Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that uses a partially permeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles from drinking water. The process involves applying pressure to the water to force it through the membrane, leaving behind impurities on one side and producing purified water on the other.
Here’s a basic overview of how a reverse osmosis water system works:
- Pre-Filtration: Before water enters the reverse osmosis system, it usually goes through some pre-filtration to remove larger particles such as sediment, silt, and debris. This pre-filtration helps protect the RO membrane from damage and clogging.
- Reverse Osmosis Membrane: The heart of the system is the reverse osmosis membrane, a semi-permeable barrier that allows water molecules to pass through while rejecting the majority of dissolved salts, minerals, and other contaminants. The pore size of the membrane is tiny, typically measured in angstroms (0.1 nanometers), which allows it to remove even very small particles.
- Pressure Pump: To overcome the natural osmotic pressure and force water through the membrane, a pressure pump is used. The pressure applied depends on the concentration of contaminants and the desired level of purification.
- Separation of Impurities: As water is pushed through the RO membrane, the impurities, including salts, minerals, heavy metals, and some harmful chemicals, are left behind and flushed away as waste. This waste water is usually referred to as “brine” or “concentrate.”
- Purified Water Collection: The purified water that passes through the membrane is collected and stored in a clean water tank. This purified water is now free from most contaminants and safe for consumption.
- Post-Filtration and Storage: After the reverse osmosis process, some systems may have additional post-filters, such as activated carbon filters, to further improve the taste and remove any residual odors or tastes. The purified water is then stored in a storage tank until it is needed.
