- Pre-treatment: Before the water enters the RO membrane, it undergoes pre-treatment to remove larger particles, sediment, chlorine, and other impurities. This pre-treatment often involves processes such as sediment filtration, activated carbon filtration, and sometimes even water softening to protect the RO membrane from damage and clogging.
- Reverse Osmosis: The pre-treated water is then pressurized and forced through a semi-permeable membrane in the reverse osmosis unit. The RO membrane allows water molecules to pass through while blocking contaminants such as dissolved salts, heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses. As a result, purified water (permeate) is collected on one side of the membrane, while the concentrated contaminants (reject stream) are flushed away.
- Post-treatment: After passing through the RO membrane, the purified water may undergo further treatment to improve its taste, quality, and stability. This can include additional filtration through activated carbon filters to remove any remaining odors or tastes, as well as disinfection through ultraviolet (UV) light or ozonation to ensure the water is microbiologically safe for consumption.
- Storage and Distribution: Once the water has been purified and treated, it is stored in a clean, sealed storage tank to maintain its purity. From there, it can be distributed to various points of use through a network of pipes, faucets, and dispensers, providing clean and safe drinking water on demand.
Overall, the RO drinking water plant utilizes a combination of physical filtration and membrane separation processes to effectively remove a wide range of contaminants from water, producing high-quality drinking water that meets regulatory standards and consumer expectations. Regular maintenance, including periodic membrane cleaning and replacement, is essential to ensure the continued efficiency and performance of the RO system.
