Labconco WaterPro RO Station, Labconco 1306000 Accessories Review

Taking the Labconco WaterPro RO Station, Labconco 1306000 Accessories for a Spin

In the world of tactical gear and outdoor preparedness, clean, reliable water is paramount. The Labconco WaterPro RO Station, Labconco 1306000 Accessories promises just that – a readily available source of purified water for various applications. Its compact design and features, such as timed dispense and water quality monitoring, made it an intriguing option for my needs, especially considering the unreliable water sources often encountered during extended backcountry trips.

My journey to acquiring the Labconco WaterPro RO Station stemmed from a frustrating experience during a week-long survival training exercise. We relied on local streams for water, which required constant boiling and filtration. This consumed valuable time and fuel, and the taste was…less than ideal. I needed a more efficient and reliable solution for producing high-quality water on demand.

The unboxing experience was straightforward. The unit felt robust, with its epoxy-coated steel cabinet and stainless steel front panel exuding durability. While compact, it had a substantial feel, suggesting a well-built piece of equipment.

Before settling on the Labconco WaterPro RO Station, I considered the Milli-Q Direct 8 and the Sartorius arium® mini. The Milli-Q is a powerhouse for ultrapure water, but overkill (and over budget) for my needs. The arium® mini is more portable, but I was drawn to the Labconco’s integrated storage tank and timed dispensing features. It seemed like a better fit for my specific use case.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The unit appeared well-engineered, but I was eager to see how it performed in real-world settings. Could it deliver on its promise of convenient, high-quality water, or would it be another piece of gear that underperforms when it truly matters?

Real-World Testing: Putting Labconco WaterPro RO Station, Labconco 1306000 Accessories to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test of the Labconco WaterPro RO Station took place at our remote base camp during a week-long disaster response simulation. We set it up powered by a portable generator, using water from a non-potable source as the feed. The unit was easy to connect and prime, and the initial RO water was noticeably cleaner and odorless compared to the source water.

Performance was impressive, even with the generator’s fluctuating power output. While the flow rate was reduced slightly during power fluctuations, the WaterPro RO Station consistently produced water within the specified purity range. The timed dispense function proved especially useful for filling multiple containers without constant monitoring.

Initially, I was concerned about the unit’s power consumption. However, I found that it used relatively little power, especially when the storage tank was full. The only initial surprise was the amount of waste water produced during the RO process; it’s crucial to have a plan for disposing of the concentrate.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Labconco WaterPro RO Station has proven to be a reliable workhorse. We’ve used it to supply purified water for cooking, cleaning, and medical applications at our base camp. The unit has endured multiple transport cycles in the back of a pickup truck and continues to perform flawlessly.

Durability has been outstanding. The epoxy-coated steel cabinet shows no signs of rust or corrosion, and the stainless steel front panel wipes clean easily. The polypropylene bowls remain sealed tight, even under fluctuating temperature and humidity conditions.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular flushing of the RO membrane is essential, but the automatic flush valve simplifies this process. The pre-filter/carbon filter kit requires periodic replacement, depending on the quality of the source water, but filter changes are quick and simple. Compared to boiling and filtering, the WaterPro RO Station has significantly reduced our water purification workload. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of convenience and reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Labconco WaterPro RO Station, Labconco 1306000 Accessories

Specifications

• The Labconco WaterPro RO Station boasts a high-quality reverse osmosis purification system. This delivers Type III water, ideal for various lab and field applications.

• It features a flow rate of 8.7 liters/minute when gravity fed from its integral 17-liter polypropylene storage tank. This provides rapid access to purified water. When the tank is empty, it provides 1 liter per minute on demand.

• The bowls are constructed from white polypropylene with tightly sealing threaded heads. These ensure leak-proof operation and easy maintenance.

• The housing is made of epoxy-coated steel with a Type 304 stainless steel front panel. This provides excellent corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning.

• Dimensions are 79W x 19.7D x 77H cm (31¹/8 x 7³/4 x 30³/8“). This makes it relatively compact for its capabilities.

• Electrical: WaterPro PS/RO Connection Cord, 115V or 230V models available. Both are ETL and ETL-C listed (115V) and CE marked (230V).

These specifications translate to a unit that is durable, easy to maintain, and capable of producing a substantial quantity of purified water. The timed dispense and water quality monitoring functions further enhance its practicality in demanding environments.

Performance & Functionality

The Labconco WaterPro RO Station performs its primary function – purifying water – exceptionally well. The RO system effectively removes a wide range of contaminants, producing water that meets Type III purity standards.

Its strengths lie in its ease of use, reliability, and integrated storage tank. The timed dispense function is a valuable time-saver, and the LED display provides real-time feedback on water quality and temperature.

A potential weakness is the waste water produced during the RO process, which must be managed responsibly. Also, it requires a pre-filter/carbon filter kit and RO membrane to be purchased separately, which adds to the initial cost.

Overall, the WaterPro RO Station meets and exceeds expectations for a water purification system in this category.

Design & Ergonomics

The Labconco WaterPro RO Station features a functional and durable design. The epoxy-coated steel cabinet and stainless steel front panel provide excellent protection against corrosion and physical damage.

Its compact footprint allows for flexible mounting options – wall mounting or placement on an optional support stand. The controls are intuitive and easy to use, even with gloved hands.

The unit is relatively heavy, but its robust construction justifies the weight. There is a slight learning curve associated with understanding the RO process and optimizing filter replacement schedules.

Durability & Maintenance

The Labconco WaterPro RO Station is built to last. Its high-quality components and robust construction ensure long-term reliability.

Maintenance is relatively simple, primarily involving regular flushing of the RO membrane and periodic replacement of the pre-filter/carbon filter kit. The automatic flush valve simplifies the flushing process.

With proper care and maintenance, the WaterPro RO Station should provide years of trouble-free operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Labconco WaterPro RO Station comes with the basics needed to get started, but requires the pre-filter/carbon filter kit and RO membrane to be purchased separately. It also needs an electrical cord for operation.

Optional accessories include a dispensing gun for precise water delivery, a support stand for freestanding operation, a mobile stand for portability, and a larger 70L RO water storage tank for increased capacity.

The unit is compatible with standard plumbing fittings, allowing for easy connection to external water sources and waste water disposal systems. It’s possible to customize the filtration setup by adding additional pre-filters or post-filters to further refine the water quality.

Pros and Cons of Labconco WaterPro RO Station, Labconco 1306000 Accessories

Who Should Buy Labconco WaterPro RO Station, Labconco 1306000 Accessories?

Perfect for: Laboratories needing Type III water, remote medical facilities, disaster response teams, and individuals requiring a reliable source of purified water in off-grid settings. It’s also suitable for small-scale hydroponics or aquaponics setups.

Who should skip this product? Individuals with limited space or budget, or those who only need small quantities of purified water occasionally. A simple pitcher filter or bottled water may be more appropriate for those needs.

Must-have accessories or modifications? The dispensing gun is a worthwhile addition for precise water delivery. A larger storage tank is recommended for high-volume applications. Having a good understanding of the source water quality is also important to determine optimal filter replacement schedules.

Conclusion on Labconco WaterPro RO Station, Labconco 1306000 Accessories

The Labconco WaterPro RO Station, Labconco 1306000 Accessories offers a compelling solution for anyone seeking a reliable and convenient source of purified water. Its robust construction, user-friendly features, and consistent performance make it a valuable asset for a variety of applications.

The price is justified by the unit’s durability, reliability, and ability to produce high-quality water on demand. While the initial investment is higher than some alternative water purification methods, the long-term cost savings and convenience make it a worthwhile investment.

I would personally recommend the Labconco WaterPro RO Station to anyone who needs a dependable source of purified water in challenging environments. If you value clean, reliable water and are looking for a system that can withstand the rigors of field use, the WaterPro RO Station is an excellent choice. Invest in your water security today.