INDEPTH LOOK AT WHAT IS REVEVRSE OSMOSIS.
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that uses a partially permeable membrane to separate ions, unwanted molecules and larger particles from drinking water. In reverse osmosis, an applied pressure is used to overcome osmotic pressure, a colligative property that is driven by chemical potential differences of the solvent, a thermodynamic parameter. Reverse osmosis can remove many types of dissolved and suspended chemical species as well as biological ones (principally bacteria) from water, and is used in both industrial processes and the production of potable water. The result is that the solute is retained on the pressurized side of the membrane and the pure solvent is allowed to pass to the other side. To be “selective”, this membrane should not allow large molecules or ions through the pores (holes), but should allow smaller components of the solution (such as solvent molecules, e.g., water, H2O) to pass freely.
HOW DOES REVERSE OSMOSIS WORK?
In the normal osmosis process, the solvent naturally moves from an area of low solute concentration (high water potential), through a membrane, to an area of high solute concentration (low water potential). The driving force for the movement of the solvent is the reduction in the Gibbs free energy of the system when the difference in solvent concentration on either side of a membrane is reduced, generating osmotic pressure due to the solvent moving into the more concentrated solution. Applying an external pressure to reverse the natural flow of pure solvent, thus, is reverse osmosis. The process is similar to other membrane technology applications.
Reverse osmosis differs from filtration in that the mechanism of fluid flow is by osmosis across a membrane. The predominant removal mechanism in membrane filtration is straining, or size exclusion, where the pores are 0.01 micrometers or larger, so the process can theoretically achieve perfect efficiency regardless of parameters such as the solution’s pressure and concentration. Reverse osmosis instead involves solvent diffusion across a membrane that is either nonporous or uses nanofiltration with pores 0.001 micrometers in size. The predominant removal mechanism is from differences in solubility or diffusivity, and the process is dependent on pressure, solute concentration, and other conditions.
Reverse osmosis is most commonly known for its use in drinking water purification from seawater, removing the salt and other effluent materials from the water molecules.
- BENEFITS OF REVERSE OSMOSIS IN WATER PURIFICATION.
What are the benefits of reverse osmosis water for you purification processes in your commercial space?
Reverse osmosis water contains fewer contaminants, has lower sodium, has no parasites or bacteria, and is safer for cancer patients. It filters out pollutants through a membrane filter that doesn’t allow solids and prominent microbes to pass through. As a result, you get purified water that doesn’t have any contaminants.
- Powerful Filtration
- Reverse osmosis water eliminates molecules that are harmful to the body. For instance, calcium deposits can harden your water and affect your skin negatively. The compounds can in the following forms:
- Phosphate
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Mercury
- Fluoride
- Chloride
- Cyanide
- Ammonia
All of these compounds can cause organ complications, cancer, reproductive issues, eye problems, etc. Moreover, tap water may contain harmful fertilizers and pesticides that further contaminate water.
On the other hand, RO water filters out solids and chemical compounds. Additionally, it will remove pesticides and organic materials that aren’t fit for human consumption.
- Lead Removal
Lead is one of the most prevalent contaminants drinking supplies. Lead infiltrates drinking water when the pipes undergo corrosion. Lead is so dangerous that the EPA recommends no lead presence in public drinking water whatsoever. Lead can cause the following health issues:
- Nerve damage
- Fertility issues
- Blood pressure spikes
- Muscle damage
- Developmental problems
- Brain damage
However, commercial RO water systems can be the solution that purifies public water systems for the masses. It can also lower other elements that are suitable for consumption, such as salt.
- Reduces Sodium Levels
Water via reverse osmosis removes between 90 to 95 percent of sodium from water supplies. RO filters out sodium through the same thin membranes that expel contaminants. A glass of water may contain 12 mg of sodium on average. Additionally, bottled water may contain sodium.
Sodium can get into your water for the following reasons:
- Natural process
- Water treatment methods
- Ion water units
RO is a useful mechanism if you’re on a low-sodium diet. Excessive sodium can lead to high blood pressure, which leads to such health issues as heart disease and kidney/liver problems.
However, RO can filter out salt caused by natural or man-made processes.
- No Parasites or Bacteria
RO can filter out parasites in the form of cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium affects the small intestines and causes fever, cramps, and diarrhea. This parasite affects children, causing malnutrition and dehydration. And, an RO filter can get rid of other waterborne parasites, such as giardia.
Giardia is another parasite that can cause intestinal complications. It’s most common in children. It can also cause death in children if left untreated.
Experts recommend RO filtration if you live in an area that has a dirty water system. And, RO filters can filter out bacteria because they are too large to penetrate through the membranes.
- Safer for Patients
Since RO water contains no parasites and harmful microbes, it is safe for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Radiation therapy weakens the immune systems of many cancer patients.
Drinking contaminated water of any kind could compromise their immune systems and cause health issues. Moreover, patients can use RO water when cooking. Therefore, they can avoid cooking with tap water. Tap water may contain bacteria or other malicious compounds.
The Overall Health Benefits of Drinking Osmosis Water
- The overall health benefits of drinking osmosis water are purity levels. RO water is one of the few drinking sources that contain no minerals or impurities. Bacteria and parasites cannot enter through a filter.
- Additionally, an RO system dispels contaminants in the form of lead or mercury. Lead and mercury can degrade human health over time. And, the elimination of compounds gives the water a purified taste that’s clean and refreshing.
- It also filters out sodium levels that can contribute to high blood pressure. However, the RO method is only as good as the filter. Broken filters allow microbes and contaminants to pass through. Therefore, replace your filters regularly.
- PROCESSES OF REVERSE OSMOSIS IN WATER PURIFICATION
What are the Stages in a Reverse Osmosis System? Because for every system to fully function well, there must be a set of well laid steps and procedures.
- Sediment Pre-Filter
Melt Blown Polypropylene removes dirt, rust and sediment particles down to 5 microns. There are several different types of sediment cartridges.
Pleated filters feature increased surface area and longer life. These cartridges are washable and reusable.
Melt blown polypropylene filters are designed for the removal of dirt, rust and sediment from water. 5 and 20 microns are the most popular sizes for drinking water applications.
String wound filters are an inexpensive solution to your filtration needs. These cartridges come in a variety of media types and have a wide range of applications.
- Carbon Pre-Filter
Coconut Shell Carbon Block Cartridge(s), 10 Micron removes chlorine, taste, odor and chemical contaminants.
Activated carbon block filters typically have a 0.5-to-10-micron filtration capability, making it also helpful for particulate filtration, removing taste and odor from chlorine, insoluble lead reduction, and demonstrating, in some cases, removal of Giardia and Cryptosporidium. A 5-stage reverse osmosis system has a third housing to hold an additional carbon block cartridge.
- Reverse Osmosis Membrane
Thin Film Composite (TFC) rejects (removes) 95% of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) down to .0001 Microns.
Thin film composite membranes (TFC or TFM) are semi permeable membranes manufactured principally for use in water purification or water desalination systems. They also have use in chemical applications such as batteries and fuel cells.
- Post Carbon Filter
Coconut Shell Activated Carbon is the final polishing filter after storage tank, just before you use the water.
Inline post filters typically clip onto the top of a reverse osmosis system’s membrane housing. The post filter removes any chlorine or contaminants missed by the other cartridges or membrane.