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Reverse osmosis membranes: service life and replacement
Reverse osmosis membranes: when to replace them, service life, flow rate and maintenance
Reverse osmosis membranes are the main component of RO systems. Their function is to reduce dissolved salts, TDS and impurities present in incoming water. Membrane service life depends on water quality, pressure, pre-filtration, usage, maintenance and correct replacement of protective filters.
Related topics
What reverse osmosis membranes are
Core of the RO system
The membrane is the component that performs the main separation in a reverse osmosis system. Water passes through the membrane, while part of the dissolved substances is sent to drain.
The membrane is the component that performs the main separation in a reverse osmosis system. Water passes through the membrane, while part of the dissolved substances is sent to drain.
GPD capacity
Membranes are often identified by a capacity expressed in GPD. Selection depends on the amount of water required, available pressure and type of system installed.
Membranes are often identified by a capacity expressed in GPD. Selection depends on the amount of water required, available pressure and type of system installed.
Protection through pre-filters
The membrane must be protected from sediment, chlorine and impurities. For this reason, systems normally use sediment filters and activated carbon filters before the membrane.
The membrane must be protected from sediment, chlorine and impurities. For this reason, systems normally use sediment filters and activated carbon filters before the membrane.
When to replace the membrane
Increase of outlet TDS
If the TDS value of produced water increases significantly, the membrane may no longer retain dissolved salts correctly and replacement may be required.
If the TDS value of produced water increases significantly, the membrane may no longer retain dissolved salts correctly and replacement may be required.
Reduced production
A clogged or worn membrane may produce less water than normal. This can be caused by impurity build-up, insufficient pressure, saturated pre-filters or a membrane at the end of its service life.
A clogged or worn membrane may produce less water than normal. This can be caused by impurity build-up, insufficient pressure, saturated pre-filters or a membrane at the end of its service life.
Changes in taste or water quality
If produced water changes in taste, odor or perceived quality, it is useful to check pre-filters, post-filters, sanitizing and membrane condition.
If produced water changes in taste, odor or perceived quality, it is useful to check pre-filters, post-filters, sanitizing and membrane condition.
What affects membrane service life
Incoming water quality
Water with high hardness, heavy sediment, chlorine or impurities can reduce membrane service life and may require more accurate pre-filtration.
Water with high hardness, heavy sediment, chlorine or impurities can reduce membrane service life and may require more accurate pre-filtration.
Operating pressure
Correct pressure helps the membrane work better. Pressure that is too low can reduce production and performance, while incorrect values may compromise system operation.
Correct pressure helps the membrane work better. Pressure that is too low can reduce production and performance, while incorrect values may compromise system operation.
Pre-filter maintenance
Regular replacement of filters before the membrane is essential. Saturated or incorrect pre-filters can damage the membrane or reduce its useful life.
Regular replacement of filters before the membrane is essential. Saturated or incorrect pre-filters can damage the membrane or reduce its useful life.
What to check before purchasing
Membrane format
Always check the format compatible with the vessel or membrane housing of the system. Not all membranes are interchangeable.
Always check the format compatible with the vessel or membrane housing of the system. Not all membranes are interchangeable.
Required capacity
Capacity must be selected according to water consumption and system type: residential, direct-flow, commercial or professional.
Capacity must be selected according to water consumption and system type: residential, direct-flow, commercial or professional.
Compatibility with pump and settings
In systems with a booster pump, membrane, flow restrictor, pressure and components must be consistent with each other.
In systems with a booster pump, membrane, flow restrictor, pressure and components must be consistent with each other.
Helpful tip:
Before replacing a membrane, always check pre-filters, pressure, inlet TDS and outlet TDS. A drop in performance is often also caused by saturated filters, low pressure or missed maintenance.
Before replacing a membrane, always check pre-filters, pressure, inlet TDS and outlet TDS. A drop in performance is often also caused by saturated filters, low pressure or missed maintenance.
