Before water can be used for cooking and drinking, it undergoes filtration and purification. You can try many filter types to purify your water, like mechanical, ion exchange, and other filters. However, out of all the other filtration types, reverse osmosis (RO) is considered one of the most reliable methods of removing contaminants in your water.
Simply put, RO is a water treatment process using a semipermeable membrane to filter contaminants through water pressure. Besides sediments, it can also remove any unwanted microorganisms and impurities. If you want to learn more about this amazing process, read on to find out.
RO Filtration Stages
One important thing that you should know about the RO process is that it doesn’t just happen only on the membrane. Often, it’s four-stage water filtration. Here is how it usually goes:
Sediment Filter
The first filter that water has to flow through is called the sediment filter. As the name implies, it is a physical filter that removes the largest particles and sediments by blocking them from getting through the subsequent stages. These matters include dirt, rust, sand, clay, and other debris potentially mixed in the water. The cloudiness in the water caused by suspended solids can also be removed.
Carbon Filter
After the sediment filter comes the carbon filter. This stage is designed to remove other smaller contaminants that pass through the first filter. It uses activated carbon to trap smaller particles. It can also remove chemicals like chlorine, pesticides, and others. Thus, the taste and odor of the water are restored.
Semipermeable Membrane
The water flows through the main semipermeable RO membrane using high pressure. This stage is designed to allow only certain smaller molecules to pass through due to the membrane’s small pore size of fewer than 0.0005 microns. Some particles, such as sodium and other dissolved minerals, are filtered out here.
Post Filter
However, the RO process doesn’t end with the membrane. Before the water becomes 100% safe and clean, it must flow through one final carbon filter. This stage ensures the removal of unwanted odors and tastes, thus effectively polishing the water as thoroughly as possible. It also serves as a final check and inspection against other impurities.
Final Points
A fully-functioning RO system can protect you and your family by effectively removing common chemical contaminants. That’s why you need a RO unit maintenance and repair service that you can trust. Contact Adams Water Conditioning to learn more about what we can offer you.
