According to research, the market for RO membranes is expected to hit $5 billion by 2026. This figure underscores how popular this technology is becoming in improving the quality of drinking water.
But are these systems worth a shot, or is their efficiency overhyped? This article will answer some of the common questions you might have about RO membrane systems. This will help you determine if they are a good investment for your purification needs.
What is Reverse Osmosis filtration?
RO, or reverse osmosis, is one of the most effective, oldest and most commonly used methods of water purification
The RO filtration process eliminates dissolved solids, including salts, minerals, and organic impurities. These solids are removed from the water by passing it through a semipermeable membrane.
The membrane for reverse osmosis is typically made of polyamide, a synthetic polymer. A positive pressure is applied to the water, which is forced through the membrane. The result is that only pure water passes through the membrane, eliminating up to 99% of the contaminants.
How Does The RO System Work?
Reverse Osmosis works by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane that allows only the permeate (clean water) to pass through, while most of the contaminants (retentate) are stopped by the membrane.
A typical RO process involves
- Pre-filtration: This is the first filtration stage. It involves the use of a very thin filtration membrane to keep out particles like sand, rust, and other debris.
- Reverse osmosis: The RO stage is an energy-intensive process that uses the pressure of between 100–800 psi to force the water through the semipermeable membrane.
- Specialty filtration: Some systems include a third stage that involves specialized filters designed to remove contaminants like lead, radium, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and some minerals.
- Drainage and storage: This is the final stage where the permeate is stored in a reservoir until it is used, and the retentate is drained and the membranes cleaned. This is when an RO replacement membrane can also be installed.
What Substances Does a RO System Purify Water From?
Reverse Osmosis (RO) eliminates or reduces pollutants and other impurities from water. The most common substances purified by RO include
- Particles: Reverse osmosis reduces particles, such as sand and silt to improve the taste and appearance of your drinking water.
- Lead: Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can cause neurological problems in children. Reverse osmosis eliminates lead from your drinking source.
- Mercury: Mercury is a highly toxic metal with many uses, including as a preservative in certain vaccines. It can cause poisoning though. RO membrane systems remove mercury from drinking water.
- Chromium: Chromium is a toxic compound that causes cancer in humans if ingested over long periods of time. It is found in some pesticides (e.g., rotenone) and wood treatments (e.g., creosote). RO can remove chromium from water.
- TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): TDS is the total amount of dissolved solids, including salts, in water. Reverse osmosis membrane filters can remove 99%+ of TDS.
Is Reverse Osmosis Water Safe To Drink?
Reverse osmosis is one of the best ways to get rid of virtually all the contaminants in your water. The result is safe-to-drink water that has no odor or taste and is very good for your health. In fact, according to Water Quality Association, reverse osmosis system treatments do not pose any health concern to people who are healthy.
It’s important to note though, that not all reverse osmosis systems are the same. So it’s best to shop around and find one that works best for you. You can find lots of options when you shop on FILTERWAY.
Advantages of Reverse Osmosis Filtration System
Some of the advantages of the reverse osmosis process are as follows:
- It is very easy to use and efficient.
- It removes harmful toxins from your drinking source and protects your health.
- Removes virtually all dissolved solids.
- Produces water of superior quality.
- Helps prevent scale formation and corrosion.
- Requires minimal maintenance.
- Minimizes the use of chemicals in the purification process.
- It will save you money because you no longer need to buy bottled water.
Disadvantages of Reverse Osmosis Filtration System
Disadvantages of this system include
- Wastes a lot of water.
- Takes up a significant amount of space.
- More expensive than other filtration methods.
- The water reverse osmosis filter clogs up easily and must be replaced or cleaned every 2-3 months.
- The filtration process can be rather slow.
Conclusion
In the end, the reverse osmosis filter for water is a great investment for health-conscious consumers. While it is generally safe, it does have some cons associated with it. But the pros definitely outweigh the cons when you are choosing a filtration system.
