How Reverse Osmosis Works
Reverse osmosis (RO) has been around for a long time. In fact, if you research ways to purify water, you’re bound to come across RO filtration almost instantly.
Over the years, more people and brands have taken to promoting it.
What is reverse osmosis?
Does reverse osmosis really work?
Is it worth getting an RO filter?
If reading or hearing about RO has made you curious about its efficiency, understanding its mechanism will help!
How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?
Osmosis is the process by which water travels through a semipermeable layer or membrane from a less to a more concentrated solution. Osmotic pressure results from this procedure.
The process of reverse osmosis will use applied pressure to remove pollutants from water. As a water treatment, RO forces water through a partially permeable membrane to extract pollutants. These pollutants can come in different forms. They can range from visible particles such as dirt, floating debris, and sediment to microbial substances and chemical compounds.
Viruses, parasites, and bacteria can be removed through RO filtration. Harmful chemicals such as arsenic, mercury, and high concentrations of calcium can be flushed away through reverse osmosis.
Common Questions About RO Filtration
Curiosity or interest in RO filters is sparked for a variety of reasons. Here are the frequently asked questions surrounding reverse osmosis:
What’s the difference between reverse osmosis water and bottled water?
Reverse osmosis produces water that is comparable to or even superior to bottled water. Just think: most bottled water is contained in plastic and stays there for months.
Its production, shipment, and storage expose bottled water to varying temperatures that may affect its quality and taste.
Purchasing bottled water frequently is also impractical. Its cost can easily rack up and the plastic container it comes with is bad for the environment. It should not be your main source of safe water.
Are RO filters permanent?
RO filters trap contaminants and must therefore be replaced over a certain period to keep their optimal function. Thankfully, you only need to replace filters sparingly.
An RO filtration device can still be removed, so it is not a permanent fixture in your home. RO filtration systems can be installed under the sink, while other models are free-standing and can be placed on counters.
Can I install an RO system? / Do I need help from a professional installer?
Despite its complex and powerful filtration system, RO filtration devices are user-friendly. You can install it on your own through the installation kits that come with it.
Multi-Stage Filtration
Reverse osmosis water treatment employs multiple levels of filtration.
For example, in the case of Reverse Osmosis Under Sink Water Filter by Crystal Quest, water flows through 15 stages of filtration.
In the initial stage, water passes through a 5-micron carbon cartridge to separate VOCs or volatile organic carbon compounds. Other elements removed in the initial filtration include pesticides and industrial solvents, dirt, sediments, and sand.
The water then proceeds to travel through a 0.020-micron membrane for ultrafiltration. This is the stage where smaller particles like bacteria, parasites, and viruses are extracted from the water.
In every stage of the filtration system, a different contaminant is targeted. The last phases of filtration not only remove pollutants but removes the hardness of water, too.
The result of this comprehensive process is purer, safer, and better-tasting water.
Note that other RO filters do not involve 15 stages of filtration. Still, they can be just as effective in freeing water from impurities.
Considerations Before Getting an RO Filter
Take these things into account first before you shop for an RO filter:
- What water contaminants are you dealing with?
- Where will you install the RO filter?
- How much is your budget?
Your location can have an impact on the quality of water you receive. In some places, water can be murky and have high levels of sediments. In others, sanitation issues can lead to high levels of viruses, parasites, and bacteria in water.
The type of RO filter you need to buy should be appropriate to the severity of the water issues you have at hand.
Reverse osmosis filtration will give you practical, easy access to safe and better-tasting water. Keep these points in mind to help you zero in on the best RO filter device.