Test case study 1 – does reverse osmosis really filter the water systems?
Do you also skip the advertisements that promote jingles for RO-based water filter systems? Well, you will be stunned to know that almost 80% of Indian households know the importance of and have implemented them in their homes to get the highest-quality purified water supply around the clock.
Whenever you travel, you are always told to buy mineral water and not any other ordinary water, as it can affect your health. The whole process behind ‘mineral water’ is done by reverse osmosis filter systems. You might not know this because you, like the rest, also skipped the advertisements or because it is a topic of low interest, as many think it is complicated. Do not worry; we will do the honour!
What is reverse osmosis?
Reverse osmosis is a process that filters out unwanted chemicals, ions, and other impurities, using a semi-permeable membrane to purify the water as a result. Reverse Osmosis water purification is the most popular filtration process, as well as cost-effective, because it removes insoluble sediments and condiments and eradicates microorganisms. This guarantees purification at the utmost level, leaving you with only pure H2O.
How does reverse osmosis work?
Everyone knows the basic knowledge behind normal osmosis from their schooldays. If not, let us skim the process quickly to understand the difference between osmosis and reverse osmosis.
Osmosis
It is a natural process in which water molecules diffuse from a dilute solution (high concentration of water) to a more concentrated solution (low concentration of water) across a partially permeable membrane down the concentration gradient.
Due to the membrane, only water molecules can pass through it, leaving other unwanted molecules behind. Eventually, it aims to balance the concentration level, which can ultimately have insoluble sediments different from what we want to consume as drinking water.
Reverse Osmosis
While osmosis was explained in simple words above, it is time to delve into reverse osmosis, like the usual osmosis. However, additional pressure is applied here, which helps to overcome osmotic pressure. This makes the water push from a high concentration of sediments to a lower concentration. In regular osmosis, water pushes itself into contaminated water, but here, it is reversed, giving us the perfect water to be consumed. Furthermore, osmosis occurs along the potential gradient, whilst reverse osmosis occurs against the potential gradient.
Why RO system is beneficial?
- RO plant produces a healthy, fresh, and enormous water supply
- RO technology is fully automated
- RO water systems are cost-effective for any end-user
- Reverse osmosis water Plants do not use electricity or require a power source and are easy to maintain
- RO water plant mitigates additional water delivery service or purchasing of water bottles
- Reverse Osmosis filter system is relatively easy to install
How does RO water filter system work?
This advanced technology has helped the usual water treatment process change lives with its easy installation and implementation. The RO water plant’s history dates to the late 1970s by the municipalities, and today, they have made their name and are here to stay in every household, and they keep rising with new upgrades each passing day.
Beyond our naked eye, we can unfortunately not see minute organisms that can harm our health by floating in the water. Hence, the RO system involves the form of filters and an RO membrane, such as sediment or carbon filters, where the impurities are filtered and let the way to flow out and go down the drain, leaving us clean, pure water to be consumed or used for other daily chores.
The 4-stage process of Reverse Osmosis water purification
- Sediment filter
- Carbon filter
- Reverse Osmosis membrane
- Polishing filter
This filter aims to separate insoluble sediments like sand, salt, dirt, etc., to settle down and avoid blocking the fragile RO membranes ahead, which can disrupt the whole process.
This filter is designed to eradicate chlorine and other chemicals that can harm one’s health. This is the crucial step in this process and can only continue if these halogen molecules are mitigated. This step helps remove odour imp, improves the taste, and plays a crucial role in supporting the life and performance of the RO membrane.
The most vital step in this procedure is the RO membrane, which does the ultimate test and simultaneously decides the taste. It allows water to pass but filters out the rest of the unnecessary additions, keeping in mind that if the additions are not small enough, they can damage the membrane.
The final step is also called the carbon step, but in the 4-stage procedure, this filter works on a final crosscheck and gives a last polishing touch to mitigate the odour and remaining taste of the water, giving a complete guarantee that the water ahead is ready to be used and consumed without worries.
How to maintain a longer expectancy of a RO plant?
Over time, any machine tends to fail at its sole job and needs frequent repair or, instead, a whole upgrade. In this case, RO water systems can become clogged or dirty, indicating it is high time not to risk your health and call for help. These advanced systems require regular maintenance to ensure they are continuously efficient in the long run.
Frequent cleaning and timely replacement can prolong the lifespan of your system, and while this can be a task, you can seek help from the technicians or your local maintenance service.
What impurities does RO Water Plant eradicate?
RO system can remove up to 99% of 65 different contaminants.
- Dissolved salts like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and sulphates.
- Chemicals include chlorine and chloramines, fluoride, pesticides and herbicides, and volatile organic compounds (e.g., benzene and toluene).
- Heavy metals, including lead, chromium, and copper.
- Biological contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
- Particulate matter like sediment, silt, and other suspended solids.
- Pharmaceuticals such as hormones and antibiotics.
- Radiological elements such as radium and uranium.
Key takeaway
The Reverse Osmosis technology has been a staple installation in every household now and for the right reasons. The benefits are countless due to this RO plant, which provides you with the safest, clear, purified water for consummation without any additional efforts as it is an invisible process but does the needful up to the mark. Eventually, you must maintain it and keep it sanitized enough.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How Much Service and Maintenance Does an RO System Require?
A: The most basic recommendations are these three:
- Change the filter
- Sanitize and clean the system
- Replace and repair the parts
Q2: How Much Water Can an RO System Produce Each Day?
A: A regular reverse osmosis tank measures 12 inches in diameter and 15 inches tall. It operates under water pressure ranging from 40 to 100 PSI and generates 10 to 75 gallons (45 to 340 Liters) daily.
Q3: Can an RO plant be linked to a Fridge or Ice Machine?
A: To receive a competitive quote for an RO plant, select the RO plant model that fits your needs, and submit the request. You will receive detailed pricing and product information from top-rated and reputed sellers, making it easy to find the perfect solution for your water treatment needs.
Water pressure is a consideration for some refrigerators; refer to your RO system’s owner’s manual beforehand.
Q4: Is the RO system worth it?
A: Now, the final question narrows down to: is it worth it? Everyone’s opinion is subjective, but based on most case studies, RO water purification has changed many lifestyles by setting proper routines and improving health statics. Looking at cost alone, RO systems generally cost less than 30 rupees per day to own and operate for a family of four. Money-wise, since most Indians spent ₹18.92 billion in 2022 and are expected to reach ₹3016.25 billion by 2030 solely on bottled water, translating to an RO system would save nearly thousands as it operates for roughly 8000 per year. And the number crunching does not reveal anything about the health benefits of RO.
RO systems can help remove harmful contaminants such as pesticides, PFAS, herbicides, chlorine, chloramine, etc., making them “worth it.”
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