Drinking pure water is necessary for your health and well-being. With growing concerns about water quality and contamination, many households are turning to advanced filtration systems like Reverse Osmosis or RO to ensure the water they consume is impurity-free. Here we will explore what a reverse osmosis water filter is, how it functions, and the numerous benefits it offers.
What is a Reverse Osmosis Water Filter?
A reverse osmosis (RO) water filter is a water purification system that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants and impurities from tap water.
The term “reverse osmosis” refers to the process by which unfiltered water molecules are forced through the membrane against their natural flow. Water flows from the more concentrated side of the RO membrane, which has more impurities, to the less concentrated side, which has fewer contaminants to produce clean drinking water. The freshwater produced is known as the permeate, and the concentrated water is called the waste or brine.
What is the Function of a Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier?
The primary role of a reverse osmosis water purifier is to offer clean and safe drinking water by removing various contaminants. Here’s how it works:
1. Pre-filtration
When water initially enters an RO system, it undergoes a prefiltration process. This prefiltration stage typically involves passing the water through two types of pre-filters:
- Sediment filter removes impurities such as dirt, dust, and rust
- Carbon filter eliminates chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other impurities that give water an unpleasant taste or odour
This stage helps protect the delicate RO membrane from clogging or damage.
2. Reverse Osmosis
Following pre-filtration, the water is pressurized and pushed through the RO membrane. The membrane has tiny pores that allow only water molecules to pass through, effectively blocking up to 98% of impurities, such as minerals, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and even dissolved solids like salts.
Once the filtration is complete, the water flows to a storage tank and remains stored until required. A reverse osmosis system continuously purifies water until the storage tank gets full and then automatically switches off.
3. Post-filtration
When you switch on your water filter, the water is dispensed from the storage tank and further polished using a postfilter before it reaches your tap, ensuring the quality and improved taste of the drinking water you receive.
What Does a Reverse Osmosis System Remove?
Reverse osmosis water filters are highly effective at removing various contaminants, including:
- Dissolved solids like arsenic, fluoride, and salts
- Heavy metals like lead and mercury
- Chlorines and chloramines
- Certain bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms
What are Some Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier Benefits?
Investing in a reverse osmosis domestic water purifier offers several benefits:
- Eliminates unpleasant tastes and odours
- An environmentally friendly choice compared to bottled water
- Easy to set up and maintain
- Designed to fit conveniently under your kitchen sink
A reverse osmosis water filter is an efficient appliance for ensuring the quality and safety of your drinking water. This high-tech system removes various contaminants and offers numerous benefits compared to other domestic water purifiers. Invest in one today for a healthier tomorrow.