The reverse osmosis filtration is a method that filters water through a semipermeable membrane with small pores. It allows the water molecules to pass through, and contaminants are left outside.
The purified water called permeate is collected while the water with contaminants called waste is flushed away. For instance, chlorine is filtered off when chlorinated water is allowed through reverse osmosis while the clean water goes through.
Working of Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration
Reverse osmosis water filtration such as Waterdrop RO system, contains three cylindrical canisters. One has the semipermeable membrane, and the others are carbon filters.
- A sediment filter: removes dirt like dust and rust from water. It also plays the role of preventing dirt from entering the delicate RO membrane.
- Carbon filter: removes chlorine, fluorides, and other volatile organic chemicals. It also eliminates elements that cause the water to smell and a bad taste.
- Semipermeable membrane: the membrane removes all remaining solids that may have dissolved in the water.
- Polishing filter: it improves taste and removes odor resulting in clean natural water.
The Process Of Filtration
Filtration in this system occurs in four to five stages.
1. The pre-filtration stage
The pre-filtration stage is the first step whereby all dirt and dust is filtered and left out. It removes all solid particles and some elements of chlorine.
The waterdrop RO system is effective in improving soft water. If your water is hard, it is advisable to soften it first using another method before using reverse osmosis. Sediment build-up causes scaling and clogging of the membrane in the same way hard water can damage other appliances.
This stage plays a double purpose as it also protects the membrane from damage by the solid particles or exposure to too much chlorine.
2. The Reverse Osmosis membrane
The reverse osmosis membrane is the backbone of the Waterdrop RO system. It acts as a barrier for organic and non-organic contaminants in the water.
Under pressure, water passes through the membrane, and elements like fluoride, chlorine, salts, urea, lead, iron, rust, detergent, barium, and other total dissolved solids (TDS) are left out.
Its porosity is the same as the size of water molecules, which is 0,0001micrometers.
3. Post- filtration
In the post-filtration stage, there is a carbon filter that purifies the water further. It cleans the water of impurifications such as odor that may have slipped off the RO membrane.
4. Final polish
The final polish gives the water one last polish before it comes out of the faucet to ensure you get clean, freshwater.
There are RO systems that include a sixth stage that is usually for the water’s dissolution to improve its taste and smell.
The purified water then flows into a storage tank ready for use.
Advantages Of Reverse Osmosis System
1. Removal of impurities
The RO system removes 99% of the water impurities, including total dissolved salts (TDS) that may be hard to eliminate with other filtration methods.
As clear as tap water may seem, it may contain pollutants that are harmful to your health. We have seen cases where clean water produces odor.
With a naked eye, you can not trace most of the water contaminants; therefore, it is advisable to use the RO system in your home water purification. It results in cleaner and safer water.
2. Saves money
Having an RO water filtration system in your home guarantees you clean and safe running water. You do not have to buy bottled water usually for a single-use; thus, it saves you money.
It also saves you the time and energy for constantly running to the store to get bottled water. You will have a premium supply of freshwater within reach.
3. Efficient and effective
Water is life. Having a continuous supply of quality water ensures you run errands around your home with ease. You don’t have to keep and label separate containers for water use at home. You get to access filtered or unfiltered water with only a switch of a button.
With a water drop RO system, your water supply is clean and safe for home use anytime and in every way; drinking, cooking, laundry, etc.
4. Easy to maintain
As long as you keep the RO membrane safe from scaling due to exposure to hard water, it is a worthwhile investment.
It is easy to clean, contains only a few replaceable parts; therefore, its maintenance is highly affordable.
5. Sleek design and spacious
Unlike other countertop water filters, an RO system can be well fitted under the sink or in basements, thus saving a lot of space. The RO system is modernized with a sleek design, can be tankless, has a leakage detector, and filter monitoring to complement your home management plan.
6. Unlimited supply
Reverse osmosis filtration system allows filtered water to run into a storage tank. This way, you have an unlimited supply of clean water.
On the other hand, buying bottled water every time, including when you have guests, can be a hassle and costly. With an RO filtration method, you enjoy benefits like drinking clean water directly from the tap, cooking with fresh tap water, etc. and you don’t have to worry about it getting depleted.
7. Improved water taste
RO filtering eliminates all impurities that cause a bad taste and odor in your water.
Most RO water systems include the last stage where the dissolution of water happens. After polishing, the water is mineralized, resulting in fresh, delicious water.
8. Environmentally friendly
This filtration method does not require the use of plastics for bottling the water. You will only need a big storage tank, and you are good to go.
On the other hand, bottled water is a nuisance to the environment because plastics do not decompose. As humans, we always find ourselves unable to dispose of them appropriately.
Conclusion
Water is a vital need, and part of our day to day lives. Improving the quality of your home drinking water is a critical part of home management. A reverse osmosis water purifier saves you money, saves you time, and provides you with safe and clean drinking water within your home. If you are looking for a way of presenting your household with quality water, then reverse osmosis filtration is the way to go.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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