine, chloramines, VOCs, taste & odour
3High-Pressure RO Feed Pump (P-101) — Grundfos CRN1S-15 A-FGJ-G-E-HQQE, 60 Hz VFD-controlledPressurise feed water to RO operating pressure
4RO Membrane — Filmtec XLE Pro-2540 in US Water Systems 257-208238 2540 SS pressure vesselTDS / ionic reduction via semi-permeable membrane
5Tank 1 (T-101) — RO Permeate Storage, 15–20 gal 304L/316L SS (1/2 BBL Sanke)Buffer storage for raw RO permeate; sized for peak-burst absorption + cycle hysteresis
6Recirculation / Transfer Pump (P-102) — Grundfos CRN1S-4 A-FGJ-A-E-HQQE (washdown), 60 Hz VFD-controlled, runs continuouslyCirculate T-101 water through UV; redirect to ice machine or treatment path on demand
7UV Disinfection Unit — Pulsar PUV-200-20, in recirculation loopContinuous biological disinfection of T-101 stored water
8Post-UV Solenoid Manifold — SV-RECIRC / SV-ICE / SV-TREATRoute UV-treated water: recirculate to T-101, supply ice machine, or send to mineral injection
9Mineral Injection — 3 × Grundfos DDC 6-10 metering pumps (when SV-TREAT open)Add select minerals per active HMI recipe to control final product TDS
10Static Mixer — Koflo 105955Q34R in-line PVC mixerHomogenise injected mineral streams into carrier water before T-102 / CT-103
11Tank 2 (T-102) — Treated Water Storage, ~ 5 gal 304L/316L SS (tall/narrow, sixtel keg)Buffer storage for fully treated product water; fast recipe transitions
12Distribution Pump (P-103) — ½ HP class, 60 Hz VFD-controlled (not yet procured)Supply pressurised product water to espresso machine and drinking water
13Points of UseEspresso machine, drinking water filling station

2. Design Basis & Performance Requirements

2.1 Feed Water Conditions

ParameterDesign ValueNotes
Feed Water SourceMunicipal potable supplyChlorinated; dechlorinated by carbon filter
Feed Pressure40–80 psi (2.8–5.5 bar)Minimum 30 psi at inlet required
Feed Temperature50–77 °F (10–25 °C)Optimum for XLE Pro-2540 element
Feed TDSUp to 500 mg/L (ppm)Design maximum; consult supplier if higher
SDI< 5 (after pre-filtration)Required per Filmtec membrane guidelines

2.2 System Performance Targets

ParameterRequirementMeasurement Method
RO Recovery RateAdjustable 50–75 % (nominal 65 %)Q_perm / Q_feed × 100 % — calculated by PLC
Salt / TDS Rejection≥ 97 % (XLE membrane rated ≥ 99 %)(1 − C_perm / C_feed) × 100 % — displayed on HMI
Permeate Flow RateApprox. 0.5–1.5 gpm (varies with pressure & temp)Measured by permeate flow meter (FT-102)
Tank 1 Capacity (T-101)15–20 US gallons (tall/narrow form factor)HDPE or 304L/316L SS; NSF 61 listed
Tank 2 Capacity (T-102)5 US gallons (tall/narrow form factor)HDPE or 304L/316L SS; NSF 61 listed
Product Water TDSProgrammable setpoint per HMI recipe presetControlled by mineral injection pumps; verified by CT-103
UV Dose≥ 16 mJ/cm² (USEPA potability minimum) cleared with ≈ 7× margin throughout lamp life. The Pulsar PUV-200-20 is rated by its manufacturer at 39 GPM @ 16 mJ/cm², 21 GPM @ 30 mJ/cm², and 16 GPM @ 40 mJ/cm², all at 95 % UVT. Operated in this design at the 4 GPM recirculation flow, dose scales inversely to ≈ 158 mJ/cm² fresh-lamp and ≈ 111 mJ/cm² at 9 000-hr end-of-lamp-life — ≈ 10× and 7× the USEPA minimum, respectively, and ≈ 4× and 2.8× the NSF/ANSI 55 Class A reference dose. See §3.5 for the full calculation.Pulsar PUV-200-20 in T-101 recirculation loop

2.3 Application & Consumption Basis

The system is sized for a specialty coffee shop with the following primary equipment and daily consumption:

Espresso Machine — SanRemo Cafe Racer:

BoilerVolume
Pre-heating boiler1 L
Steam boiler8 L
Group head boilers (× 2)2 × 1 L = 2 L
Total machine fill volume11 L ≈ 2.9 US gal

Daily Water Consumption Estimate (100 cups/day × 8 oz):

CategoryEstimateSource Tank
Coffee extraction water~6.25 gal (800 oz)T-102 via P-103
Steam losses, hot water draws~1–2 galT-102 via P-103
Backflushing / cleaning cycles~0.5 galT-102 via P-103
Espresso machine subtotal~8–9 gal/dayT-102
Drinking water filling station~5–10 gal/dayT-102 via P-103
Total T-102 demand~13–19 gal/day
Ice machine~20–40 gal/day (model dependent)T-101 direct (via SV-ICE)
Total T-101 demand~33–59 gal/day

Sizing rationale:

  • T-102 at 5 gallons turns over 3–4× per day at typical demand (~13–19 gal/day), keeping product water fresh and enabling fast recipe transitions — a recipe change fully propagates in 1–2 fill cycles (~10–15 min) instead of most of a day. At peak draw (~1–1.25 gal/hr), 5 gallons provides 4–5 hours of buffer. The worst-case single draw is a cold fill of the Cafe Racer boilers (2.9 gal), which P-102 refills in under a minute at 4 gpm. A tall, narrow tank form factor is preferred to give adequate vertical travel for level sensing.
  • Metering pump compatibility: At 4 gpm transfer rate, a 5-gallon fill takes ~75 seconds. The DDC 6-10 metering pumps (100 mL/min max) operate at 7–12% of capacity for typical recipes — well within stable dosing range. For very low dosing rates, the PLC can slow P-102 via VFD-102 during fill cycles to extend dosing time.
  • T-101 at 15–20 gallons is sized for peak-hourly demand bursts, not full-day storage. RO permeate output (0.5–1.5 gpm = 30–90 gph) outpaces peak demand (~10–15 gph) by 2–6×, so the membrane never falls behind. With a useful working range of ~70% of capacity (~10–14 gal between low-start and high-stop setpoints), T-101 cycles P-101 only 3–5× per day with 7–28 minute run windows — well clear of any thrashing regime that would shorten membrane life.
  • T-101 worst-case concurrent demand — ice machine fill (~5 gal) plus T-102 fill (~5 gal) firing simultaneously totals ~10 gal. A 20-gal tank handles this with ~4 gal margin; a 15.5-gal tank (1/2 BBL Sanke keg form factor) relies on the cascade interlock in §5.6 (SV-TREAT inhibited if T-101 is low) to defer T-102 fill so ice demand is always served. Both options are acceptable.
  • T-101 form factor benefits — a 16" diameter × ~23" tall cylinder (custom 20-gal build) or a 1/2 BBL Sanke keg (16.125" × 23.3", 15.5 gal) gives ~250 lb less water weight on the skid vs. a 50-gal design, faster water turnover (~9–12 hr avg residence vs. ~30 hr) for fresher water even with continuous UV, and an off-the-shelf 1/2 BBL keg conversion path for cost-effective sourcing.

3. Equipment Specifications

3.1 Pre-Filtration

Both pre-filter cartridges use identical 4.5″ × 20″ housings for spares commonality and simpler maintenance.

ItemSpecification
Sediment & Carbon Filter Housing (× 2)US Water Systems 645-PWSSH-120 — 304 stainless, 4.5″ × 20″ DOE (Double Open End), 1″ NPT inlet/outlet, ring-nut closure, EPDM O-ring, ¼″ drain port, includes mounting bracket; rated up to 300 psi; FDA-compliant
Sediment Filter CartridgeUS Water Systems 550-USWPF-4520-05 — 4.5″ × 20″ pleated, 5 µm, NSF-listed for drinking water
Carbon Filter CartridgeUS Water Systems 507-USWCB-4520-10 — 4.5″ × 20″ coconut-shell carbon block, 10 µm, ≥ 95 % chlorine reduction, 32 000-gal capacity at 6 gpm, 250 psi operating pressure, 40–125 °F
Connections1″ NPT inlet/outlet; food-grade O-rings (EPDM or NSF-grade Buna-N)
Pressure Rating300 psi working pressure (housing); 250 psi (carbon cartridge — system limit)

3.2 RO Membrane Assembly

ItemSpecification
Membrane ElementFilmtec XLE Pro-2540 or equal; low-energy brackish RO element
Format2540 (2.5″ diameter × 40″ length)
Rejection Rate≥ 99.0 % NaCl (manufacturer rated)
Permeate Flow50 GPD nominal at standard test conditions (77 °F, 150 psi, 250 ppm NaCl, 15 % recovery)
Membrane HousingUS Water Systems 257-208238 — 2540 stainless pressure vessel; ⅜″ FNPT connections; rated up to 300 psi
Mounting BracketsPiping Now WPVCT-25 (qty 2) — 2.5″ vessel mounting clips
O-Rings / Brine SealsNSF/ANSI 61 compliant; EPDM food grade
Operating Pressure100–250 psi (6.9–17.2 bar) adjustable via VFD pump speed

3.3 Product Water Storage Tanks

Tank 1 — T-101: RO Permeate Storage

ItemSpecification
Capacity15–20 US gallons (target 20 gal; 15.5 gal acceptable for 1/2 BBL Sanke keg form factor)
Form FactorTall, narrow — ~16" diameter × ~23" tall (1/2 BBL Sanke keg dimensions: 16.125" × 23.3") or similar aspect ratio (~1.5–2:1 H:D). Provides adequate vertical travel for high/low float switches and minimizes skid footprint and water weight.
MaterialHDPE (NSF/ANSI 61 listed) or 304L/316L stainless steel with sanitary finish; electropolished interior preferred for display visibility
PurposeBuffer storage for raw RO permeate; continuously UV-disinfected via recirculation loop; supplies ice machine directly and treatment path to T-102. Sized for peak-burst absorption + RO cycle hysteresis (3–5 cycles/day expected), not full-day storage.
ConnectionsInlet (from RO permeate), outlet (to P-102 suction), recirculation return (from SV-RECIRC), high-level sensor port, low-level sensor port, drain, vent (with air-gap or sanitary vent cap)
PressureAtmospheric / open vented
ComplianceNSF/ANSI 61 certified for potable water contact
Sourcing pathPreferred: modified 1/2 BBL Sanke keg (304 SS, debranded, ~$80) with sanitary tri-clamp ferrules welded for 5–6 ports + electropolish. Alternative: used brewery brite tank or custom 20-gal sanitary build. See tanks.

Tank 2 — T-102: Treated Water Storage

ItemSpecification
Capacity5 US gallons
Form FactorTall, narrow — ~8″ diameter × ~24″ tall (1/6 BBL Sanke keg dimensions: 9.25" × 23.3", ~3:1 aspect) to provide adequate vertical travel for continuous level sensor and to keep dead volume low at the bottom
MaterialHDPE (NSF/ANSI 61 listed) or 304L/316L stainless steel with sanitary finish; electropolished interior preferred for display visibility
PurposeBuffer storage for fully treated product water (UV-disinfected, mineral-injected) ready for distribution to espresso machine and drinking water station. Small volume chosen for fast recipe transitions (1–2 fill cycles) and high turnover (3–4×/day).
Level SensingContinuous 4–20 mA level transmitter (see §4, LT-102) — preferred over discrete float switches due to small tank height; provides proportional fill level to PLC for smarter fill control and accurate volume tracking
ConnectionsInlet (from mineral injection manifold), outlet (to P-103 suction), level transmitter port (top-mount), drain, vent (with air-gap or sanitary vent cap)
PressureAtmospheric / open vented
ComplianceNSF/ANSI 61 certified for potable water contact
Sourcing pathPreferred: modified 1/6 BBL Sanke keg (304 SS, debranded, ~$80) with 4 sanitary tri-clamp ferrules welded + electropolish. Alternative: small custom sanitary build. See tanks.

3.4 Pump Specifications

CRITICAL: All pump motors must be rated for 60 Hz operation. The system uses 240 V single-phase power input to VFDs which output variable-frequency 3-phase power to drive the pump motors.

Pump P-101 — RO High-Pressure Feed Pump

ParameterRequirement
Manufacturer / Model (procured)Grundfos CRN1S-15 A-FGJ-G-E-HQQE
Pump TypeVertical multistage centrifugal; close-coupled
Rated PowerPer nameplate (size VFD-101 to motor FLA; design basis was ¾ HP class)
Motor Type3-Phase induction motor; 208-230/460 VAC
Frequency60 Hz (MANDATORY — do not supply 50 Hz motor)
Speed3,450–3,500 RPM at 60 Hz
Full-Load CurrentPer nameplate at 230 V 3-phase
Design Duty Point110 psi (253 ft head) @ 4 gpm (RO operating target; verify against pump curve)
Wetted Materials316 stainless steel impellers, diffusers & shaft; EPDM O-rings
Shaft SealHQQE mechanical seal; food-grade elastomers
Connections1-¼″ Victaulic or NPT; mating fittings to be supplied
Speed ControlControlled via VFD-101 (GS21-21P0); 0–100 % speed via Modbus RTU from PLC
StandardsNSF/ANSI 61; CE; cULus

Pump P-102 — Recirculation / Transfer Pump (T-101 UV Loop + Transfer to T-102 + Ice Supply)

ParameterRequirement
Manufacturer / Model (procured)Grundfos CRN1S-4 A-FGJ-A-E-HQQE
Pump TypeVertical multistage centrifugal; close-coupled
Rated Power½ HP (0.37 kW) @ 3,500 rpm
EnclosureWashdown-rated
Motor Type3-Phase induction motor; 208-230/460 VAC
Frequency60 Hz (MANDATORY — do not supply 50 Hz motor)
Speed3,500 rpm at 60 Hz (as-rated)
Full-Load CurrentPer nameplate at 230 V 3-phase
Rated performance (nameplate)4.84 US gpm @ 77 ft TDH
Design Duty Point30 psi (69 ft head) @ 4 gpm (system target; verify against pump curve)
Wetted Materials316 stainless steel impellers, diffusers & shaft; EPDM O-rings
Shaft SealHQQE mechanical seal; food-grade elastomers
Connections1-¼″ Victaulic or NPT; mating fittings to be supplied
Speed ControlControlled via VFD-102 (GS21-20P5); 0–100 % speed via Modbus RTU from PLC
StandardsNSF/ANSI 61; CE; cULus
Operating ModeRuns continuously. Default state: recirculates T-101 water through UV via SV-RECIRC (normally open). PLC opens SV-TREAT to fill T-102 on demand or SV-ICE to supply ice machine on demand.

Pump P-103 — Product Water Distribution Pump (T-102 → Espresso Machine & Drinking Water)

ParameterRequirement
ProcurementNot yet purchased — select and record model here when procured
Manufacturer / ModelGrundfos CRN1S-8 or equivalent 3-phase variant (design baseline)
Pump TypeVertical multistage centrifugal; close-coupled
Rated Power½ HP (0.37 kW)
Motor Type3-Phase induction motor; 208-230/460 VAC
Frequency60 Hz (MANDATORY — do not supply 50 Hz motor)
Speed3,450–3,500 RPM at 60 Hz
Full-Load Current3.2 A at 230 V 3-phase (typical for ½ HP class — confirm on nameplate)
Design Duty Point50 psi (115 ft head) @ 3 gpm
Wetted Materials316 stainless steel impellers, diffusers & shaft; EPDM O-rings
Shaft SealHQQE mechanical seal; food-grade elastomers
Connections1-¼″ Victaulic or NPT; mating fittings to be supplied
Speed ControlControlled via VFD-103 (GS21-20P5); 0–100 % speed via Modbus RTU from PLC
StandardsNSF/ANSI 61; CE; cULus
NotesSupplies pressurised treated water from T-102 to espresso machine (SanRemo Cafe Racer) and drinking water filling station. VFD maintains constant-pressure setpoint on distribution header (feedback from PT-104). P-102 is procured as CRN1S-4; P-103 may differ — document exact model when purchased.

3.5 UV Disinfection Unit

ItemSpecification
Manufacturer / Model (procured)Pulsar PUV-200-20 (full SKU 405-PUV-200-20). The "200" prefix is the controller series (full-color LCD ballast, no UV-intensity sensor); the "-20" suffix is the lamp/flow class — the 20 GPM rating tier in the PUV-200 family, which spans -10 / -15 / -20 lamp options on the same controller. Procured OEM-Pulsar-branded (not the US Water Systems "-BGF" variant called out in earlier spec revisions).
ApplicationIn-line; installed in the T-101 recirculation loop downstream of P-102 and upstream of the solenoid valve manifold (SV-RECIRC / SV-ICE / SV-TREAT). Runs continuously while P-102 is active — all water leaving T-101 passes through UV regardless of destination.
UV Dose (delivered, design basis)USEPA potability target ≥ 16 mJ/cm² met with ≈ 7× margin throughout lamp service life. Design-point dose ≈ 158 mJ/cm² fresh / ≈ 111 mJ/cm² at 9 000-hr lamp EOL at the 4 GPM nominal recirculation flow — see calculation below. The procurement step-up from the previously-specified PUV-200-10 (≈ 44 / 31 mJ/cm² fresh / EOL at 4 GPM) to the larger PUV-200-20 reactor moves the unit from "comfortably above USEPA potability minimum" to "well above the NSF/ANSI 55 Class A reference dose throughout lamp life" — though the unit itself remains uncertified (see Compliance row).
Lamp42 W lamp / 51 W total system input (per Pulsar manual p. 22 spec table); 9 000-hour rated service life (≈ 1 year of continuous operation); replacement P/N 406-PUV-LM-20.
Quartz SleeveReplacement P/N 406-PUV-QS-20 (per manual p. 22); clean annually at minimum (RO permeate is essentially scale- and particle-free, so heavy fouling is not expected).
Reactor Chamber304 stainless steel, A249 pressure-rated tubing; 8.9 × 91.7 cm (3.5″ diameter × 36.1″ length) per manual p. 22; ASME pressure-vessel design. Note: reactor diameter is 3.5″ (vs 2.5″ on the previously-spec'd -10) — confirm skid clamps, mounting brackets, and clearance to neighbouring components accommodate the larger pipe before final layout. Reserve at least one full reactor length (~36″) of clear space at the lamp-connector end for sleeve and lamp removal.
Process Connections1″ MNPT inlet/outlet (per manual p. 22; up from ¾″ on the -10 — fittings into the recirc loop must be re-selected to match).
Operating Pressure0–150 psi (10 bar) maximum
Operating Water Temperature36–104 °F (2–40 °C)
Power Supply90–265 VAC, 50–60 Hz universal input, 51 W max (1 A max) (per manual p. 22), fed from a dedicated 120 VAC GFCI receptacle on the control panel via the supplied NEMA 5-15P cord-and-plug. Universal input means the unit will operate unchanged on any standard US 120 V branch circuit. (Slight uptick from the previously-specified -10 which drew 49 W — negligible vs. the §6 panel load calc.)
Mounting OrientationVertical preferred with inlet at the bottom (allows trapped air to purge); horizontal acceptable per the manufacturer. Reserve at least one full reactor length (~36″) of clear space at the lamp-connector end for sleeve and lamp removal.
Warranty (per manual p. 24)10-year limited warranty on the 304 SS reactor; 3-year on ballast/controller; 1-year on lamp, UV sensor, and quartz sleeve — all from date of original purchase or installation. Warranty void if water-quality limits exceeded (hardness > 7 gpg, iron > 0.3 ppm, manganese > 0.05 ppm, tannins > 0.1 ppm, turbidity > 1 NTU, UVT < 75 %); RO permeate trivially clears all of these by orders of magnitude.
ControlOn/Off via PLC relay output; UV hour meter / lamp-life countdown is built into the controller (yellow caution at 30 days remaining → 7-day audible chirp → continuous alarm at expiry, with up to 3 × 7-day operator deferrals available); runs continuously during system operation
ComplianceCSA / CE compliant per nameplate (controller-family certifications; verify on the as-shipped unit). The Pulsar manual does not claim NSF/ANSI 61 certification for the unit, and the larger PUV-200-20 reactor is not NSF/ANSI 55 Class A validated either; the wetted reactor is 304 SS A249 (an inherently NSF-61-acceptable material), but the unit itself is not certified. Plan-check submittal will treat the UV unit under the same San Diego DEH MFF §IV.C "approval in the absence of ANSI sanitation certification" pathway used for the metering pumps (see Metering pumps §8) — submit the manufacturer's product literature, materials declaration (304 SS A249 chamber, FDA-grade quartz sleeve, EPDM/PTFE seals), and reactor pressure rating as documentary evidence.

UV dose calculation — Pulsar PUV-200-20 at 4 GPM recirculation flow:

UV dose at fixed lamp output is inversely proportional to flow rate (longer residence time = more photons per millilitre of water):

dose_actual = dose_rated × (flow_rated / flow_actual)

The manufacturer's spec table (Pulsar manual p. 22) provides three rating points for the PUV-200-20 lamp/reactor — all at 95 % UVT, all defined by the same physical hardware — that act as independent cross-checks on the calculation:

Manufacturer rating pointCalculated dose at 4 GPM (fresh lamp, 95 % UVT)
16 mJ/cm² @ 39 GPM (USEPA minimum)16 × (39 / 4) ≈ 156 mJ/cm²
30 mJ/cm² @ 21 GPM30 × (21 / 4) ≈ 158 mJ/cm²
40 mJ/cm² @ 16 GPM (NSF/ANSI 55 Class A reference)40 × (16 / 4) = 160 mJ/cm²

All three rating points converge on a fresh-lamp dose of ≈ 158 mJ/cm² at 4 GPM, giving a clean cross-check on the inverse-flow scaling. This is approximately 3.5× the dose the previously-spec'd PUV-200-10 would have delivered at the same flow (~44 mJ/cm²) — the design intent of the recirculation loop is unchanged, but the headroom to USEPA potability and to NSF/ANSI 55 Class A reference doses is dramatically larger. End-of-life behaviour and additional in-service margins:

  1. End-of-lamp-life derate — UV-C lamps end their service life at ≈ 70 % of new output, which is the convention that defines the 9 000-hour rating. End-of-life dose at 4 GPM: 158 × 0.70 ≈ 111 mJ/cm² — ≈ 7× the USEPA 16 mJ/cm² potability minimum, ≈ 3.7× the 30 mJ/cm² level commonly cited for high-confidence pathogen inactivation, and ≈ 2.8× the NSF/ANSI 55 Class A reference dose of 40 mJ/cm². The manufacturer's lamp-countdown alarm (see Control row above) ensures the lamp is replaced before output drifts further.
  2. UVT margin — the manufacturer's ratings assume 95 % UVT. RO permeate is essentially particle-free with UV transmittance typically > 98 %, providing additional unaccounted margin in service.
  3. Cumulative recirculation — even setting per-pass dose aside, the same parcel of water in T-101 returns through UV every 30–60 minutes in normal operation, so cumulative dose on stored water is effectively unbounded.

Operational implication for VFD-102 control: the design-point dose of 158 mJ/cm² fresh / 111 mJ/cm² EOL is computed at the 4 GPM nominal recirculation flow; the PLC should hold VFD-102 at this setpoint during normal recirculation. The pump's full rated capacity is 4.84 GPM @ 77 ft TDH (per §3.4); operating briefly at the pump's full rated capacity during transfer or ice-supply demand reduces dose proportionally (e.g. ≈ 130 mJ/cm² fresh / ≈ 91 mJ/cm² EOL at 4.84 GPM) — both still well above any regulatory or design threshold. With this much per-pass dose headroom, even an order-of-magnitude flow excursion would still clear the USEPA potability minimum, so the recirculation loop is no longer flow-limited from a UV perspective.

Compliance framing: the system clears the USEPA 16 mJ/cm² potability target with ≈ 7× margin throughout the full lamp service life and exceeds the 40 mJ/cm² NSF/ANSI 55 Class A reference dose by ≥ 2.8× at end of lamp life — both well in excess of any regulatory or commonly-cited microbiological-treatment threshold under the NSF/ANSI 61 + CalCode + SD DEH framework cited in §8. The unit itself is not NSF/ANSI 55 Class A validated equipment regardless of delivered dose — Class A is a unit-level type-test program, not a dose threshold — so the system should not be represented as Class A-certified. If a jurisdiction or insurance carrier later demands explicit Class A certification, that requires substituting a NSF/ANSI 55 Class A-validated UV unit; the recirculation loop architecture and dose math here remain unchanged, only the unit and certification paperwork differ.

Post-fault disinfection: per the Pulsar manual's hard-alarm procedure (lamp failure or low-UV alarm on a monitored unit), any standing water in T-101 that may have passed during the alarm condition must be presumed potentially contaminated. The PLC alarm-handling routine in §5.6 must (a) close SV-TREAT and SV-ICE on UV fault, (b) annunciate the fault on the HMI, and (c) require operator-acknowledged disinfection of T-101 + downstream piping (drain, chlorine flush per the manual's System Disinfection procedure, rinse) before normal operation can resume.

3.6 Automated Ball Valve (Feed Water Inlet)

ItemSpecification
TypeFull-bore automated ball valve; electric actuator with spring-return (fail-closed)
Actuation24 VDC electric; 2-wire; spring-return to CLOSED position on power loss
Body Material316 stainless steel or food-grade brass
Seat / SealPTFE seat; EPDM or PTFE stem seals; food-grade
ControlOn/Off via PLC relay output (P2-08TRS)
ComplianceNSF/ANSI 61 listed for potable water service

3.7 Post-UV Solenoid Valve Manifold

Three solenoid valves are installed in a manifold immediately downstream of the UV unit. The PLC controls these valves to route UV-treated water from T-101 to the appropriate destination.

TagFunctionNormal StateFail StateNotes
SV-RECIRCReturn UV-treated water to T-101Normally OpenOpen (safe — water recirculates to tank)Default path; closes when SV-ICE or SV-TREAT opens to direct full flow to demand path
SV-ICESupply UV-treated permeate to ice machineNormally ClosedClosed (safe)Opens on ice machine demand signal (FS-101); no mineral injection — ice machine receives pure RO permeate
SV-TREATRoute water to mineral injection → T-102Normally ClosedClosed (safe)Opens when T-102 level is below setpoint; water passes through metering pumps before entering T-102

Solenoid Valve Specifications (all three):

ItemSpecification
Type2-way, direct-acting or pilot-operated solenoid valve
Body Material316 stainless steel or food-grade brass
Seat / SealPTFE seat; EPDM or PTFE seals; food-grade
Size¾″ or 1″ NPT to match process piping
Actuation24 VDC coil; DIN connector
Response Time< 500 ms open/close
Pressure Rating≥ 100 psi
ControlOn/Off via PLC relay output (P2-08TRS #2)
ComplianceNSF/ANSI 61 listed for potable water service

3.8 Mineral Injection Metering Pumps (× 3)

ItemSpecification
Quantity3 pumps (Mineral A, Mineral B, Mineral C)
Manufacturer / Model (procured)Grundfos DDC 6-10 AR-PVC/V/C-F-31 — order code 001FG (× 3)
TypeDiaphragm metering pump (dosing)
Max pressure150 psi
Rated output6 L/h (1.5 US gph)
Power22 W
Wetted materialsPVC liquid end; PTFE diaphragm; elastomers per Grundfos datasheet — acceptable food-contact plastics for dilute mineral concentrates
NSF/ANSI 61Catalog-level: yes; nameplate: no. The Grundfos product catalog for Product No 98586903 lists this exact model as approved to CE · CSA-US · NSF/ANSI 61 · EAC · RCM — NSF 61 is a manufacturer-claimed approval at the model level. The procured units (Made in France, EU production run) have nameplates carrying CE, CSA-US, EAC, RCM (reg N20693) plus China RoHS / WEEE pictograms; NSF 61 is not stamped on these specific plates (regional marking practice — Grundfos does not redundantly mark NSF 61 on EU-built units). Permitting: Submit (a) Grundfos catalog page for 98586903 (model-level NSF 61 evidence), (b) nameplate photos of all three units, (c) materials declaration (PVC head / PTFE diaphragm / ceramic balls / FKM gaskets), under San Diego DEH MFF §IV.C"In the absence of applicable ANSI sanitation certification, the equipment design, construction and installation is subject to approval by this Department." See Metering pumps §8 for the full submittal package.
TurndownMust support stable dosing below 5 mL/min (verify against DDC curve at operating pressure)
Pressure Rating150 psi maximum (per model); system operating point must be within pump capability
Power supply100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz; controllable via PLC relay output (on/off dry-contact)
AdjustmentDigital control; onboard display per DDC series
ApplicationInject minerals into water stream between SV-TREAT and T-102 inlet; dosing rate set by active HMI recipe preset
Alternates (reference only)ProMinent Gamma X, Iwaki, LMI/Milton Roy PD series, Walchem — if spare needed

Static Mixer (downstream of injection points, upstream of T-102):

ItemSpecification
Manufacturer / ModelKoflo 105955Q34R
TypeIn-line PVC static mixer
Connection½″ MNPT
FunctionHomogenises the three injected mineral streams into the carrier water before T-102 so that the CT-103 reading downstream of the mixer reflects a representative final-blend TDS rather than a near-injection-point spike.
Pressure DropLow ΔP at design flow

Standard Mineral Concentrates:

PumpMineral ConcentrateRole in Coffee Water Profile
Mineral AMagnesium sulfate (MgSO₄)Extraction enhancer; brightness and clarity
Mineral BCalcium chloride (CaCl₂)Body and mouthfeel; total hardness
Mineral CSodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃)Buffer capacity / alkalinity; balance and sweetness

4. Instrumentation & Sensors

TagDeviceRange / OutputLocationNotes
PT-101Pressure Transmitter0–300 psi; 0.5–4.5 VDCFeed water inletDataq #2000361-300H or equal; 316SS wetted; ⅛″ NPT
PT-102Pressure Transmitter0–300 psi; 0.5–4.5 VDCRO feed (high-pressure side)Pre-membrane; monitors pump output pressure
PT-103Pressure Transmitter0–300 psi; 0.5–4.5 VDCRO permeate outletMonitors membrane performance; low side
PT-104Pressure Transmitter0–300 psi; 0.5–4.5 VDCP-103 discharge / distribution headerFeedback for constant-pressure VFD control
FT-101Flow Meter — FeedPulse output; 5–24 VDCFeed line to ROUsed for recovery calculation; paddle or mag type
FT-102Flow Meter — PermeatePulse output; 5–24 VDCPermeate to T-101Used for recovery calculation
FT-103Flow Meter — DistributionPulse output; 5–24 VDCP-103 discharge to POUsMonitors distribution flow to espresso machine / drinking water
CT-101Conductivity Sensor — Hanna HI76350–3 999 µS/cm; 4–20 mAFeed waterPP body, 1″ NPT inline flow cell; NTC temperature compensation; for feed TDS + salt-rejection calculation
CT-102Conductivity Sensor — Levtech HMCCS0–1 000 µS/cm; 4–20 mAPermeate outlet (before T-101)316L SS, ¾″ MNPT; permeate TDS; used for salt-rejection calculation
CT-103Conductivity Sensor — Levtech HMCCS0–1 000 µS/cm; 4–20 mAT-102 inlet (after mineral injection)316L SS, ¾″ MNPT; verifies final TDS matches active recipe setpoint
TT-101RTD Temperature ProbePt100 or Pt1000; 3/4-wireFeed or permeateTemperature compensation for conductivity & flow
LSH-101Level Switch — HighDry contact (N.O.); 24 VDCT-101 (RO Permeate Tank)High level → stop RO feed pump (P-101)
LSL-101Level Switch — LowDry contact (N.O.); 24 VDCT-101 (RO Permeate Tank)Low level → stop recirculation/transfer pump (P-102); alarm
LT-102Continuous Level Transmitter4–20 mA (0–100 % level)T-102 (Treated Water Tank)Replaces discrete float switches on T-102 (5-gal tall/narrow tank); ultrasonic or capacitive; top-mount; PLC derives high, low, and fill setpoints from continuous signal; provides proportional fill level for smarter control and volume tracking
FS-101Flow / Demand SwitchDry contact (N.O.); 24 VDCIce machine supply branchDetects ice machine water demand; PLC opens SV-ICE when active

All instrumentation in contact with product water shall be rated NSF/ANSI 61. Sensor connections to the PLC are via the Automation Direct P2-16ND3 (digital), P2-08AD-2 (analog 0–10 VDC), and P2-06RTD (RTD) I/O modules. The LT-102 continuous level transmitter (4–20 mA) connects to P2-08AD-2.


5. Control System

5.1 PLC — Automation Direct Productivity2000

ItemSpecification
CPUAutomationDirect P2-550 Productivity2000
Base / RackP2-11B — 11-slot base (CPU + 5 I/O modules populated; 5 slots open for future expansion). The original spec called for a P2-08B (8-slot, CPU + 7 I/O) but no P2-08B was available on the used market when procurement happened, so the 11-slot variant was substituted. The 11-slot base is electrically and functionally identical for the populated modules and adds extra expansion headroom.
AC Power ModuleP2-01AC — backplane-side AC supply (mounts to left of base, no slot used); 100–240 VAC 50/60 Hz input
ProgrammingFree Productivity Suite IDE (ladder, function block, structured text)
CommunicationsDual Ethernet (RJ45); RS-485 Modbus RTU; RS-232; USB; microSD
VFD InterfaceAll three VFDs communicate via RS-485 Modbus RTU from PLC RS-485 port (daisy-chained)
HMI InterfaceEthernet (TCP/IP) to C-more HMI panel
Power12–24 VDC from panel-mounted DIN-rail power supply
EnclosureNEMA 4 rated control panel; UL 508A listed enclosure recommended

5.2 I/O Module Summary

5 I/O modules occupy 5 of the 10 I/O slots on the P2-11B base; 5 slots remain open for future expansion (the highest-priority expansion is a second P2-08AD-2, since the analog-input rail is already full).

ModulePart NumberI/O Points UsedSpare Points
16-pt 24 VDC Discrete InputP2-16ND3-19 (2 level T-101, 3 flow pulse, 3 VFD status, 1 ice demand)7
8-pt Form-C Relay Output #1P2-08TRS8 (ball valve, UV, 3 metering pumps, 3 VFD run/stop)0
8-pt Form-C Relay Output #2P2-08TRS3 (SV-RECIRC, SV-ICE, SV-TREAT)5
8-ch Analog Input (0–10 VDC / 4–20 mA)P2-08AD-28 (4 pressure, 3 conductivity, 1 level LT-102)0 ★ FULL
6-ch RTD Input (Pt100/Pt1000)P2-06RTD1 (feed/permeate temperature)5

Each module is wired to field terminals through a P2-RTB 18-pin removable terminal block (qty 4 stocked).

5.3 Variable Frequency Drives

IMPORTANT: All three drives accept 200–240 VAC single-phase input (standard US 240 V service). No 3-phase utility supply is required. Motors must be 60 Hz rated.

ParameterVFD-101 (RO Feed Pump)VFD-102 (Recirc/Transfer Pump)VFD-103 (Distribution Pump)
AutomationDirect Part No.GS21-21P0GS21-20P5GS21-20P5
Rated HP1 HP (drives ¾ HP motor)½ HP (drives ½ HP motor)½ HP (drives ½ HP motor)
Input Voltage200–240 VAC, 1-phase200–240 VAC, 1-phase200–240 VAC, 1-phase
Input Frequency60 Hz60 Hz60 Hz
Rated Input Current10.8 A (CT) / 11.3 A (VT)7.3 A (CT) / 8.3 A (VT)7.3 A (CT) / 8.3 A (VT)
Output0–230 VAC, 3-phase, variable freq.0–230 VAC, 3-phase, variable freq.0–230 VAC, 3-phase, variable freq.
Control InterfaceRS-485 Modbus RTU from P2-550RS-485 Modbus RTU from P2-550RS-485 Modbus RTU from P2-550
Speed Control0–100 % via PLC setpoint (Modbus)0–100 % via PLC setpoint (Modbus)0–100 % via PLC setpoint (Modbus)
ProtectionsMotor overload, over/under voltage, over-temp, short circuitMotor overload, over/under voltage, over-temp, short circuitMotor overload, over/under voltage, over-temp, short circuit
Config SoftwareGSoft2 (Free — AutomationDirect)GSoft2 (Free — AutomationDirect)GSoft2 (Free — AutomationDirect)

5.4 HMI Display

ItemSpecification
ModelAutomationDirect C-more CM5-T10W (newer CM5 series; replaces the originally-spec'd EA9-T10WCL)
Display10.1″ widescreen colour TFT LCD; 1024 × 600 WSVGA; LED backlight
TouchResistive single-touch; industrial-grade
Enclosure RatingNEMA 4/4X (IP65); suitable for wet / washdown environments
Interface(2) Ethernet to P2-550 PLC; (3) serial (RS-232/485); (4) USB; (1) SD card slot
Power12–24 VDC
ProgrammingFree CM5 Series Software v8.0 (replaces C-more EA9 Designer for the CM5 platform)
Key DisplaysFeed pressure, RO feed pressure, permeate pressure, distribution pressure, feed flow, permeate flow, distribution flow, feed conductivity, permeate conductivity, treated water conductivity (actual vs. recipe target), temperature, RO Recovery %, Salt Rejection %, T-101 level status, T-102 level status, VFD-101/102/103 speed, solenoid valve states, active water recipe name and parameters, system alarms

5.5 HMI Water Recipe Management

The HMI shall provide a dedicated recipe management screen allowing the operator to create, edit, select, and activate water mineral profiles for the espresso machine.

Recipe System Requirements:

ItemSpecification
Recipe StorageMinimum 10 named presets stored in HMI non-volatile memory
Parameters per RecipeMineral A dosing rate (mL/gal), Mineral B dosing rate (mL/gal), Mineral C dosing rate (mL/gal), target TDS (ppm)
Active RecipeOne recipe active at a time; displayed on main HMI screen
Recipe SelectionOperator selects from named preset list on HMI touchscreen
FeedbackCT-103 actual TDS displayed alongside recipe target TDS; deviation alarm if actual exceeds ± tolerance band
Recipe Change BehaviourOn recipe change, PLC applies new dosing rates on the next T-102 fill cycle; HMI displays estimated fill cycles to fully transition T-102 to new recipe

Example Factory-Loaded Presets:

Preset NameMineral A (MgSO₄)Mineral B (CaCl₂)Mineral C (NaHCO₃)Target TDS
SCA Gold Cup2.4 mL/gal3.1 mL/gal1.8 mL/gal~120 ppm
Light Roast — High Extraction3.6 mL/gal1.5 mL/gal2.0 mL/gal~100 ppm
Medium Roast — Balanced2.0 mL/gal2.5 mL/gal2.2 mL/gal~130 ppm
Rao/Perger Water3.0 mL/gal0.0 mL/gal1.5 mL/gal~85 ppm
Custom 1(user-defined)(user-defined)(user-defined)(user-defined)

Note: Dosing rates shown are illustrative and depend on mineral concentrate strength. Actual rates must be calibrated during commissioning using laboratory-verified TDS measurements. The system starts with RO permeate at near-zero TDS, so mineral addition is fully additive with no feed water variability.

5.6 PLC Control Logic Summary

The PLC shall implement the following control functions as a minimum:

Start/Stop & Sequencing:

  • Automatic start/stop sequencing: pre-fill, production, recirculation, transfer, distribution, flush, and standby modes
  • Automated ball valve control: open on system start; close on shutdown or fault

VFD Speed Control:

  • VFD-101 (P-101): ramp-up on start; pressure setpoint PID control for RO feed pump
  • VFD-102 (P-102): runs continuously; maintains recirculation flow setpoint; PLC may adjust speed when redirecting flow to ice machine or treatment path
  • VFD-103 (P-103): constant-pressure PID control on distribution header (feedback from PT-104)

UV Recirculation Loop:

  • UV lamp runs continuously while P-102 is active (effectively continuous during system operation)
  • Default valve state: SV-RECIRC open, SV-ICE closed, SV-TREAT closed — water recirculates through UV and returns to T-101
  • T-101 full volume circulates through UV approximately every 30–60 minutes at P-102 operating flow rate

Solenoid Valve Manifold Control:

  • SV-RECIRC: default open; closes (partially or fully) when SV-ICE or SV-TREAT opens to direct flow to demand path
  • SV-ICE: opens when FS-101 detects ice machine demand; closes when demand ceases; PLC inhibits if T-101 is at low level
  • SV-TREAT: opens when T-102 level falls below fill setpoint and T-101 has adequate level; closes when T-102 reaches high level

Tank Level Management:

  • T-101: start RO production (P-101) when level drops below low-set; stop P-101 on high level; if T-101 reaches critically low level, stop P-102 to protect pump
  • T-102 (continuous level via LT-102): PLC reads 4–20 mA level signal and derives software setpoints — fill-start (e.g. 30 %), fill-stop / high (e.g. 90 %), low-alarm / stop P-103 (e.g. 10 %). Open SV-TREAT and enable metering pumps when level falls below fill-start; close SV-TREAT and stop metering pumps at fill-stop; stop P-103 on low-alarm. Continuous signal also enables HMI display of real-time T-102 fill percentage and estimated volume remaining.
  • Cascade interlock: if T-101 is low AND T-102 is low, prioritise RO production (P-101); inhibit SV-TREAT until T-101 recovers above minimum threshold

Mineral Injection & Recipe Control:

  • Active recipe selected via HMI determines metering pump dosing rates
  • Metering pumps enabled only when SV-TREAT is open (water flowing to T-102)
  • Dosing is ratio-based relative to transfer flow; PLC calculates pump speed/duty based on recipe mL/gal setpoint and measured flow
  • CT-103 provides closed-loop TDS verification; alarm if actual TDS deviates from recipe target by more than configurable tolerance

Monitoring & Logging:

  • Calculated display values: RO Recovery % and Salt Rejection % — updated every scan
  • Alarm monitoring: high/low pressure, low flow, VFD fault, high conductivity, level faults on both tanks, UV lamp fault, TDS recipe deviation
  • Data logging via SD card: key process variables at configurable interval

UV Fault Handling (per Pulsar manual hard-alarm procedure — see §3.5):

  • On UV lamp fault (lamp out, lamp expired, or controller hard-alarm): immediately close SV-TREAT and SV-ICE; SV-RECIRC remains open so the tank does not deadhead the recirculation pump. P-101 (RO production) may continue, but no water leaves T-101 toward the ice machine or T-102 until the fault clears.
  • HMI annunciates the UV fault and locks out auto-resume; operator acknowledgement is required to clear.
  • Following any UV hard-alarm event, T-101 and all downstream piping/tanks shall be assumed potentially contaminated and must be disinfected per the Pulsar manual's System Disinfection procedure (drain, chlorine flush, rinse, return to service) before normal water service resumes. The HMI procedure screen shall present the disinfection checklist as part of the alarm-clearance workflow.
  • The Pulsar controller's own lamp-life countdown (30-day caution → 7-day chirp → 0-day continuous alarm, with up to 3 × 7-day operator deferrals) shall be mirrored to the PLC via dry-contact wiring (or via the optional 406-PUV-MD-RAM remote-alarm module if installed) so the HMI can annunciate impending lamp replacement well before expiry.

6. Electrical Requirements

⚠ All electrical components must be rated and labelled for 60 Hz operation. Many imported motors and drives are 50 Hz–labelled; confirm 60 Hz compatibility on the nameplate for every motor, drive, solenoid, and transformer before purchase.

CircuitDescriptionVoltageCurrentBreakerWire Size
CB-1VFD-101 — RO Feed Pump (GS21-21P0)240 VAC10.8 A20 A 2-pole10 AWG
CB-2VFD-102 — Recirc/Transfer Pump (GS21-20P5)240 VAC7.3 A15 A 2-pole14 AWG
CB-3VFD-103 — Distribution Pump (GS21-20P5)240 VAC7.3 A15 A 2-pole14 AWG
CB-4Control Panel — PLC, HMI, 24 VDC PS, UV, metering pumps, solenoid valves120 VAC≤ 10 A20 A 1-pole12 AWG

Additional electrical requirements:

  • A lockable disconnect switch shall be provided within sight of each motor (NEC 430.102)
  • VFD output wiring to motors shall use Southwire VFDC-16-4B-1 shielded VFD cable (16 AWG, 4-conductor including ground, XLPE insulation, TPE jacket) to minimise EMI interference with PLC analog inputs
  • A line reactor shall be installed on the input side of each VFD: AutomationDirect LR2-21P0-1PH-A (1 HP, 11.6 A) on VFD-101; AutomationDirect LR2-20P5-1PH (½ HP, 6.2 A) on VFD-102 and VFD-103. Both LR2 series are 230 VAC, 1-phase, 3 % impedance, input-side only.
  • All control panel wiring shall be in accordance with NEC Article 430 and UL 508A
  • 24 VDC DIN-rail power supply: Mean Well NDR-120-24 (≥ 5 A) for field power to sensors, solenoid valves, ball valve actuator, and level switches. This is separate from the P2-01AC backplane supply that powers the PLC and I/O modules.
  • Branch-circuit breakers (DIN-rail mount, AutomationDirect Gladiator series): GMCBU-2C-20 (CB-1, 20 A 2-pole), GMCBU-2C-15 (CB-2 / CB-3, 15 A 2-pole, qty 2), GMCBU-1C-20 (CB-4, 20 A 1-pole)
  • All panel components shall be CE marked and UL listed where required

7. Materials of Construction & Sanitary Requirements

This system is intended for the production of drinking water for human consumption. All materials in contact with product water must be non-toxic, non-leaching, and compliant with applicable food-contact and drinking water standards.

ComponentRequired MaterialStandard
Pump bodies, impellers, shafts316L stainless steelNSF/ANSI 61; FDA CFR 21
O-rings and seals (pump / valve / fittings)EPDM or NSF-grade Buna-N (Nitrile)NSF/ANSI 61; FDA CFR 21 §177
Membrane housingFibreglass-wound or 316SSNSF/ANSI 58 or 61
Filter housings316SS or food-grade polypropyleneNSF/ANSI 42 or 61
Storage tanks (T-101 and T-102)NSF-listed HDPE or 304L / 316L SSNSF/ANSI 61
Process tubing / piping316SS, HDPE, or NSF-listed CPVC / polypropyleneNSF/ANSI 61
Fittings and valves316SS or brass (NSF listed); lead-free per Safe Drinking Water ActNSF/ANSI 61; NSF/ANSI 372 (lead-free)
UV chamber304 SS A249 pressure-rated tubing (procured Pulsar PUV-200-20)Material is inherently NSF-61-acceptable; unit is CSA / CE compliant per nameplate but does not carry NSF/ANSI 61 or NSF/ANSI 55 Class A certification — plan-check submittal under SD DEH MFF §IV.C, see §3.5
Metering pump wetted partsPVC dosing head, PTFE diaphragm, ceramic valve balls, FKM gaskets (procured DDC 6-10, type code PVC/V/C)NSF/ANSI 61: model-level (Grundfos catalog for Product 98586903), not stamped on the procured EU-build nameplates (plate marks: CE / CSA-US / EAC / RCM). Plan-check per Metering pumps §8 / MFF §IV.C with catalog page as documentary evidence.
Ball valve body and seat316SS body; PTFE seatNSF/ANSI 61
Solenoid valve bodies and seals316SS or food-grade brass body; PTFE seat; EPDM sealsNSF/ANSI 61

Prohibited Materials:

  • Lead-containing brass or solder in any water-contact fitting
  • Galvanised steel — unacceptable for corrosion and contamination reasons
  • Standard neoprene seals — use EPDM or PTFE only

8. Standards & Compliance

StandardScope
NSF/ANSI 58Reverse osmosis drinking water treatment systems — system and component certification
NSF/ANSI 61Drinking water system components — materials in contact with drinking water
NSF/ANSI 55 Class AUV microbiological water treatment systems — 40 mJ/cm² reference dose. Cited as a dose benchmark only — the procured Pulsar PUV-200-20 is not Class A-validated equipment (Class A is a unit-level type-test program, not a dose threshold; see §3.5). The system delivers ≈ 158 mJ/cm² fresh / ≈ 111 mJ/cm² EOL at the 4 GPM recirc flow — well above the 40 mJ/cm² Class A reference dose throughout lamp life — but Class A certification is not required for drinking-water service under the controlling SD DEH / CalCode framework.
NSF/ANSI 42Drinking water treatment units — aesthetic effects (chlorine/taste/odour reduction)
NSF/ANSI 372Lead-free designation for all fixtures and fittings
FDA CFR 21Food contact materials — applicable for all elastomers and plastics in product water contact
NEC Article 430Motor and motor circuit requirements (USA electrical code)
NEC Article 440Air-conditioning and refrigerating equipment (applicable to hermetic motor compressors if any)
UL 508AIndustrial control panels — listed enclosure required
CE MarkingRequired for all electrical components shipped to USA for resale

8.1 Local Enforcement (San Diego County)

This system will be inspected by the County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Food and Housing Division. Two permitting paths are viable:

  • Stationary (recommended): the skid is treated as equipment in an existing permanent food facility (the host dessert shop). Regulatory anchor: California Retail Food Code (CalCode), Cal. Health & Safety Code §113700 et seq., enforced via SD DEH plan-check for equipment additions. The host facility's existing handwashing, warewashing, water heater, and wastewater infrastructure is leveraged; no separate sinks/tanks are added for the skid itself.
  • Mobile (deferred unless the business case requires it): the skid would be plan-checked and permitted as a Mobile Food Facility under the SD DEH Construction and Operational Guide for Mobile Food Facilities and Mobile Support Units (DEH-FH-991, Rev 04/30/2021), which adds requirements for dedicated handwash + warewash sinks, water heater, wastewater tank at 150% of potable, commissary agreement, and an annual MFF permit.

Both paths converge on identical NSF/ANSI 61 requirements for water-contact equipment. The MFF guide is the more prescriptive of the two for water tanks specifically (§IV.H), so its provisions are cited below as the design-side controlling reference. Components and documentation that satisfy MFF §IV.H also satisfy CalCode for stationary equipment.

The relevant provisions for this system are:

CitationRequirementImplication for this build
§III.E.10"All equipment shall be listed as certified or classified for sanitation by an ANSI accredited certification program, such as, NSF."Every wetted component on the skid (tanks, pumps, filters, valves, fittings, tubing, UV chamber, instrumentation in product water) must carry NSF or other ANSI-accredited certification (NSF, ITS/ETL, UL EPH, CSA). Documentation must be available at plan check.
§IV.CEquipment and plumbing must carry ANSI-accredited sanitation certification. "In the absence of applicable ANSI sanitation certification, the equipment design, construction and installation is subject to approval by this Department."Provides an explicit plan-check approval path for components without formal certification (e.g. converted Sanke kegs for T-101 / T-102) — material declaration and design submittal are accepted in lieu of vendor-supplied certification.
§IV.H.1"Water tanks and plumbing shall be constructed of food grade material as approved by an ANSI accredited testing organization for drinking water."T-101 and T-102 must use NSF/ANSI 61-listed material (or equivalent). NSF/ANSI 51 alone (food equipment surfaces, the typical default certification on stainless beer kegs) does not satisfy this — vendor confirmation of NSF 61 material compliance is required, OR plan-check approval per §IV.C must be obtained before installation.
§IV.H.2"Interiors shall be smooth and free of recesses and crevices and capable of draining completely."Drives the electropolished interior preference and the dished/sloped bottom requirement on both T-101 and T-102. Tank outlet must be at the lowest point of the vessel.
§IV.H.3"Tanks must be adequately vented for flow. Water tank vents shall terminate in a downward direction and are to be covered with 16 mesh per square inch screen or equivalent..."Both tank vents (T-101 and T-102) must use downward-facing sanitary vent caps with screened or filtered openings.

All vendor documentation supporting these requirements (NSF certifications, material declarations, vessel approvals) shall be assembled into the plan-check submittal package alongside this specification.