What Is a Reverse Osmosis System? Uses and Advantages

Have you heard about reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis is one of the water purification methods, especially for industrial water. Then, how does a reverse osmosis system work, and what are the benefits? Read this article to find the answers!

What Is a Reverse Osmosis System (RO)?

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process using a semipermeable membrane. This process aims to remove particles, ions, bacteria, organic substances, dissolved salts, and unwanted molecules from water. RO is also used to lower the mineral content in water.

Initially, reverse osmosis was used for seawater desalination. However, as technology develops, RO is also used to produce water resources, such as water purification for industrial use, cooling water manufacturing, water recycling, and wastewater treatment.

The final water of the reverse osmosis system is called water product, filtrate, or permeate. On the other hand, the wastewater or dissolved substances that cannot pass the membrane are called concentrate, wastewater, or reject water.

In general, RO uses high pressure to pull the water in the opposite direction through a tight membrane, hindering bacteria, dissolved substances, endotoxins, and other particles. Thus, you can obtain pure water.

According to the Handbook of Dialysis Therapy, the effectiveness of a reverse osmosis system depends on several factors, such as the pressure on the RO system, feedwater composition, the amount of dissolved gas in the feedwater, and the temperature of the feedwater.

How a Reverse Osmosis System Works

A reverse osmosis system (RO) uses high-pressure pumps to push the water through the membranes. As a result, particles, salts, bacteria, and viruses are halted in the membranes.

The pressure used also depends on the salt and particle content of the water. The more concentrated the feedwater, the stronger the pressure applied to the system.

Typically, RO for treating fresh water uses a pressure of 150–200 psi, while for seawater, the pressure ranges from 600–950 psi. In summary, the reverse osmosis water treatment process is as follows:

Pre-filtration: Big contaminants and chemicals, such as dust, chlorine, and sludge, will be removed from the feedwater.
Pressurized addition: The water pressure is increased to let the water pass through the RO membrane.
Water collection: The purified water will be collected for pH and other characterization adjustments.
Waste discharge: The remaining water and substances trapped in the membrane will be discharged into the drain or collected to be processed into environmentally safe wastewater.
Water distribution: The purified water will be distributed to industries and households.

The Uses of a Reverse Osmosis System

Reverse osmosis (RO) is usually utilized for water desalination. Moreover, RO is effective in treating brackish water, surface water, and groundwater for both large and small flow applications.

Some industries implementing RO are boiler water manufacturers, pharmaceuticals, semiconductor manufacturers, the food and beverage industry, pure drinking water, water needs in tourism, wastewater treatment, the oil and gas industry, and many more.

Benefits of a Reverse Osmosis System

Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the water purification processes widely used in industries and households, especially to fulfill pure water needs. Below are the advantages of a reverse osmosis system:

1. Improving Water Taste and Quality

Reverse osmosis is used to improve the taste and quality of water. The pre-filtration process in RO removes chemicals in water, especially those causing unpleasant smell and taste.

2. Effectively Purifying Water

By using a semipermeable membrane, substances, heavy metals, bacteria, organic chemicals, and contaminants are effectively retained. As a result, the water is very pure, high quality, and free from most contaminants.

In addition to contaminants, RO can also remove various ions, such as magnesium, sodium, calcium, arsenic, cadmium, radium, and others.

3. Increasing Safety

Because RO water does not contain heavy metals and contaminants, it is safer for households and industrial purposes. RO can treat various types of water, such as rainwater, river water, well water, and seawater. In fact, RO is considered safe to drink as long as it is stored properly.

4. Low Maintenance

A reverse osmosis system is modularly designed, making it easy to replace and maintain components. Furthermore, some RO systems have advanced monitoring technology that can help you maintain the equipment.

That concludes the information about a reverse osmosis system you must know. RO is one of the water purification methods used by industries, especially for washing operational machines and for boiler water.

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This Chandra Asri Group-affiliated company uses advanced technology in processing demineralized water and clean water for industrial purposes. Moreover, KTI also treats wastewater safely, in a standardized manner, and responsibly.

So, make sure to entrust your industrial water with water solutions from Krakatau Tirta Industri and Chandra Asri Group!