Understanding how a commercial reverse osmosis water system works is crucial if you’re considering this technology for your business’s water purification needs. A commercial RO system uses a high-pressure pump to force water through a semi-permeable membrane, leaving contaminants behind.
The membrane’s tiny pores allow only water molecules to pass through, effectively separating impurities from the water.
Feed water enters the system and undergoes pre-filtration, typically including a sediment filter and a carbon filter. These stages remove larger particles like dirt and chlorine, which can damage or clog the RO membrane. The high-pressure pump pushes the pre-filtered water against the RO membrane, which is where the core of the purification happens. The pressure forces water through the membrane, trapping dissolved solids, heavy metals, bacteria, and other contaminants, which get flushed away as waste.
The purified water, also known as permeate, then moves into a storage tank. Before the water comes out of the faucet, it often goes through a post-filter, usually an activated carbon filter, to remove any remaining taste or odor. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of filters and membranes are vital to keep the system working efficiently. The specifics can depend on the water quality, system capacity, and manufacturer recommendations.
By leveraging this powerful filtration process, a commercial reverse osmosis water system can provide your business with clean, safe, and great-tasting water, which is essential for many applications, from food service to pharmaceuticals.