| How does reverse osmosis work? |
| Osmosis is a fundamental effect in all biological systems, and can be applied to water purification and other chemical and industrial processes. Osmosis works according to the principal that when two water volumes are separated by a semi-permeable membrane, water will flow from the side of low solute concentration to the side of high solute concentration. With reverse osmosis systems, this flow is stopped or reversed by applying external pressure on the higher concentration side. Typically, reverse osmosis is only one stage of the reverse osmosis water treatment process. Sediment and carbon filtration is also normally included, and each filtration stage contributes to the purification process. The specific stages of a reverse osmosis system are listed below. 1. The first stage of filtration involves a sediment filter, which reduces suspended particles such as dirt, dust and rust. 2. The second stage of filtration involves a carbon filter, which reduces volatile organic chemicals, chlorine, and other taste and odor causing compounds. 3. The third and final stage of filtration involves the Thin Film Membrane (TFM) - considered the heart of a reverse osmosis system. Responsible for rejecting up to 98 percent of the total dissolved solids in the water, the reverse osmosis membrane is where purification takes place. Home Page | FAQs | Glossary | Contact Us |