1. What Is A Reverse Osmosis?
The U.S. Navy developed reverse osmosis (or RO) to purify seawater from submarine crews. This membrane filtration technology works by pushing water through very small pores in a semi-permeable barrier. Modern RO units are a combination of membrane technology and carbon filtration for great tasting water.
2. What Is The Process?
Simply put, modern home units are powered by the normal city water pressure. Water flows through a sediment filter which removes dirt and particles. The carbon pre-filter removes organic contaminants such as chlorine and its byproducts. The water then passes through the reverse osmosis membrane, which is a tight, sheet-like filter that allows water to flow but rejects dissolved solids as well as impurities like arsenic, lead and sodium. The membrane surface is cleaned with some of the water that enters the unit. This water then flows to the kitchen drainpipes. The purified water is kept in a small tank until it is used. The faucet on the sink opens and purified water passes through another carbon filter. This polishes the water and makes it ready for use. There is much more to RO than this simple description. Check valves, flow control devices and automatic shutoff devices which stop water from flowing into the storage tank when it is full all play an important role, but we will save you the time.
3. Which RO System Is Best?
RO membranes all produce high-purified water. Not all RO membranes offer the same features. For city water applications, the FMRO5MT model is ideal. The unit is composed of five stages. First, the water goes through a 5-micron sediment-polypropylene prefilter. Next, two solid extruded carbon blocks cartridges are used to remove chlorine. Finally, the RO membrane is used to remove small contaminants. Finally, another carbon filter polishes the taste. With its high efficiency design, the FMRO4G–ERP is designed to conserve water. This model produces more water per day in a shorter time frame than traditional ROs of 50 gpd. The non-electric permeate pumps utilize the drain flow to lower the backpressure in the storage tank, allowing for a consistent membrane pressure. The WQC4RO13 model was designed for consumers who want a premium RO that is low-maintenance. This model features a low-profile polypropylene storage container, a designer water dispenser faucet, and multiple filter heads that can pivot 180 degrees. There are built-in shut-off valves so it is easy to replace filters.
4. What Is An RO Unit?
Both RO units and distillers can reduce water’s “dissolved solids”, but the processes are very different. RO filters water through a semi-permeable membrane. A distiller, on the other hand, boils water and condenses the steam to extract the water. The boiling chamber removes most impurities. Both depend heavily on carbon filtering for chemical removal. It is worth noting that cheaper distillers are often less efficient and have lower carbon filtration.
5. Is Distilled Water More Pure Than RO Water?
Most distillers remove only a few more common minerals like sodium. But distillers are not efficient when it comes to volatile chemicals that have a low boiling temperature. E.g. Distillers don’t remove chloramines as well as chlorine, which are used in many cities as disinfectants. However, reverse osmosis, when used with carbon filters, is very effective in removing any evidence of chloramines. If volatile chemicals such as chlorine are not removed by carbon filtering before entering the distiller they will either be released into the atmosphere or end up in the distilled waters. Both methods still produce water that is very pure.
6. How Much Does Annual Maintenance Cost?
Pre-filters and post-filters do not need to be changed on an annual basis in order to maintain proper performance. The frequency of filter replacements will depend on the quality of water and how much it is used. The annual cost of the RO model used depends on which one you choose. It is usually less than $0.30 per day. The RO membrane will typically last between two to five years.
7. Can I Attach a RO Unit To My Refrigerator/icemaker?
Yes, but only if the appliance can be reached with a 1/4 inch tube from the RO unit. Some refrigerators have pressure issues, so make sure to consult the manufacturer. The RO unit will give you pressure that is approximately 2/3 of the incoming pressure.
8. How Long Can An RO Unit Last?
It will last almost forever if it is maintained regularly and parts like the storage tank are replaced as they wear. The typical membrane life depends on the type of water it is processing.
9. Why Is RO So Popular?
They produce high-quality, pure water that tastes great and is affordable compared to buying bottled water. Water drinkers who are committed to drinking water know that not all water tastes like.
10. Is The RO Affected By a Water Softener?
A water softener is a good option to extend the life of an RO membrane. The RO membrane has to remove calcium and magnesium (limescale), which are the most difficult minerals to remove. The RO membrane can also be added sodium by the softener, which rejects 98%.
This post was written by a water treatment expert at Paragon Water Systems. At Paragon Water Systems we are the Manufacturers of the best wholesale reverse osmosis systems! We know that the best product comes from the best materials. We manufacture home water solutions such as reverse osmosis systems, under sink water filtration systems, showerhead filtration systems, carbon cartridges, and a wide variety of other products. Our focus is to provide Americans with safe and clean water throughout the home.