How Does Reverse Osmosis System Work?

If you’re thinking of purchasing a Kinetico water filtration system from Aquarius Water Conditioning, it’s only natural to ask yourself,  “How does a reverse osmosis system work?” Reverse osmosis (RO) removes contaminants from water by using a special type of membrane. This process is used in a wide range of applications. Not only does it purify water, it’s also used to treat wastewater. It can even take salt out of sea water. In this article, we will discuss how a reverse osmosis system works in detail.

What is Reverse Osmosis?

The RO membrane is semi-permeable, designed to allow water molecules to pass through while blocking other contaminants such as salt, minerals and bacteria. The water that passes through the membrane is purified, while the contaminants are separated and discharged.

How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?

The RO process involves several stages, including pre-treatment, the reverse osmosis membrane, and post-treatment.

Pre-Treatment

Pre-treatment is the first stage in the RO process. It involves the removal of any large particles, such as sediment, from the water. This is usually done using a sediment filter or a pre-filter. The pre-treatment stage helps to protect the reverse osmosis membrane from damage and prolong its lifespan.

The Membrane

Again, the RO membrane allows water molecules to pass through while blocking other contaminants. The membrane is made up of several layers of material, including a polymer film, a support layer, and a permeate layer.

The membrane works by applying pressure to the water, forcing it through the membrane. As the water passes through the membrane, the contaminants are separated and discharged, while the purified water passes through to the other side.

Post-Treatment

The post-treatment stage is the final stage in the RO process. It involves the removal of any remaining contaminants from the purified water. This is usually done using a post-filter, which removes any remaining odors, tastes, or particles that may have passed through the membrane. The post-treatment stage ensures that the purified water is safe and clean for consumption.

Benefits of RO

Reverse osmosis has several benefits, including:

Removal of Contaminants

RO is an effective way to remove contaminants from water. It can remove up to 99% of dissolved salts, minerals, and other impurities, making it a popular choice for water purification.

Improved Taste and Odor

RO can also improve the taste and odor of water by removing chlorine, fluoride and other chemicals that can affect the taste and smell of water.

Cost-Effective

Another benefit of RO is that it’s a cost-effective way to purify water. It requires less maintenance than other water purification methods and can save you money in the long run.

Environmentally Friendly

Finally, RO is an environmentally friendly way to purify water. It uses less energy than other water purification methods and produces less waste.

We’d Love to Tell You More

Hopefully, you have a better idea of the answer to the question of, “How does a reverse osmosis system work?” But if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an Aquarius Water Conditioning expert. You can use our online contact form at any time, or you can give us a call at 888-741-9025. We believe that when you try a Kinetico system once, you’ll quickly see why it’s the gold standard in the industry.