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Frequently Asked Questions: BW30-4040 vs. BW30 PRO-4040
What happened to the FilmTec BW30-4040?
DuPont discontinued the original FilmTec BW30-4040 and replaced it with the FilmTec BW30 PRO-4040, its official direct successor. It drops into the same 4040 housings with no system modifications.
What is the difference between the BW30-4040 and the BW30 PRO-4040?
- Current vs. discontinued: the BW30 PRO-4040 is the element DuPont manufactures today; the BW30-4040 is no longer produced. Remaining “BW30-4040” stock on the market is new-old-stock that may have been warehoused for years.
- Performance: Higher stabilized salt rejection: 99.7% for the PRO vs. 99.5% for the original BW30-4040. The PRO is rated 2,600 GPD at its data-sheet test conditions (2,000 ppm NaCl, 225 psig, pH 8) — note the original BW30-4040 was rated 2,400 GPD at a lower 150 psig test pressure, so the flow figures are measured under different conditions.
- Newer manufacturing platform: the PRO series is built on DuPont's current precision, automated fabrication line, delivering tighter element-to-element consistency than the legacy process.
- Dry-shipped element: the BW30 PRO-4040 ships as a dry element — long shelf life and quick performance stabilization at start-up.
What is the same on both elements?
- Form factor: standard 4040 size (40″ length, 0.75″ permeate tube), tape-wrapped construction — fully interchangeable in standard 4040 pressure vessels with no system modifications.
- Rated performance basis: Both share the 78 ft²-class active area, 34-mil feed spacer heritage, and 2,000 ppm NaCl test feed.
- Membrane chemistry: polyamide thin-film composite (TFC).
- Operating limits: 600 psig maximum operating pressure, 113 °F (45 °C) maximum temperature, feed SDI ≤ 5, free chlorine < 0.1 ppm.
Can I replace my BW30-4040 with a BW30 PRO-4040 without changing my system?
Yes. The BW30 PRO-4040 is a drop-in replacement for the BW30-4040 — same dimensions, connections, and vessel fit. No re-plumbing, housing change, or pump adjustment is required for a standard installation.
Which applications is the BW30 PRO-4040 designed for?
Brackish and well water in commercial RO systems where high rejection on challenging feed matters: well water treatment, groundwater with elevated TDS, light industrial process water. For tap water, the TW30 series; for seawater, SW30.
