Reverse osmosis systems
Essentially reverse osmosis is the process of forcing water
through a semi-permeable membrane to filter out impurities such as salt and minerals like lead and mercury. If not filtered out using reverse osmosis, these impurities would cause the water to be unhealthy or smell or
taste foul. The process of reverse osmosis is favoured by those who do not wish to use too many chemicals in the process of achieving great tasting, clean water.
Reverse osmosis is used largely in the commercial food and beverage industry (in particular the brewing industry), pharmaceutical and the electronics industries where pure, clean water is crucial in providing a high quality end product. However, increasingly these days, more and more households are seeing the benefits of installing an under sink or whole of house system for their day-to-day drinking, cooking and living water.
Capacity of Reverse Osmosis systems is expressed in GPD (Gallons Per Day). Typically a system of capacity 15 to 25 GPD would suit a house of two persons, increasing to a system of 25 to 50 GPD for up to six people.
Reverse Osmosis systems are available in a varying number of sizes, referred to as stages. Starting at 3 (three) stage for a small 15 to 25 GPD system, they move on to 4 (four) stage for a slightly better tasting water at the end. A 5 (five) stage system would be used in a public environment such as a restaurant and similarly a 6 (six) stage system, which is just like a 5, has the added benefit of an ultraviolet sterilisation system bolted on to kill off bacteria.
For homes, we mainly supply under sink reverse osmosis units which provides a third tap on the sink top for filling glasses, kettles and saucepans. A basic reverse osmosis system for a home can be provided on a self-fit basis - absolutely no plumbing skills required. Depending on the situation and environment in which the system will be running though, larger installations are sometimes made in garages or sheds for big houses and farms.
The following diagram depicts a typical under sink reverse osmosis system installation
In many situations a quick consultation may be required to determine exactly what setup is required, so if you would like to know more, then contact A1 Water Services.