What is Reverse Osmosis?

By Joe Bongiovanni

Reverse Osmosis Water Systems have been becoming more and more commercially viable each year and are used by over 100 countries in the world. These systems vary greatly in their size and purpose. Residential units range from 2x2x1 for personal use under the sink to waterworks systems the size of a football fields for cities and villages like Geneva, IL. Business applications of Reverse Osmosis are not limited to drinking water and include: Photography, Dialysis, Car Wash Water Reuse, Biomedical Applications, Pharmaceutical Production, Cosmetics, Livestock Food, Gardening, Metal Plating, Semiconductors, and Maple Syrup. Technological improvements of existing designs continually increase capabilities while improving efficiency.

As great as that all sounds, what does it mean? What is Reverse Osmosis? It is not all that complicated and begins with an old science term called osmosis. According to the Merriam-Webster’s definition, “Osmosis is the movement of a solvent (as water) through a semipermeable membrane (as of a living cell) into a solution of higher solute concentration that tends to equalize the concentrations of solute on the two sides of the membrane.”

Osmosis by Angel Water
Safe and clean drinking water can be produced by reversing the process. By using pressure to force water through the membrane, reverse osmosis filters the water and while trapping any particles like salt. The process was first observed by the University of California at Los Angeles during investigative research on desalination of ocean water. Early membranes of the mid 1950’s were not sufficient to create enough fresh water to be feasible for individual use. There are currently over 15,000 desalination plants operating across the globe.

Well how do RO Systems work today? Reverse Osmosis uses 50 to 60 bars of pressure to counteract the natural flow of osmosis. The semipermeable membrane allows the tiny water molecules to pass through but larger contaminants are too big and are left behind. This is also a form of ion exclusion. RO Systems normally will require some sort of sediment pre-filter to prevent the membrane from getting clogged by suspended materials. A carbon pre-filter is also included to prevent chlorine from damaging the membrane.

Reverse Osmosis by Angel Water
Reverse Osmosis is a revolutionary process used to turn dirty water into clean, safe drinking water for the entire family. This technology can be implemented just about anywhere that it is needed. From individual homes to the armed forces to the International Space Station, Reverse Osmosis Systems can be installed just about anywhere that requires a clean water supply. Call (847) 382-7800 today and see how Angel Water can get you clean, safe drinking water in your home.