What is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse Osmosis (often shortened to RO) is a method of filtration that only allows specific materials to pass through a membrane. It’s a fantastic means of improving the quality of your water and can be utilised in both domestic and commercial settings.
It is classified as a point of use water filtration system, which means it usually serves one output, such as a drinking water tap. It is a filtration option that can encompass a wide range of needs and budgets.
However, RO is just one of our many filtration solutions, so let's dig deeper into the specifics of RO filtration, its benefits and why it might be the perfect filtration solution for you.
How Does A Reverse Osmosis Systems Work?
Reverse Osmosis utilises water pressure to force water across a membrane, which is semipermeable and will only allow certain molecules to pass through. Pressure is essential for Reverse Osmosis, requiring a minimum of 40psi and optimal pressure of 80-100psi. These higher pressures can be achieved by using a booster pump.
Only water can make it through this membrane, so any contaminants like salts or bacteria will be left behind.
This process is so effective that it has been found to be capable of removing up to 99+% of waterborne contaminants.
For example; some types that we offer include:
And there are more common drinking water RO systems, like our under-sink systems. If you need application-specific Reverse Osmosis for a full home or building, let us know and we’ll point you in the right direction.
How Does Reverse Osmosis Membranes Work?
RO membranes can differ based on the number of gallons of water used per day, essentially it will catch as much solid material that is pumped into it as possible.
As membranes contain a semipermeable layer, only water will be able to pass through, and even the tiniest particles like already dissolved salts and other contaminants will be caught in the membrane.
How Does A 5 Stage Reverse Osmosis System Work?
The RO process involves several stages, each designed to target and remove different types of impurities. Here's how each stage typically works:
- Sediment Filter: The first stage is a sediment filter, which removes large particles such as dirt chunks. Rather than cleaning the water, this mainly prevents the membrane from clogging.
- Carbon Filter: A carbon filter will then remove chlorine and other chemicals that can harm the membrane. It also helps reduce odours and make the water taste better.
- 2nd Carbon Filter or Carbon Block: Some systems include a second carbon filter which further ensures the removal of chlorine and organic compounds.
- Reverse Osmosis Membrane: The semipermeable membrane is designed to remove dissolved salts, lead, mercury, calcium, iron, and many more tiny contaminants.
- Post Filter or Polishing Filter: A post-filter, often a carbon filter, removes any remaining taste and odour after the RO process.
Benefits of Filtering Water with Reverse Osmosis
Reverse Osmosis has many benefits that are essential for certain uses like fishkeeping, but can also be suitable for cooking if you find that your tap water alters the taste of recipes. RO is also widely used in coffee filtration. General benefits of RO include:
- Proven to efficiently remove a large number of contaminants
- High filtration potency for water with high mineral density
If you want to use Reverse Osmosis for drinking water, note that it is advised to add a remineralisation filter to ensure healthy minerals are added back in. Long-term consumption of pure RO water is not recommended due to the lack of these minerals.
Reverse Osmosis With Finerfilters
We supply full reverse osmosis systems and all of the required maintenance equipment.
As well as our excellent products, we have a customer service team that has exceptional knowledge of RO. If needed, we can help you install your RO system and advise on what system would be best for you based on your requirements. Get in touch with us today.
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