REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEMS

How does reverse osmosis work?

Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most effective methods of water treatment and purification used in industry and drinking water systems. This process involves passing water through a semi-permeable membrane under high pressure. As a result, water molecules are separated from dissolved salts, heavy metals, organic compounds, and microorganisms. This technology makes it possible to obtain water of very high purity and is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and energy industries.

Raw water supply:

The process begins with supplying raw water to the system. This water may come from various sources such as municipal water, surface water, groundwater, or industrial wastewater requiring treatment.

Pre-treatment:

Before water is directed to the membranes, a pre-treatment process is carried out. It usually includes mechanical filtration, removal of suspended solids, and activated carbon filtration to remove chlorine and organic compounds that could damage the membranes.

Membrane filtration:

The main stage of the process is passing water through a semi-permeable membrane under high pressure (typically from about 10 to 80 bar). Membranes with very small pores, approximately 0.0001 ?m, retain most dissolved substances while allowing only water molecules to pass through.

Separation of streams:

During the process, two streams are produced: permeate, which is purified water, and concentrate, which contains the retained contaminants and is discharged from the system or directed for further treatment.

Use of treated water:

Water obtained through reverse osmosis can be used in many technological processes requiring high-purity water. Depending on the application, it may also undergo additional mineralization or disinfection.