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Reverse osmosis: systems and maintenance
Reverse osmosis: systems, membranes, pumps, tanks and spare parts
Reverse osmosis is a water treatment system that uses semi-permeable membranes to reduce dissolved salts, TDS, impurities and substances present in incoming water. It is used in residential, professional and commercial systems, as well as compact under-sink units and direct-flow reverse osmosis systems.
Related topics
How reverse osmosis works
Semi-permeable membrane
The membrane is the core of the system. Water is pushed through the membrane and part of the dissolved substances is separated and discharged, while treated water is sent to the faucet or storage tank.
The membrane is the core of the system. Water is pushed through the membrane and part of the dissolved substances is separated and discharged, while treated water is sent to the faucet or storage tank.
Pre-filtration
Before the membrane, sediment filters and activated carbon filters are often used to protect the membrane from particles, chlorine and impurities that could reduce its service life.
Before the membrane, sediment filters and activated carbon filters are often used to protect the membrane from particles, chlorine and impurities that could reduce its service life.
Drain water and permeate
The system produces treated water, called permeate, and drain water that carries away part of the retained substances. The ratio between produced water and drain water depends on system type, pressure, membranes and settings.
The system produces treated water, called permeate, and drain water that carries away part of the retained substances. The ratio between produced water and drain water depends on system type, pressure, membranes and settings.
Types of reverse osmosis systems
Residential reverse osmosis
Residential systems are used under the sink or in small household installations. They may include a storage tank or work as direct-flow systems, depending on the required flow rate.
Residential systems are used under the sink or in small household installations. They may include a storage tank or work as direct-flow systems, depending on the required flow rate.
Direct-flow reverse osmosis
Direct-flow systems produce water without a tank or with reduced storage. Selection depends on membranes, booster pump, control electronics and desired flow rate.
Direct-flow systems produce water without a tank or with reduced storage. Selection depends on membranes, booster pump, control electronics and desired flow rate.
Commercial reverse osmosis
For professional and commercial applications, systems must be sized according to liters per hour, pressure, incoming water quality, pre-treatment and required service continuity.
For professional and commercial applications, systems must be sized according to liters per hour, pressure, incoming water quality, pre-treatment and required service continuity.
Main components
RO membranes
Membranes can have different capacities, often expressed in GPD. Selection depends on the type of system, available pressure and required water production.
Membranes can have different capacities, often expressed in GPD. Selection depends on the type of system, available pressure and required water production.
Booster pump
The booster pump increases operating pressure when mains pressure is not sufficient or when better production and system performance are required.
The booster pump increases operating pressure when mains pressure is not sufficient or when better production and system performance are required.
Post-filters and remineralizers
After the membrane, inline carbon filters, remineralizers or other stages may be used to improve taste, balance and quality of dispensed water.
After the membrane, inline carbon filters, remineralizers or other stages may be used to improve taste, balance and quality of dispensed water.
What to check before choosing
Incoming water quality
Before choosing a system, it is useful to evaluate TDS, hardness, chlorine, sediment, pressure, temperature and the general condition of the water supply.
Before choosing a system, it is useful to evaluate TDS, hardness, chlorine, sediment, pressure, temperature and the general condition of the water supply.
Required flow rate
The flow rate must be suitable for the application: home, office, Ho.Re.Ca., water chiller, dispenser or professional use. Insufficient flow may make the system inconvenient to use.
The flow rate must be suitable for the application: home, office, Ho.Re.Ca., water chiller, dispenser or professional use. Insufficient flow may make the system inconvenient to use.
Maintenance and spare parts
Filters, membranes, fittings, solenoid valves, pumps, pressure switches and post-filters must be accessible and replaceable to keep the system efficient over time.
Filters, membranes, fittings, solenoid valves, pumps, pressure switches and post-filters must be accessible and replaceable to keep the system efficient over time.
Helpful tip:
A reverse osmosis system should be selected by considering water quality, pressure, required flow rate, available space and future maintenance. The membrane is important, but overall performance depends on the entire system.
A reverse osmosis system should be selected by considering water quality, pressure, required flow rate, available space and future maintenance. The membrane is important, but overall performance depends on the entire system.
