Reverse osmosis as a method of desalinating numbers was developed in the late 1950’s. It is a process of separating dissolved liquids from water using a pressurized system. To put it more succinctly, it is a method of applying pressure to push clean water through open pores of a membrane while trapping other bigger molecules that contaminate water. The membrane is designed to be semi-permeable, which means that only clean water is allowed to pass through while solute (contaminants) are trapped. This is the basic idea behind the reverse osmosis system installation. There are different types of reverse osmosis systems. This article is going to review the different RO types, pointing out their differences and benefits.
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Under counter reverse osmosis systems
These are installed along with the kitchen tap supply to make it easy to daw water. The under-counter RO systems have different phases of filtration. The first phase is the pre-filtration stage designed to protect the membrane from damage. It reduces fine materials that may clog the surface of the membrane, which can damage the film material of the membrane. The next filtration stage is the semi-permeable membrane where the major work is done. Here, the tiny particles are trapped while only clean water is allowed to pass through the membrane. The next phase is the pressurized storage tank which holds the treated water. Finally, the water is passed through the membrane and into the next filtration stage; the carbon post filtration. This stage is designed to remove any remaining contaminant that escaped the main filtration stage. It is also where any taste or odor is removed to make the water free of contaminants, taste and odor.
Usually, an under-counter reverse osmosis system can operate with about 50 to 100 PSI water pressure and can generate about 50 gallons a day. It can be attached to an independent faucet, a drain or a cold water line.
Commercial Reverse Osmosis Systems

Best commercial reverse osmosis systems usually have higher water pressure PSI than residential RO systems. This is rightly so because there is high demand of clean drinking water at places where they are installed. Their pressure rate is between 100-250 PSIG. However, their performance within the range depends on the quality of water treated and the type of membrane. Commercial RO systems are typically utilized in applications that require high levels of water purity as well as high volumes of treated water.
The filtration method of the commercial RO system is the same as the filtration method of residential reverse osmosis systems, but there is one major difference. Commercial systems are usually more expensive and complicated because of the addition of several components such as electrical supplies, monitors, flow gauges and pumps. They can be installed in a frame, floor or wall mounted configuration.
Residential Reverse Osmosis systems
These are designed in two distinct types: the TFC film material which requires non-chlorinated water source and the Cellulose Triacetate membrane which requires chlorinated water source. They usually have low water pressure capacity and produce between 10 and 16 gallons a day. Residential reverse osmosis systems are more portable and quite easy to install than their commercial RO counterparts.
Conclusion
The above are the different types of reverse osmosis systems. They are differentiated based on their level of PSI and the water filtration capacity. When buying a best reverse osmosis system, it is important to select the most ideal system that will serve you well. If you need a portable system for your family use, a residential RO system will be the best option. Overall, select only the best quality brand with the potential to provide clean drinking water for you and your family for a very long time.
The other articles may you concern, as this is by:
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- Residential Reverse Osmosis Water Systems
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