In the search for cleaner, safer drinking water, reverse osmosis (RO) water filters have emerged as one of the most effective technologies. By using a semi-permeable membrane called an RO membrane, this water filter can effectively remove harmful substances such as rust, heavy metal ions, and chlorine from water.

Although the filtration process may seem complicated, it is based on a simple scientific principle: using a pressurized semi-permeable membrane to filter out impurities.

In this article, we will explore the definition and working mechanism of reverse osmosis water filters in detail, highlighting the benefits of using RO.

What is a reverse osmosis water filter?

A reverse osmosis water filter is a water purification device that can effectively remove most pollutants in water, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and chemicals, producing pure drinking water. It is widely used in homes or businesses.

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What is the water circuit principle of the reverse osmosis water filter?

• Water enters the water tank: First, tap water enters the water tank of the device.
• Booster pump pressurization: The water is pressurized by the booster pump to ensure that the water can effectively pass through the filter element.
• Filtration process: The pressurized water flows into the filter element for filtration. In this step, the pollutants in the water are filtered out, and the purified water flows back to the water tank through the water circuit.
• Separation of dirty water: The dirty water generated during the filtration process will be directed to the water purification cup.
• User water: When the user needs water, the purified water in the water tank will flow again, and after being processed by the heating module, it will flow out of the water outlet for drinking.

The whole process is automatic, ensuring convenience during use and the safety of water quality.

After understanding the water circuit principles of these reverse osmosis systems, you can further explore the working principles of these systems in more detail.

How does a reverse osmosis water filter work？

Reverse Osmosis (RO) water filters can bring us safe and clean water. This water filter uses a multi-step process to remove impurities from the water. The following are the detailed steps:

1. Pre-filtration

First, the water will pass through one or more pre-filters, such as a PP cotton filter and an activated carbon filter. PP cotton filter is used to remove large particles of impurities in the water, such as sand and rust, to protect the RO membrane from being damaged by these large particles.

An activated carbon filter removes chlorine and organic compounds in the water. If these substances are not removed, they will affect the performance and life of the RO membrane.

2. Reverse Osmosis Membrane

After pretreatment, the water will be sent to the RO membrane, which is the core part of the reverse osmosis system. The RO membrane has a very small pore size (about 0.0001 microns), which only allows water molecules to pass through, while dissolved salts, bacteria, viruses, and other larger molecules cannot pass through.

This process requires the help of high pressure because water molecules naturally flow from low-concentration solutions to high-concentration solutions.

3. Pollutant discharge

During the RO membrane filtration process, dissolved solids, bacteria, and other pollutants that fail to pass through the membrane will form high-concentration wastewater, usually called concentrated water or wastewater.

This part of the water needs to be discharged regularly to prevent the pores of the membrane from being blocked, thereby maintaining the filtration efficiency of the system and extending the service life of the membrane.

4. Post-treatment

The water filtered through the RO membrane may also undergo some post-treatment, such as removing possible residual taste and odor through a post-activated carbon filter or adding necessary minerals through a mineralizing filter to improve the taste and nutritional value of the water.

5. Storage and water supply

The purified water is stored in pressure tanks until the user turns on the tap. At the terminal, the water undergoes additional filtration (usually a small activated carbon filter) to ensure the final safety and cleanliness of the water before it is distributed to the user.

The above is the working principle of the reverse osmosis water filtration system, which can provide us with high-quality and safe drinking water and effectively remove most of the pollution in the water.

Where are reverse osmosis water filters commonly used?

Reverse osmosis water filters are widely used in homes, offices, medical facilities, schools, and industry. In homes and offices, they are used to providing safe, pure drinking water. In medical and laboratory settings, the high purity of reverse osmosis water is ideal for use in medical instruments and precision experiments.

In addition, in industrial applications, reverse osmosis systems are often used to treat wastewater, food and beverage manufacturing, and anywhere a high-quality water source is required. This technology is highly favored because it effectively removes bacteria, viruses, dissolved salts, and other contaminants from water.

How to choose a reverse osmosis water filter?

Choosing a suitable reverse osmosis (RO) water filter is essential to ensure that you and your family have pure, safe water to drink. There are several key factors to consider when making the best choice among the many products:

1. Water quality requirements

First, understand the water quality conditions in your area. Water quality varies greatly from region to region, and some may contain high hardness, fluoride, or heavy metals.

Use the water quality test report to understand the main contaminants in the water and choose the right RO system based on this. For example, if the water has high chlorine content, choosing a system with advanced carbon filtration will be more effective.

2. Filtration efficiency

The filtration efficiency of an RO system is usually measured by its filtration rating, which is generally measured in microns (μm). The lower the filtration rating, the smaller the particles that can be removed.

In addition, check the removal rate of the filter, especially the removal capacity for specific contaminants, such as lead, fluoride, and nitrates. Most high-quality RO systems can remove up to 99% of common contaminants.

3. Number of filtration stages

Different RO systems offer different numbers of filtration stages, usually between 3 and 7 stages. More filtration stages generally mean better water treatment. Common stages include:

• Sedimentation filter: removes larger particles such as silt and rust.

• Carbon filter: removes chlorine and organic chemicals, improving the taste and odor of water.

• RO membrane: core filtration stage, removes most dissolved solids and contaminants.

• Post-carbon filter: further improves water quality and removes residual odors.

4. System capacity and water production rate

Consider the water production rate of the RO system. That is, how many gallons of pure water it can produce per hour or day?

If your family uses a lot of water, it is especially important to choose a system with a high water production rate. In addition, pay attention to the capacity of the water storage tank to ensure that the system can meet daily water needs.

5. Maintenance and replacement costs

The daily maintenance of the RO system mainly includes the replacement of the filter element and RO membrane. Understand the replacement cycle of each filter element (usually 6 to 12 months) and the cost of replacement. Choosing a system that is easy to replace and has a moderate maintenance cost can save a lot of money in the long run.

6. Installation and space requirements

Different RO systems have different installation requirements. Make sure you have enough space to place the system, especially if you are installing it in a kitchen or basement. Consider choosing a system that is easy to install. Some products offer DIY installation kits, saving the cost of hiring a professional to install.

7. Additional features

Some RO systems are equipped with additional features, such as mineral addition, smart monitoring systems, or UV sterilization functions. These features can be selected according to your needs, but be aware that they may increase the complexity and cost of the system.

Conclusion

Choosing a suitable reverse osmosis water filter requires combining your family's specific needs, and understanding water quality, budget, installation conditions, and other information. Make sure that the RO system you choose can effectively remove pollutants in the water and provide long-lasting and stable pure water.

The TOKIT U2 water purifier is equipped with a six-stage filtration system that can effectively remove harmful substances such as impurities, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and residual chlorine in the water to ensure the purity and safety of drinking water. The built-in intelligent control system supports real-time water quality monitoring. Users can view water quality, filter life, and water flow through the display or mobile phone APP, and receive reminders when the filter needs to be replaced, ensuring that the water purifier always operates efficiently.

This water purifier has a simple and stylish design and a compact size, suitable for various home styles. It can be easily installed on the kitchen countertop or in the cabinet without taking up too much space. It is both beautiful and practical, adding a modern feel to your home environment.

FAQ

What is the lifespan of a reverse osmosis filter?

The lifespan of a reverse osmosis filter generally depends on several factors, including the type of filter, water quality, frequency of use, and how well the filter is maintained. Here are some common components and their approximate lifespans:

• Pre-filters (such as sediment filters and activated carbon filters): These filters generally need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on the level of contamination in the raw water.

• Reverse osmosis membrane: The RO membrane is the most critical part of the system and has a lifespan of approximately 2 to 5 years, which also depends on the quality of the water and the pre-treatment effectiveness of the system.

• Post-activated carbon filter: It is generally recommended to replace it once a year to ensure the taste and purity of the water.

Maintenance and regular replacement of filters are key to ensuring that the reverse osmosis filtration system operates effectively and for a long time. The best way to extend the life of the filter is to regularly inspect the system, replace the filters at the recommended frequency, and ensure that the system is in good working condition.

Is the tankless reverse osmosis system easy to install?

Yes, especially the TOKIT tankless reverse osmosis system is very easy to install. Due to the tankless design, it takes up less space and has simpler pipe connections.

Users can easily install it themselves without the help of professionals, and the system is equipped with an intelligent prompt function to ensure smooth operation after installation.

Related reading: How Much Does A Reverse Osmosis System Cost?