Reverse osmosis

Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems are becoming an increasingly important and needed device in our homes. RO systems use their water pressure and a semi-permeable membrane to reduce contaminants for good-tasting water without adding chemicals. They are typically used to clean drinking water where pollutant content is most important. However, some areas have such terrible water that an RO system is used throughout the house.

What is reverse osmosis?

Reverse osmosis removes contaminants from unfiltered water or feedwater when pressed by pressure through a semi-permeable membrane. The water flows from the concentrated side (more impurities) of the RO membrane to the less concentrated side (less impurities) to provide clean drinking water. The fresh water produced is called permeate. The concentrated water that remains is called waste or saline. A semipermeable membrane has small pores that block contaminants but allow the flow of water molecules. In osmosis, the water concentrates more as it passes through the membrane to balance on both sides. However, reverse osmosis prevents contaminants from reaching the less concentrated side of the membrane. For example, if reverse osmosis is applied to a volume of salt water, the salt will remain and only clean water will flow through.

How do reverse osmosis systems work??

An RO system uses a pre-filter to remove sediment and chlorine from the water before forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved solids. After the water has left the RO membrane, it passes through a post-filter to polish the drinking water before entering a special faucet. RO systems have different levels depending on the number of pre and post filters.

Levels of RO systems

The RO membrane is the focus of a reverse osmosis system, but an RO system also includes other types of filtration. RO systems consist of three, four or five filtration stages. Each reverse osmosis water system contains a sediment filter and a carbon filter in addition to the RO membrane. The filters are referred to as either pre-filters or post-filters, depending on whether water flows through the membrane before or after passage. Each system type contains one or more of the following filters:

• Sediment filter: Reduces particles such as dirt, dust and rust
• Carbon Filter: Reduces volatile organic compounds, chlorine and other impurities that give the water a bad taste or smell
• Semipermeable membrane: Removes up to 98% of dissolved solids
• When water enters a RO system for the first time, it is prefiltered. The prefiltration typically includes a carbon filter and a sediment filter to remove sediment and chlorine that could clog or damage the RO membrane.
• Next, water passes through the reverse osmosis membrane, where dissolved particles that are too small for an electron microscope are removed.
• After filtration, the water flows into the storage tank, where it is stored until use. An RO system continues to filter the water until the storage tank is full and then shuts off.
• As soon as you turn on your tap, water comes out of the storage tank through another after-filter to polish the drinking water before it reaches your faucet.

Why do you need an RO watertank??

An RO storage tank holds reverse osmosis water so you have enough water when needed. A reverse osmosis system makes water slow. It takes a minute to produce two to three ounces of RO water. If you turned on your faucet for a glass of water at the actual membrane production rate, you would have to wait at least five minutes to fill it. With a storage tank your glass fills up immediately.

What does a reverse osmosis system remove??

A reverse osmosis system removes dissolved solids such as arsenic and fluoride through the RO membrane. An RO system also includes sediment and carbon filtration for a broad reduction spectrum. The carbon filters in an RO system remove chlorine, bad taste and odors, and the sediment filter removes dirt and debris. A reverse osmosis system discharges water with rejected contaminants into the drain as wastewater, unlike other filters that trap contaminants. When water flows through the system, it is split into two streams. One stream conveys the filtered water to a special faucet and the other carries the removed salts, dissolved pollutants and minerals to the drain. The brine or "sewage" conveys rejected contaminants from a reverse osmosis system to the drain. However, the salt water is used for a specific purpose, so it is not wasted. The wastewater in an RO system helps clean the water just like a dishwasher uses water to clean dishes or a washer uses water to clean garments. However, it is our job to conserve the environment, to minimize the amount of water entering the drain, and to increase the efficiency of the RO system.

How to reduce wastewater in a RO system

• Add a permeate pump. The incorporation of a permeate pump into a reverse osmosis system is the best way to increase their efficiency. Permeate pumps reduce the wastewater of an RO system by 75 to 80%. Not every reverse osmosis system is designed to use a reverse osmosis system. Make sure that the system you have selected is for an additional pump.
• Choose an RO system with automatic shut-off valve. An ASO valve stops the flow of water to drain as soon as the storage tank is full.
• Use RO reject water for landscaping or artificial lakes. Wastewater contains a higher amount of dissolved solids, but it can be used safely in your lawn or garden.

Is reverse osmosis good for the environment?

If the water you use drains from your home, chemicals and other contaminants must be removed before it is recycled. The wastewater is either piped to a water treatment plant and, for ease of treatment, is diluted or passed into riverbeds for nature to filter through the water cycle. A reverse osmosis system makes waste treatment more efficient. Your home-derived reverse osmosis water is already free of chemicals as they were removed in the carbon filtration stage. The remaining salt water has only a slightly higher concentration of dissolved inorganic substances. RO systems speed up the recycling process because no new chemicals get into the water supply after the RO water has been drained from your home.

Reverse osmosis water is good for you?

A reverse osmosis water system removes dissolved contaminants that you can not see but that could make you sick. Reverse Osmosis works on your kidneys by filtering water before it enters your body. It also removes useful minerals like calcium and magnesium from the water, but that does not make reverse osmosis water bad for you. Our body consists of 70-80% water that moisturizes, lubricates the joints and supports organ function. You do not need minerals to do these things. You would need to drink an excessive amount of water so that your body absorbs enough minerals to make a significant difference. Food is the main source of essential nutrients, not water. If you want more minerals, eat fruits and vegetables.

The advantages of reverse osmosis water systems

• RO water filtration systems remove 92% of your home's water supply residue, which ultimately improves the taste, look and smell.
• With an in-house reverse osmosis system you save money on bottled water.
• Our RO systems are easy to maintain and clean.
• RO filters eliminate contaminants and toxins in your water that can cause health problems or damage the piping and equipment in your home.

Your KlimaLex Team