Among household systems for preparing drinking water for consumption, a new option has recently appeared, which is called reverse osmosis. This set of filters and a special membrane costs a lot, but it can give odds to almost any analogue.
Does it make sense to fork out? To get the answer to this question, you need to find out how reverse osmosis works, and then correlate the costs and the result. With our help, the process of getting acquainted with an advanced treatment system will go much faster and more efficiently.
We have collected and systematized for you all the useful and reliable information about the membrane water treatment plant. To complete the perception, we supplemented the text material with diagrams, illustrations and videos with recommendations to future customers.
Work reverse osmosis
The osmosis process is based on the property of water to level the level of impurities in solutions separated by a membrane. The holes in this membrane are so small that only water molecules can pass through them.
If in one part of such a hypothetical vessel the concentration of impurities is increased, water will begin to flow there until the liquid density in both parts of the vessel is equalized.
Reverse osmosis gives the exact opposite result. In this case, the membrane is used not to equalize the density of the liquid, but to collect clean water on one side and a solution saturated with impurities on the other. That is why such a process is called reverse osmosis.
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The reverse osmosis drinking water treatment system uses several stages of purification
The modules of the cleaning installation are located in a strictly defined order, guaranteeing an increase in the degree of cleaning with the transfer of water from one flask to another
From the water supply, water first enters the coarse filter, which holds contaminants up to 5 microns in size, then passes through the coal module and is again cleaned already in the fine filter of particles up to 1 micron in size
After preliminary preparation in the first three filters, water enters the module with a membrane, passing through which water is freed from particles of less than 1 micron, microbes and viruses
Membrane-treated water enters a post-filter filled with activated carbon. In it, she gets the usual taste and smell of pure water.
In addition to the coal post-filter, a mineralizer can be included in the water treatment system, enriching the water prepared for drinking with useful trace elements
During the assembly process of the system, you cannot change the location of the modules indicated by the manufacturer of the system
In areas where water softening and iron removal is carried out by the local water utility, the number of pre-treatment filters in the system can be reduced
Reverse Osmosis Cleaning Plant
Modules of a water treatment plant
Coarse and fine water filters
Reverse osmosis membrane filter
Flavor and Odor Alignment Module
Mineralizer reverse osmosis
Standard module layout
The number of pre-training blocks
All these chemical features are of little interest to customers, especially those who are not very knowledgeable in science. It is enough for them to understand that the center of the reverse osmosis system is a special membrane, the pores of which are so small that they do not pass anything that exceeds the size of a water molecule, and this is a significant part of the pollution contained in tap water.
Alas, the water molecule is not the smallest on earth, for example, chlorine molecules are much smaller, so they can also leak through the membrane. In addition, contact with large suspensions of this membrane is contraindicated. Its small pores during this exposure will quickly become clogged, and this element will have to be replaced immediately.
This diagram illustrates five stages of water purification using a reverse osmosis system: preliminary cleaning through three filters, a membrane and after-treatment
To prevent this from happening, three more additional filters are included in the reverse osmosis system, with which the water undergoes preliminary preparation. The membrane divides the partially purified water into two unequal parts. About a third of the incoming volume is pure water, which then enters the storage tank.
Another two-thirds of the volume of water is the part in which the pollution is concentrated. Such a concentrate is discharged into the sewer. There is usually a small container between the tank and the tap. A cartridge is installed here, which is designed to improve the quality of already purified water, for example, to saturate it with useful minerals.
Schematically, the principle of reverse osmosis can be described as follows:
- Water flows from the water system to the pre-filters.
- Then the fluid undergoes a reverse osmosis procedure.
- Purified water enters the storage tank.
- Concentrate containing filtered impurities is transported to the sewer.
- Clean water from the storage tank enters the tap for clean water directly or through additional devices.
Thus, the reverse osmosis system is a set of devices that provide the ability to obtain drinking water with a high degree of purification. Until recently, such systems were used mainly in industry, in catering establishments in health facilities, etc.
This diagram illustrates the separation of a stream of water purified using a reverse osmosis system into two streams: pure water and a concentrate that moves into the sewer
But due to the growing demands on the quality of tap water, in recent years, reverse osmosis systems designed for domestic use have gained popularity. They vary in configuration, performance, storage tank size, etc. Filters and membrane must be replaced periodically.
How to determine if a membrane needs to be replaced? As it exploits, its pores become clogged, and the moment comes when water simply does not pass into the storage tank. Such a membrane will have to be replaced in any case. But experts recommend replacing it much earlier.
The reverse osmosis system consists of a storage tank, a set of three pre-filters, a membrane and a post-filter for additional treatment and enrichment of water
To determine the quality of water purified using a reverse osmosis system, use an electronic device - TDS-metr. With its help determine the level of salt content in water.
For tap water, before treatment, this indicator can be 150-250 mg / L, and after treatment using reverse osmosis technology, the salt content is considered to be the norm in the range of 5-20 mg / L. If the amount of salts in purified water is more than 20 mg / l, it is recommended to replace the membrane.
Those who want to choose water filters used in various stages of purification will find a lot of useful information in the next article.
Individual elements of the system
The most expensive and basic element of the reverse osmosis system is the membrane. It is a microporous material twisted in one or more layers around a perforated plastic core. On top of the membrane is closed with a plastic protective cover, which is fixed by O-rings.
Water enters the membrane body and passes through a porous filler. In this case, pure water molecules penetrate through the porous core and then move into the storage tank.
But pollution with a certain amount of water cannot overcome the membrane barrier. They exit the opposite end of the membrane block and are disposed of.
In the diagram you can see the composition of the membrane for the reverse osmosis system: a multilayer porous material fixed in a plastic case around a perforated core
As previously mentioned, direct contact of the membrane with ordinary tap water can be detrimental. The fact is that its pores are very small - only 0.0001 microns. The membrane cannot be removed, washed and reinstalled, as is the case with some mechanical coarse filters.
An expensive item has to be completely replaced every two to three years. The term may vary depending on the operating conditions of the membrane: pressure in the water supply system, amount and nature of contaminants, water temperature, etc.
In some cases, the membrane can last five years or even longer, sometimes it is necessary to replace it after the first year of operation.
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Ultra-thin membrane filter
The structure of the cleaning membrane
Flask for installing a membrane filter
Hose for draining the hose
An important factor in this is the presence of pre-filters: two mechanical and one carbon. The first mechanical filter cuts off all insoluble contaminants whose size exceeds 0.5 microns. It can be grains of sand, particles of rust and other similar “mechanics”.
Then the water passes through a carbon filter, which holds molecules of various chemicals: chlorine compounds, which are invariably present in tap water, as well as heavy metals that have penetrated pesticides, dissolved iron, and other inclusions of organic or inorganic origin.
Mechanical and carbon filters in the reverse osmosis system require replacement every four to six months. The necessary cartridges can be purchased as a kit
After that, another mechanical single-micron filter completes the preliminary water treatment. As a result, water containing no contaminants that can damage the membrane filter or overcome it enters the membrane.
These filters need to be replaced regularly every few months. But they cost several orders of magnitude cheaper than a membrane, and timely replacement can significantly extend its service life.
An accumulative tank is used to collect purified water. Its capacity can vary between 4-12 liters, it depends on the performance of the system. High quality steel is commonly used to produce such tanks. Outside the container is covered with a layer of durable enamel. A silicone gasket is installed inside, which divides the tank into two parts.
On one side of the gasket there is collected clean water, on the other - air. The amount of air in the chamber can be changed using a nipple located on the air side of the tank.
Air creates additional pressure inside the storage tank, which helps to move water to the tap with the necessary pressure. Of course, the tank has an outlet for connecting a hose through which drinking water moves to the tap.
Usually this faucet is installed on a sink. Even if the water supply through the water supply system is interrupted for some reason, a certain amount will remain in the tank, which will make the problem less acute. In this situation, to completely empty the storage tank, it makes sense to increase the pressure by pumping air through a nipple connection.
The degree of water purification using a reverse osmosis system brings it closer to distilled. At the same time, the membrane passes oxygen molecules dissolved in water, which increases its quality.
To improve the taste, water can be passed through a mineralizer or other modules. But it is suitable for drinking and immediately after passing the membrane cleaning. There is no need to boil it for drinking.
As an additional module that improves the quality of drinking water, reverse osmosis systems can be supplemented with a mineralizer or bioceramic cartridge. The mineralizer is used to enrich water with useful substances such as calcium, sodium, magnesium, etc.
All these minerals have a positive effect on the human nervous and cardiovascular systems, prevent the occurrence of many dangerous diseases, stimulate the normal level of blood acidity, etc.
The mineralizer in reverse osmosis systems is used to enrich purified water with minerals and make it more healthy.
The bioceramic cartridge acts differently. As part of its “filling” there are balls consisting of baked clay and pieces of tourmaline. This mineral is capable of exerting an extremely beneficial effect on water. It contributes to a change in the structure of water, which ultimately has a beneficial effect on the endocrine system and strengthening immunity.
Over time, the resource of such additional modules is exhausted, they require periodic replacement. Therefore, it is more convenient to use a crane with two valves.
At one valve, water is supplied directly from the drive, and at the second - passed through the mineralizer. The water enriched with useful substances is used only for drinking, and is prepared on water without minerals.
One of the most popular articles on our site will familiarize you with the rules for choosing a water purification system for an autonomous water supply system for a private house.
Advantages and disadvantages of reverse osmosis
A high degree of purification and guaranteed quality of drinking water are the main advantages of reverse osmosis systems. It is estimated that the content of foreign substances in the water purified by this method is ten times lower than the minimum allowable rate. The design features of the membrane prevent accidental ingress of contaminants into the stream of purified water.
This diagram shows in detail the device and principle of operation of the reverse osmosis membrane, which allows you to get purified water - permeate - and remove the contaminated part - concentrate
Such water can be safely consumed for drinking and cooking, it can be given to children and pets. For health, water obtained by reverse osmosis technology is much more beneficial than boiled tap water. Aquarists use such water to supplement the volume of aquariums without settling.
Despite the more complex design compared to conventional household filters, the installation of such systems is carried out without any problems. Everything needed for installation is usually supplied. Almost all elements or their modifications can be purchased separately.
The system does not take up too much space, most often a tank and a set of filters with a membrane are fixed directly under the sink. A compact faucet for drinking water, installed on the sink, usually fits perfectly into the interior.
The dimensions of the components of the reverse osmosis system are small, usually they can be easily installed under the sink. The kit includes a set of narrow hoses for connecting individual elements of the system
The main disadvantage of reverse osmosis systems is the high initial cost of the kit. Further system maintenance will also require the cost of replacing filter cartridges, but they cost significantly less.
Every few years it will be necessary to replace the membrane, the price of which can be about $ 50. But calculations show that as a result, the cost of clean water will cost the family less than buying drinking water from third-party suppliers.
The effectiveness of the membrane in the reverse osmosis system is gradually decreasing, it must be replaced every few years. This period varies depending on operating conditions.
Another feature of the reverse osmosis system, which with a stretch can be considered a drawback, is low productivity. The purified water seeps through the membrane very slowly; the standard membrane capacity is about 150-300 liters per day.
Moreover, more than half of the water coming from the water supply goes to the sewer, which to some extent affects the amount of utility bills.
But if the volume of the storage tank is selected correctly, then problems can arise for a short time only when the system starts immediately after installation or after a long period of inactivity with an empty storage tank.
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Replaceable reverse osmosis filters
Coarse cartridge change
Cartridge Flask Modules
Recycling used cartridges
We recommend an article on the topic: Reverse osmosis: the harm and benefits of membrane purification of tap water.
How to choose a suitable model?
The sizes of elements of reverse osmosis systems usually correspond to a certain standard, but not always. Using a system with standard parameters gives a wider selection of replaceable elements. Practice shows that products of domestic production, which are cheaper than foreign analogues, do not differ much in quality from the latter.
The reverse osmosis pre-filter cartridges, as well as the membrane and post-filter, require periodic replacement. It is not difficult to perform on your own in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
Of course, it is better to make a purchase directly from the manufacturer, from a verified dealer or in a reliable store. Good reverse osmosis systems have a technical certificate, an official guarantee, detailed installation and operation instructions, as well as quality certificates.
The dimensions of the storage tank depend on the needs of the family, as well as on the size of the space in which the device will be installed. The capacity of the maximum size will be appropriate for the house in which a large family lives, the most popular are tanks of about 8-10 liters.
An important indicator is the working pressure in the water supply system. The optimal indicator is 2.8 bar. If the pressure is too low, it makes sense to buy a reverse osmosis system with a built-in pump that will provide sufficient pressure for drinking water. If the pressure in the water supply is much higher, you will need to install a pressure reduction gear.
If the individual elements of a reverse osmosis system have standard sizes, it will be easier to find suitable cartridges for replacement. This point should be clarified before purchase.
The most careful attention is required by the membrane of the reverse osmosis system. This element must be of consistently high quality and with suitable performance. For a small family, the optimal figure is about 7 liters per hour.
It makes no sense to overpay for a more productive membrane if it is not necessary. For comparison: a device with a capacity of 15 liters per hour easily meets the needs for clean water of a small catering business.
A kit is considered standard, which includes five main cleaning steps: three pre-filters, a membrane and a post-filter. The content of this last item may vary.
Mineralizer and bioceramic cartridge have already been mentioned. The installation of a cartridge containing coconut shell, activated carbon and silver ions is also considered a popular solution.
These substances disinfect water, additionally purify it and give it a pleasant taste. Another interesting option for post-treatment of water is an ultraviolet disinfectant. Some models of reverse osmosis systems allow you to use several different cartridges at the same time.
Video # 1. A general overview of the principles of functioning of reverse osmosis systems can be found here:
Video # 2. This video describes in detail the operation of such a system using the example of the Geyser Prestige M model:
Video # 3. This video allows you to compare the features of flow filters and reverse osmosis systems:
Reverse osmosis systems are a reliable and convenient way to provide your home with enough clean drinking water. Yes, the prices of such devices remain high, but they more than pay off, since clean drinking water reduces the risk of many diseases and improves the quality of life.
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