Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment
Reverse Osmosis uses water pressure to push tap water through a semi-permeable membrane to remove a variety of contaminants. It removes hardness, alkalinity and dissolved solids leaving your water clean and healthy.
The first step in a reverse osmosis system is a pre-filter that protects the membrane by removing sand silt and other sediment that can clog the membrane. A carbon filter may also be used to remove chlorine since it can damage thin film-material membranes.
Membrane
A reverse osmosis system isn’t complete without its membrane element. These elements are different depending on the intake water and ending clarity you’re going for (there are membranes for brackish, seawater, hospital-grade disinfection, etc), but they all have one thing in common: the ability to filter dissolved solids down to microscopic size.
When water enters a reverse osmosis system it first passes through prefiltration. This typically consists of a carbon and sediment cartridge that removes larger particles from the water before it can clog or damage the membrane. These prefilters are usually made of melt blow polypropylene with a particle size of five microns or less.
Once the prefilters are done their job, the water goes on to the reverse osmosis membrane. This is the main component of any RO water filtration system, and is what makes this type of filtration so effective at removing unwanted contaminants from the water.
To understand how this works, think of a concentrated solute solution on one side and a freshwater solution on the other side of a semipermeable membrane. When pressure is applied to the concentrated side of the membrane, molecules from the water are forced through to the freshwater side because of osmotic pressure. This leaves the high concentration of solute on the other side of the membrane and pure solvent on the other, which is what we want for our drinking water.
Pre-Filter
Reverse Osmosis is one of the most refined methods of water filtration available. It can help homeowners with even the most pure water achieve a higher level of purity, especially if there are concerns about contamination in their home’s drinking water.
Reverse osmosis is a process that works by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane using high pressure. The membrane has small pores that let water molecules pass but blocks contaminants, like sodium, chlorine, calcium, phosphate and more. These contaminants are then collected and flushed away, leaving behind clean drinking water.
Before the reverse osmosis membrane begins its work, the water is forced through a pre-filter, usually a sediment filter. This filter strains out larger particles that would clog Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment the RO membrane and may also contain a carbon filter to remove chlorine from the water.
While many homeowners will benefit from a reverse osmosis system, the technology is particularly useful for communities that have more limited access to clean, safe drinking water. In these areas, water that is bottled and distributed for consumption is often subject to much less stringent quality standards than the water used in homes with a reverse osmosis system.
Additionally, many saltwater aquarium enthusiasts use a reverse osmosis and deionization (RO/DI) system to make sure their fish are immersed in pure, conditioned water that is modified to match their fish’s natural environment. These systems are able to strip the minerals out of the water, making it necessary to add back in only the exact amount needed.
Post-Filter
The final stage in a reverse osmosis system involves a post-filter and a membrane. This is where the dissolved minerals in your water are removed. This process is referred to as “de-mineralization.” The molecules move through the semipermeable membrane from high concentration areas to lower ones. This is similar to how desalination works in salty seawater: The pressure of the membrane pushes the molecules through and out into a lower-concentration area, while it prevents the undesirable components from passing through.
This stage also rejects a high percentage of dissolved solids and other contaminants. The rejected chemicals flow down the drain as wastewater, which you can flush away. The remaining water is filtered by a second membrane, which removes even more contaminants from your drinking water, including lead and chlorine. It’s important that the water you drink is free of these pollutants.
You’ll know that the time has come to change the filter when you see a warning light on your faucet. The LED display on this particular model lets you check your total dissolved solids (TDS) levels and when it’s time to replace the pre-filter, sediment and carbon filters.
When shopping for a reverse osmosis system, look for one with at least three stages of filtration and a storage tank to hold your purified water. It’s also best to select a system that has been certified by the National Sanitation Foundation’s Global Water Program. According to Rick Andrew, director of NSF’s Global Water Program, these systems are tested and validated to ensure that they perform as advertised.
Storage
Reverse Osmosis systems have storage tanks that hold the filtered water. These tanks have both an air and water chamber divided by a bladder. As the reverse osmosis system produces water, it fills the tank and compresses the air in the tank, which raises the pressure of the water. This is the same principle used in pneumatic water pumps, and it is how the RO system delivers water to your faucet when you turn on your tap.
Depending on your water source, your reverse osmosis system may need Filling Machine Supplier to add more filters to improve the quality of the water it produces. For example, if your home uses well water, it may contain dissolved contaminants that will require more filtration stages than city water. Alternatively, if your home has a corrosive water supply, you might need to add a sediment filter.
Another thing to consider is how much water you and your family are going to use. Nutritionists recommend that you drink half your weight in ounces of water each day. If you have a large family, you might want to upgrade to a larger capacity tank.
Another thing to consider is the cost of replacing your membrane. Some RO membranes can last for up to a year, but they will eventually need to be replaced. You can keep the old membranes and store them in a chemical solution to extend their life, or you can purchase a new set of membranes.