RO water is made by applying pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane, separating contaminants. Essentially, by applying increased pressure to one side of the system, specifically the untreated water side, feedwater is forced through these membranes, resulting in purified water (as stated on 17-Jun-2021).
Understanding the RO Process
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a water purification technology that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles from drinking water. Here's a breakdown:
- Pressurization: The core of the RO process involves applying pressure to the unfiltered water.
- Membrane Separation: This pressure forces the water through a semipermeable membrane. This membrane acts like a very fine filter.
- Contaminant Rejection: The membrane allows water molecules to pass through while blocking most contaminants, such as salts, minerals, and microorganisms.
- Purified Water Collection: The water that passes through the membrane is collected as purified RO water.
Simplified Steps for Making RO Water
The following steps outline how RO water is made in a typical RO system:
- Pre-filtration: Raw water usually passes through pre-filters to remove larger particles like sediment and chlorine, protecting the RO membrane.
- Pressurization: A pump increases the pressure on the pre-filtered water.
- RO Membrane Filtration: Pressurized water flows through the RO membrane, separating purified water from concentrated contaminants.
- Post-filtration (Optional): The RO water may pass through an additional post-filter to further refine the taste and odor.
- Storage: Purified RO water is stored in a tank for later use.
Table Summarizing RO Water Production
| Step | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-filtration | Removes sediment, chlorine, and other large particles. | Protects the RO membrane and improves its efficiency. |
| Pressurization | Increases the pressure of water flowing into the RO membrane. | Forces water through the membrane. |
| RO Filtration | Water passes through a semipermeable membrane, separating pure water from contaminants. | Removes dissolved solids, minerals, and other impurities. |
| Post-filtration | Further refines taste and odor. | Improves the quality and palatability of the purified water. |
| Storage | Stores the purified RO water for later use. | Provides a readily available supply of purified water. |
In essence, making RO water is about forcing untreated water through a semipermeable membrane under pressure, thus separating pure water from impurities.
