RO Filters
Effectiveness of RO units depends on initial levels of contamination and water pressure. RO treatment may be used to reduce the levels of: Naturally occurring substances that cause water supplies to be unhealthy or unappealing (foul tastes, smells or colors). RO systems are typically used to reduce the levels of total dissolved solids and suspended matter. The principal uses of reverse osmosis are for the reduction of high levels of nitrate, sulfate, sodium and total dissolved solids. RO units with carbon filters may also reduce the level of some SOCs (soluble organic compounds) like pesticides, dioxins and VOCs (volatile organic compounds like chloroform and petrochemicals). An RO unit alone may not be the best solution for these types of contaminants, but installing a properly design-ed RO unit to reduce the levels of other contaminants may provide a reduction in SOCs and VOCs.
How reverse osmosis works
Reverse osmosis is sometimes referred to as ultrafiltration. The membrane has microscopic openings that allow water molecules, but not larger compounds, to pass through. Some RO membranes also have an electrical charge that helps in rejecting some chemicals at the membrane surface. Proper maintenance is essential to retain effectiveness over time. Some units are equipped with automatic membrane flushing systems to clean the membrane.
How is effectiveness measured?
The effectiveness of RO units is characterized by the rejection rate or rejection percentage. The rejection rate is the percent of a contaminant that does not move through, or is rejected by, the membrane. Some typical rejection rates for common contaminants are shown in Table 1. These rejection rates are for single contaminants under design conditions. Table
Typical Rejection Rates for Common Contaminants
Nitrates : 83 - 92%
Total Dissolved Solids : 95 - 99%
Sulfates : 90 - 98% Sodium : 87 - 93%
----------------------------------------------------------
*These values are for properly maintained units. Poorly maintained units will not be as effective at removing contaminants and, in the worst case, may not be removing any contaminants. Where water contains more than one contaminant, the rejection rate for each contaminant may be reduced or one of the contaminants may be reduced in preference to the other contaminant. For example, cases have been reported where water supplies containing either high TDS levels or high sulfates in combination with nitrates show no decrease in nitrates after treatment. (Nitrates refers to nitrate-nitrogen or NO3-N.) Rejection rates need to be high enough to reduce the contaminant level in the untreated water to a safe level. To determine the needed rejection rate, it is necessary to consider the initial concentration. For example, if a water supply contains nitrates at a concentration of 20 milligrams per liter (mg/l), an RO unit rejecting at a rate of 85 percent, which means 15 percent remaining, would reduce the level to 3 mg/l (20 times 0.15 = 3).
Disadvantages of typical reverse osmosis units
RO units use a lot of water. They recover only 5 to 15 percent of the water entering the system. The remainder is discharged as waste water. Because waste water carries with it the rejected contaminants, methods to re-cover this water are not practical for household systems. Waste water is typically connected to the house drains and will add to the load on the household septic system. An RO unit deliver-ing 5 gallons of treated water per day may discharge 40 to 90 gallons of waste water per day to the septic system.
What types of equipment make up an RO System?
A typical home reverse osmosis treatment system is normally located beneath the kitchen sink since it is used to treat water for drinking and cooking purposes. RO systems consist of the pre-filter, RO membrane unit, a pressurized storage tank for the treated water, a post-filter and a separate delivery tap for the treated water supply.
A Typical Home RO System Includes:
1. Particle filter
2. Carbon filter
3. Reverse osmosis membrane unit
4. Carbon adsorption post-filter
What are RO Stages and do they really mater?
1. Prefilter: The prefilter is sometimes referred to as a sediment filter. It removes small suspended particles to extend the life of the membrane. Some membrane units are damaged by chlorine and others by bacterial growth. Where chlorine is present, a carbon prefilter may also be recommended.
2. Carbon Filter : The carbon filter is used to reduce chlorine and other organic contamination in the water. It is important to change this filter often in order for the R.O. Membrane to last as long as it should.
3. RO Membrane: Several kinds of reverse osmosis membranes are available. The most common materials are cellulose acetate or polyamide resins. Mixtures or variations of these materials are also used. Each product has certain advantages and limitations and these need to be considered carefully. Some of the factors that should be investigated are: The contaminant(s) involved and their initial concentration(s). The water supply rate, or whether the system will deliver enough water to meet normal daily drinking and cooking requirements. The rejection rate, or the percentage of contaminants to be removed by the membrane. The water pressure required to meet the supply and rejection rates. That is, can this unit be operated on the normal operating pressure of a home water system or will a booster pump be required
4. Post-Filter: The main reason for postfiltration is to remove any undesirable taste and any residual organics from the treated water. Usually a carbon filter is used for this purpose. Where a carbon filter is used as a part of the prefiltration step, postfiltration is normally eliminated.
What does an RO System cost?
When deciding on a water treatment system be sure to investigate all options and all costs. To compare purchase to lease or rent options consider the following: Initial Costs of the System Be sure that all parts are included, especially when comparisons are being made. RO units range in cost from $300 to $3000 and vary in quality and effectiveness. Replacement membranes cost $100 to $200 and filter cartridges around $50. Is there enough space to accommodate the system being considered or will some modifications of space be needed? Operating and Maintenance Costs: Electricity to pump the water is the only significant operating cost. Filter cleaning and/or replacement (both pre and post-filters) and RO membrane replacement need to be estimated. Whether routine maintenance can be done by the owner or requires special service is important information when purchasing a system
· Summary
Reverse osmosis is a proven technology that has been used successfully on a commercial basis. One of the better known uses of RO is the removal of salt from seawater. Household RO units typically deliver small amounts (2 to 10 gallons per day) of treated water and waste 3 to 20 times the amount of water treated. Reverse osmosis units remove many inorganic contaminants from household drinking water supplies. The removal effectiveness depends on the contaminant and its concentration, the membrane selected, the water pressure and proper installation. RO units require regular maintenance and monitoring to perform satisfactorily over an extended period of time. Before purchasing an RO unit or any other water treatment equipment, purchasers should test their water to be certain that treatment is needed and that the equipment being selected is appropriate to the problem requiring treatment. All costs need to be considered when comparing competitive systems and when making purchase or rental decisions.
Effectiveness of RO units depends on initial levels of contamination and water pressure. RO treatment may be used to reduce the levels of: Naturally occurring substances that cause water supplies to be unhealthy or unappealing (foul tastes, smells or colors). RO systems are typically used to reduce the levels of total dissolved solids and suspended matter. The principal uses of reverse osmosis are for the reduction of high levels of nitrate, sulfate, sodium and total dissolved solids. RO units with carbon filters may also reduce the level of some SOCs (soluble organic compounds) like pesticides, dioxins and VOCs (volatile organic compounds like chloroform and petrochemicals). An RO unit alone may not be the best solution for these types of contaminants, but installing a properly design-ed RO unit to reduce the levels of other contaminants may provide a reduction in SOCs and VOCs.
How reverse osmosis works
Reverse osmosis is sometimes referred to as ultrafiltration. The membrane has microscopic openings that allow water molecules, but not larger compounds, to pass through. Some RO membranes also have an electrical charge that helps in rejecting some chemicals at the membrane surface. Proper maintenance is essential to retain effectiveness over time. Some units are equipped with automatic membrane flushing systems to clean the membrane.
How is effectiveness measured?
The effectiveness of RO units is characterized by the rejection rate or rejection percentage. The rejection rate is the percent of a contaminant that does not move through, or is rejected by, the membrane. Some typical rejection rates for common contaminants are shown in Table 1. These rejection rates are for single contaminants under design conditions. Table
Typical Rejection Rates for Common Contaminants
Nitrates : 83 - 92%
Total Dissolved Solids : 95 - 99%
Sulfates : 90 - 98% Sodium : 87 - 93%
----------------------------------------------------------
*These values are for properly maintained units. Poorly maintained units will not be as effective at removing contaminants and, in the worst case, may not be removing any contaminants. Where water contains more than one contaminant, the rejection rate for each contaminant may be reduced or one of the contaminants may be reduced in preference to the other contaminant. For example, cases have been reported where water supplies containing either high TDS levels or high sulfates in combination with nitrates show no decrease in nitrates after treatment. (Nitrates refers to nitrate-nitrogen or NO3-N.) Rejection rates need to be high enough to reduce the contaminant level in the untreated water to a safe level. To determine the needed rejection rate, it is necessary to consider the initial concentration. For example, if a water supply contains nitrates at a concentration of 20 milligrams per liter (mg/l), an RO unit rejecting at a rate of 85 percent, which means 15 percent remaining, would reduce the level to 3 mg/l (20 times 0.15 = 3).
Disadvantages of typical reverse osmosis units
RO units use a lot of water. They recover only 5 to 15 percent of the water entering the system. The remainder is discharged as waste water. Because waste water carries with it the rejected contaminants, methods to re-cover this water are not practical for household systems. Waste water is typically connected to the house drains and will add to the load on the household septic system. An RO unit deliver-ing 5 gallons of treated water per day may discharge 40 to 90 gallons of waste water per day to the septic system.
What types of equipment make up an RO System?
A typical home reverse osmosis treatment system is normally located beneath the kitchen sink since it is used to treat water for drinking and cooking purposes. RO systems consist of the pre-filter, RO membrane unit, a pressurized storage tank for the treated water, a post-filter and a separate delivery tap for the treated water supply.
A Typical Home RO System Includes:
1. Particle filter
2. Carbon filter
3. Reverse osmosis membrane unit
4. Carbon adsorption post-filter
What are RO Stages and do they really mater?
1. Prefilter: The prefilter is sometimes referred to as a sediment filter. It removes small suspended particles to extend the life of the membrane. Some membrane units are damaged by chlorine and others by bacterial growth. Where chlorine is present, a carbon prefilter may also be recommended.
2. Carbon Filter : The carbon filter is used to reduce chlorine and other organic contamination in the water. It is important to change this filter often in order for the R.O. Membrane to last as long as it should.
3. RO Membrane: Several kinds of reverse osmosis membranes are available. The most common materials are cellulose acetate or polyamide resins. Mixtures or variations of these materials are also used. Each product has certain advantages and limitations and these need to be considered carefully. Some of the factors that should be investigated are: The contaminant(s) involved and their initial concentration(s). The water supply rate, or whether the system will deliver enough water to meet normal daily drinking and cooking requirements. The rejection rate, or the percentage of contaminants to be removed by the membrane. The water pressure required to meet the supply and rejection rates. That is, can this unit be operated on the normal operating pressure of a home water system or will a booster pump be required
4. Post-Filter: The main reason for postfiltration is to remove any undesirable taste and any residual organics from the treated water. Usually a carbon filter is used for this purpose. Where a carbon filter is used as a part of the prefiltration step, postfiltration is normally eliminated.
What does an RO System cost?
When deciding on a water treatment system be sure to investigate all options and all costs. To compare purchase to lease or rent options consider the following: Initial Costs of the System Be sure that all parts are included, especially when comparisons are being made. RO units range in cost from $300 to $3000 and vary in quality and effectiveness. Replacement membranes cost $100 to $200 and filter cartridges around $50. Is there enough space to accommodate the system being considered or will some modifications of space be needed? Operating and Maintenance Costs: Electricity to pump the water is the only significant operating cost. Filter cleaning and/or replacement (both pre and post-filters) and RO membrane replacement need to be estimated. Whether routine maintenance can be done by the owner or requires special service is important information when purchasing a system
· Summary
Reverse osmosis is a proven technology that has been used successfully on a commercial basis. One of the better known uses of RO is the removal of salt from seawater. Household RO units typically deliver small amounts (2 to 10 gallons per day) of treated water and waste 3 to 20 times the amount of water treated. Reverse osmosis units remove many inorganic contaminants from household drinking water supplies. The removal effectiveness depends on the contaminant and its concentration, the membrane selected, the water pressure and proper installation. RO units require regular maintenance and monitoring to perform satisfactorily over an extended period of time. Before purchasing an RO unit or any other water treatment equipment, purchasers should test their water to be certain that treatment is needed and that the equipment being selected is appropriate to the problem requiring treatment. All costs need to be considered when comparing competitive systems and when making purchase or rental decisions.
