Reverse Osmosis is also known as RO. It can reduce up to 99 percent of contaminants in water. This includes both larger particles and those which can’t easily be seen. This multi-stage process involves pushing water through a semipermeable membrane. This results in safer, cleaner water that can be used for cooking, drinking, and other routine use.
What Is Reverse Osmosis?
RO reverses osmosis, which is a natural process in all cell-based organisms (plants, animals, and people), as its name suggests.
Reverse osmosis is best understood by understanding what osmosis actually means. A semipermeable membrane allows a dilute solution to pass through and flow into a concentrated solution. This equals the concentrations on each side. Osmosis is when your fingers get irritated after swimming in the ocean. This is because the water from our bodies flows through our skin to the water surrounding us.
Here’s how to reverse Osmosis works.
- Reverse osmosis is not passive, unlike osmosis. It requires external pressure to work.
- A highly concentrated solute solution such as salt water is subjected to pressure in order for it to pass through a membrane where it can be reduced.
- Although water can flow through the membrane, it also blocks larger molecules like contaminants.
- Reverse osmosis leaves higher concentrations on one side, and only the solvent (or filtered water) on the other.
What Is A Reverse Osmosis System?
Reverse osmosis can be used to filter water to reduce unwanted minerals, substances, and molecules. Although RO systems are different depending on brand and design, the functions they perform include pre-filtration and reverse osmosis as well as specialty filtration, drainage, storage, and drainage.
These are the steps involved in water filtration, which is usually done in a reverse-osmosis water system.
Pre-Filtration
The system connects with drinking water lines and uses a high-pressure pump to move feed water through it. Before the water flows into a reverse osmosis chamber, it passes through several initial filters. These include carbon and sediment filters. These filters are used to remove rust, sand, and other large particles. They also eliminate unpleasant tastes and odors such as chlorine.
Step 2: Reverse Osmosis
The semipermeable RO membrane is used to push the feed water through it.
The tightly woven membrane acts as a barrier against contaminants. It looks almost impermeable to the naked eyes. The membrane is pressured and water passes through it. Depending on the weave, only a small percentage of contaminants can pass through. This high-capacity membrane, Pure Blue H2O RO system can reduce up to 95% substances.
Step 3: Specialty Filtration
Some systems add additional filtration to deal with contaminants that are not covered by the previous stages. Special filters such as Pure Blue H2O’s Total Defense cartridge can be used to deal with contaminants like lead, mercury, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Step 4: Drainage and Storage
The reverse osmosis system drains any remaining water. It is important to choose a system that has a high-efficiency rating as different ROs produce different amounts of wastewater. Unless you have a tankless RO, the treated water is stored in the RO tank until it is used. Some systems add a final polishing filter that makes your water taste as fresh as possible after the tap is turned on.
RO systems usually employ a multistage filtering process, which includes reverse osmosis filtration, and other filters. Reverse osmosis is a complex technique that requires specialized RO membranes as well as pressure.
The difference between RO systems and other types of tapwater filters like pitchers or faucet-mounted devices is quite noticeable. While most of these systems are activated carbon-based, some include other media. Carbon filtration may be effective in reducing the chlorine taste and odor in your water, but it won’t do much to reduce the amount of arsenic and other harmful substances in your water. RO systems are a more effective way to treat water for many potential contaminants.
What Are Common Substances That Reverse Osmosis Reduces?
High-performance RO systems can reduce common contaminants found in water. Some of these contaminants include:
- Particles
- Lead
- Mercury
- Chromium
- TDS (Total Dissolved Soils)
What Is Not Removed By Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse osmosis may not be able alone to address the drinking water issues related to PFOS or PFOA. RO may not be sufficient to reduce the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or chloramine.
RO systems often include reverse osmosis and filtration to give you a more complete solution. (See the Total Defence Cartridge above). You’ll find out more about the options available for an RO system in this article.
Is Reverse Osmosis Water Safe To Drink?
Reverse osmosis water offers safer, cleaner water for your family. The Water Quality Association notes that water delivery service. This depends on the availability of RO water in your area.
However, installing an RO system at the point you use it will ensure that you have access to reverse osmosis water anytime you need it. It’s easy to set up once it’s running. The faucet will turn on and water will flow from your kitchen sink straight into your cup.
Is RO Water The Same As Distilled Water?
Do not confuse RO water with distilled. They are different things.
Distilled Water is treated with a combination of condensation and evaporation to remove dissolved substances.
While both RO and distilled water are commercially available, reverse osmosis water is more common in home treatment systems for water. Some households may choose to use a home distillation system, but these systems are less efficient and require more energy. RO water systems on the other hand make it possible to get clean water whenever you need it. Remineralization can be added to reverse osmosis systems for a customized taste.
This post was written by a water treatment expert at Pure Blue H2O. At Pure Blue H2O we are the providers of the best reverse osmosis system! We know that the best product comes from the best materials. They offer whole home water solutions such as reverse osmosis systems, shower head filtration, filter replacements, and a variety of similar products. Their focus is to provide Americans with safe and clean water throughout the home.