Are you familiar with the situation when an unclear liquid of dubious composition, which also does not smell very nice, runs from the tap? The problem of high-quality purification of tap water is now becoming increasingly important. Agree, risking your health by using tap water is unreasonably expensive. And buying bottles of drinking water daily is an expensive exercise that takes up a lot of useful time.
To solve this problem, many different filters have been developed. Reverse osmosis plants are in high demand. But at the same time, such systems are shrouded in a series of myths and prejudices. Surely you, like many potential buyers, are concerned about the question of how reverse osmosis works: will harm or benefit for the body be from the use of a “perfectly cleaned” liquid?
We will help you deal with the intricacies of membrane cleaning and find out whether pure water is really harmful as they say. The article contains the most popular arguments in favor of and against reverse osmosis, provides visual photos and videos to help evaluate the real advantages of purified water in front of tap water.
The principle of reverse osmosis
The ability of filters that perform water purification on the principle of reverse osmosis to completely rid water of impurities, which is interpreted by specialists not only as a virtue, but also as a disadvantage.
Reverse osmosis as an industrial method of water treatment has been used since the 70s of the last century. First, it was used to desalinate sea water.
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Reverse osmosis is a multi-stage water filtration method that provides the highest level of purification
Regardless of the initial salt content in the water, the reverse osmosis unit reduces the content of mineral inclusions to 1-9%, the organic component to 5% of the standard volume
The reverse osmosis technology is used for domestic purposes, for which compact filter systems are produced
Reverse osmosis technology is used on an industrial scale: in the food industry, in medicine, in pharmacology
The standard set of filters for reverse osmosis cleaning includes coarse and fine filters, a softener, a membrane filter, a carbon filter and a mineralizer
In a reverse osmosis installation, there may be fewer modules if softening and primary water filtration are carried out by the water supply
Reverse osmosis filters are clogged periodically and require cleaning or replacement. To do this, simply unwind the flask and install a new cartridge or fill with fresh filling
With little contamination, the coarse filters can be washed with running water. If heavily soiled, replace the cartridge.
Reverse Osmosis Plant
Getting potable water
Household reverse osmosis system
Industrial water filtration station
Standard components of a treatment system
A reduced set of filters in the system
Modules and filters for reverse osmosis
Coarse filters for water treatment
Thanks to technology improvements, it has become possible to use reverse osmosis filters at home.
The resulting water has a unique degree of purification, in many respects its properties are close to melt. But it is meltwater of glaciers that is considered the most useful and environmentally friendly.
Reverse osmosis is by far the most effective method of treating water. It is widely used throughout the world in various fields.
In the process of reverse osmosis, water is separated from the substances dissolved in it at the molecular level.
A semipermeable membrane through which liquid passes under pressure passes only water molecules (as well as other particles of equal or smaller size), and the vast majority of impurities retain it.
Thus, on one side of the membrane, almost “crystal” water is accumulated.
Reverse osmosis provides a much higher degree of purification of liquids from contaminants than most popular common filtration methods.
Special membranes used in reverse osmosis filters trap mineral and organic impurities, viruses, bacteria, iron, heavy metals, hardness salts, etc.
Being a "molecular sieve", they protect the consumer from all kinds of unpleasant surprises associated with the deterioration of the chemical and organoleptic properties of water.
Reverse osmosis plants have positively proven themselves in both industrial and domestic applications. They are highly reliable and durable.
Filter design and specifications
A household reverse osmosis unit usually includes these key components:
- prefilters (one or multistage preliminary cleaning);
- membrane reverse osmosis;
- post filters (finishing cleaning);
- storage tank.
The preliminary cleaning stage allows removing mechanical impurities, chlorine, and a number of organic compounds from water. This allows you to maximize the life of the "heart of the system" - a membrane that performs the main fine water purification.
The standard equipment of the reverse osmosis installation will be presented by the photo gallery:
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In the basic configuration of the system for fine filtration and preparation of drinking water, at least five working modules
From the water supply, water first flows into a coarse filter made of foamed polypropylene. Here, water is freed from mineral and organic inclusions larger than 5 microns
After the first stage, rough water will have to go through another polypropylene filter, but with a porosity of 2 microns
Having passed the filters of rough and fine purification, water enters the flask with a membrane filter. It is cleared at the molecular level, getting rid of viruses and microbes at the same time.
Not all water passes through the membrane filter. The one that did not pass is discharged into the sewer through a hose connected to the bottom of only this module
Ultra-thin membrane cleaning deprives the water of its usual taste and pleasant smell. In order to return these properties, a carbon filter is included in the installation
Next, the water enters the flask with a mineral filler. It is designed to saturate purified water with useful trace elements and minerals.
The minerals contained in the mineralizer not only restore the mineral composition required by the water, but also even out the acid-base balance
Household installation for fine water filtration
Coarse filter flask
Second stage of rough cleaning
Module for installing a membrane cartridge
The bottom of the flask with a membrane filter
Charcoal filter to even out the taste of water
Mineral-filled module
Mineral filling of a flask with a mineralizer
Post-filters are installed for additional deep clarification of the liquid, ionization, improvement of its taste.
Fully “treated” water enters the storage tank, from where it is supplied through a special separate tap for clean water. Typically, a crane is also included with the equipment.
For the reverse osmosis filter to work for a long time, productively and efficiently, a certain pressure in the water supply is required. From 2.8 to 6 atm is optimal.
If the pressure is too low, you need a pump to increase the pressure, in the opposite situation, you should take care to install a pressure relief valve.
A properly installed high-quality device has been working properly for many years - without breakdowns, leaks, malfunctions. All that is required of the user is the timely replacement of cartridges.
The reverse osmosis membrane must be changed approximately every 2-4 years. Pre-filters - once every six months, finishing filters - once a year. You can do this work yourself.
Timely replacement of filters and membranes is the key to the effective operation of equipment and the health of all family members. This process is usually straightforward.
Harm and cons of installing the system
Together with well-deserved praise, reverse osmosis filters are often subjected to devastating criticism. This method of cleaning, according to many, embodies the saying "the best is the enemy of the good."
One of the key disadvantages of the plants is their low productivity. Filters are very “meticulous” in cleaning - about 1 liter of “initial liquid” leaves for 1 liter of “good” water.
Reverse osmosis filters are very wasteful systems. They “drain” up to 75% of the total volume of water into the sewer. This is their major drawback.
Also among the minuses of the devices are:
- dimension;
- high cost;
- additional costs for the system with "incorrect" pressure in the water supply.
But the main "defect" of the installations is their possible harm to health. It is this fact that worries the minds of consumers the most.
It is known that water that underwent reverse osmosis becomes almost a distillate. The conclusions of experts regarding the harm and benefits of such a fluid have always been and still are.
Soviet scientists adhered to the position that natural mineral substances must be contained in the water - otherwise harm to health cannot be avoided.
The usefulness of the distillate can only be said if it is used for a short time. The fact that it is good for research and medical purposes does not make it such for the human body.
Regular consumption of water passing through the reverse osmosis membrane can lead to a violation of the salt balance, which is one of the most important metabolic processes in the body.
He is responsible for the correct combination of quality and quantity of salts in all anatomical and physiological structures.
Violation of this balance to the greater side threatens the deposition of salts, to a lesser extent - thinning and improper functioning of the tissues. The reverse osmosis membrane is an obstacle for salt ions and other trace elements required by the body.
Lack of salts leads to thinning of bone tissue, resulting in bones becoming fragile. Cartilage tissue is also thinning, cartilage becomes less elastic, painful sensations occur when walking and any movements. Arthrosis may develop.
A lack of magnesium can cause arrhythmia, muscle cramps, periodontal disease, and hypertension. The low content or absence of minerals in the water adversely affects the condition of tooth enamel.
Reverse osmosis water is far from an ideal product; Being crystallized, it does not make any contribution to the total amount of nutrients (nutrients) required by the body. This is confirmed by many modern studies.
Water purified by reverse osmosis plants is often called "dead", which does not carry the body any good. Despite the fact that water is becoming desalted, such statements are too loud
Enough authoritative data have been collected to claim that a deficiency of calcium and magnesium does not pass without a trace. The risk of not only cardiovascular disease, but also sudden death is increased.
Some scientists argue that the constant use of the so-called. soft water with a low Ca content leads to fractures in children, pregnancy complications (preeclampsia), and neurodegenerative changes.
The design of the reverse osmosis unit may include a mineralizer that makes up for “important losses”.
But the fact is that the mineralization of already purified water will not provide the harmonious combination of microelements that was originally present in the liquid.
Probably, none of the methods of enrichment of water existing in the world is optimal, saturating it with really all important substances.
Some experts consider it more rational to use those water treatment systems that do not require any additional measures to improve the quality and taste of the liquid.
Volatile organic matter, the size of which is smaller than a water molecule, the reverse osmosis membrane does not pick up. She also misses herbicides and insecticides.
The real benefits of membrane cleaning
Despite a number of disadvantages of reverse osmosis, it is impossible to belittle its advantages. It is a truly effective water treatment system that can handle even the most dangerous contaminants.
Water, wherever we take it - a city water supply, an open reservoir, a well or a well - contains a large number of harmful and dangerous elements.
Inconsistency of the consumed fluid with sanitary-chemical and sanitary-biological standards has an extremely negative effect on well-being and human health.
The main sources of water pollution are:
- municipal drains;
- municipal waste;
- drains of industrial enterprises;
- industrial waste.
They are saturated with its various chemical and microbiological contaminants.
Bacteria and viruses that multiply in municipal wastewater can cause many different serious diseases, including:
- cholera;
- bacterial rubella;
- typhoid and paratyphoid;
- salmonellosis.
Contaminated drinking water may contain toxic substances, worm eggs, nitrites, nitrates.
Stocks of industrial enterprises are "full of" almost the entire periodic table. Formaldehyde, phenol, heavy metals, organic solvents contained in them can cause genetic mutations and cancerous tumors, have a teratogenic effect on the fetus.
Mercury, copper, and lead affect the kidneys. Nickel, zinc and cobalt have a negative effect on the liver. They have a huge negative effect on the cardiovascular system.
Needless to say, the constant use of water with such a “rich composition” is extremely detrimental to the human body? Therefore, the use of domestic water treatment plants is not a whim, but a necessity.
Laboratory studies show that drinking water is most often contaminated with iron, calcium salts, organic contaminants, manganese, fluorides and sulfides.
Conventional flow-type filters, nozzles, jugs reduce the amount of harmful impurities in the water, reduce their concentration. The taste of the liquid becomes more pleasant, the smell and color disappear.
But to cope 100% with all the pollution with their help, unfortunately, will not succeed. Only a household reverse osmosis filter can help.
Devices with a reverse osmosis system are some of the best systems for treating household water. They "cope" with more than 98% of harmful impurities. No other filter for home use is capable of this.
Really high efficiency makes this equipment more and more popular. People refuse to freeze and boil water in his favor.
Despite its impressive size, the reverse osmosis installation is completely invisible in the kitchen, as the filter is installed under the sink.
The only detail indicating its presence is a separate chrome-plated spout for supplying purified liquid. This faucet is mounted either on the countertop or directly in the sink.
The device does not create any trouble at all, it works quietly and practically does not remind itself of anything
Osmosis filters - equipment that works for the benefit of the whole family. Adults, children and elderly people can without hesitation drink the water that has passed through the treatment system.On it you can safely cook, breed it mixes for newborns.
Reverse osmosis water is also good for washing, bathing babies in it. It does not cause irritation and allergies, great for sensitive skin prone to rashes.
The purified liquid extends the life of household appliances (irons, coffee machines, etc.).
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Reverse osmosis main filter
Cartridge for installation in a horizontal module
Membrane Filter Structure
Filter mount
Reverse osmosis systems remove components from the liquid that interfere with the disclosure of the true taste of dishes. And especially drinks. The purified water produces a very aromatic coffee, excellent cocktails.
Reverse osmosis water ensures the perfect quality of alcohol products, packaged juices, etc.
The absolute safety of the purified liquid is a key advantage of reverse osmosis plants. This is an important acquisition for a healthy life.
The quantity and quality of treated water depends on factors such as pressure in the water supply, temperature and degree of contamination of the liquid, membrane performance
Many reputable sources argue that with the right full-fledged, varied diet, you should not worry about the low mineralization of the liquid. After all, the “lion's share” of useful substances enters the body precisely from food, and not from water.
The subtleties of mounting reverse osmosis
In order for the fluid filtration to be really high-quality, the choice of system must be approached very responsibly.
A selection of photos will familiarize you with the standard stages of assembling the reverse osmosis system:
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The assembly and installation of a water treatment system by installing reverse osmosis will begin by familiarizing ourselves with the equipment and studying the manufacturer's instructions
Unscrew the cap from the flask intended for the location of the membrane filter. We install the corresponding membrane cartridge in this system module
We connect a hose to the flask with a membrane, to which coarse and fine water treatment modules were connected in series. On the reverse side we connect a hose that discharges cleaning waste into the sewer
To connect to the water supply system has a tap. It is needed to turn off and dismantle reverse osmosis in case of repair or replacement of cartridges
Having measured the required length of the hose, cut it off, install a tap and fix it with a sleeve
We connect a hose with a tap to the water supply. This line will receive water for cleaning in the reverse osmosis system
To discharge water that has not passed through the membrane filter, a drain is needed. To do this, in a siphon, drill a hole for the hose inlet and put a gasket
We install in the prepared place a clamp, consisting of two half rings. In order for the hole on them to coincide with the drilled, we start a hose into it. We combine, twist the fasteners
Stage 1: Acquaintance with the traditional set of devices for assembling the system
Step 2: Install the membrane filter in the module
Step 3: Connect the hose to the diaphragm flask
Stage 4: Assembly of the tap for the water supply line
Step 5: Connect the faucet to the water hose
Step 6: Connect the water supply line to the water supply
Step 7: Sewer Exit Device
Step 8: Installing the hose clamp with hose fittings
An important factor is the composition of the raw materials used to make the plastic case of the product. The appearance of the structure should “inspire confidence”, from it in no case should come from an unpleasant chemical smell.
The filter from second-rate raw materials is microcracks, splits, souring inside the case and no health benefits.
Be sure to pay attention to the quality of connections and fittings - the reliability and durability of the equipment largely depend on them. The best manufacturers of these components are Johnguest and Organic.
The membrane - a key component of the installation - must certainly be very good. The better it is, the higher the degree of purification of the liquid and the safer its composition.
The best deals on the market are membranes. Filmtec (expensive, but with a large resource) and Tfc (optimal ratio of price and reliability). Their service life can reach 5 years.
Products of Chinese manufacturers usually "do not reach" even to an average level of quality, being extremely short-lived.
The filter life is usually 4-15 thousand liters, the average daily output is 170-250 liters. Devices with a resource of 5000 liters will last for a family of 3-4 people for about 2 years.
Few people know that a reverse osmosis system can be done independently. Step-by-step instruction can be found in this material.
Comparative analysis of the effectiveness of flow filters and reverse osmosis plants:
There is no consensus on the dangers and benefits of reverse osmosis. Even competent specialists disagree. But still you should not be afraid of “like fire” reverse osmosis filters, because the pollution contained in tap water is much more dangerous than the imbalance of its mineral composition.
And with the removal of hazardous substances, the devices do really well. And this is a powerful argument in favor of their acquisition.
Thinking of purchasing a reverse osmosis filter? Or do you already have experience using reverse osmosis plants and would you like to share it? Please leave comments at the bottom of the article. You can also ask a question about the topic of the article.