Facts About Reverse Osmosis
Many products that purify drinking water use a process called reverse osmosis, in which water is passed through a membrane to filter out impurities. Does this Spark an idea?
-
History
-
The process of osmosis is a precursor to reverse osmosis. According to the Water Quality Association, osmosis "was first described by a French scientist in 1748, who noted that water spontaneously diffused through a pig bladder membrane into alcohol." Almost 200 years later, the process of reverse osmosis was engineered and began to be used around the world.
Function
-
Reverse osmosis takes undrinkable water and turns it into water that can be used for drinking and washing. The process also can be used in kidney dialysis, hatcheries and wastewater treatment facilities. Reverse osmosis occurs when contaminated water and uncontaminated water are placed on different sides of a semipermeable membrane. By adding water pressure to the contaminated side of the tank, water is allowed to pass through the membrane, but contaminants are not. As a result, the contaminants remain on one side of the tank, and the other side contains pure, uncontaminated water.
-
Time Frame
-
The time it takes to get pure water through reverse osmosis varies by system. For some indoor home systems, a small amount of water is kept on reserve, and then more pure water is created as necessary. Other systems, such as a marine system for use on boats, make pure water available almost as soon as you start up the pump.
Benefits
-
Homes that have a reverse-osmosis system do not have to worry about contaminants making it into their drinking water, because the water is being purified in-house. Beyond providing peace of mind, these filtration systems create clear, clean, good-tasting water.
Home Systems
-
Home reverse-osmosis systems require routine maintenance. Usually you can install a faucet or spigot in an existing sink for the purified drinking water. Some companies offer installation and maintenance services for reverse-osmosis systems and, for a monthly fee, will make sure your system is functioning properly. If you purchase a system without a regular maintenance program, you will have to care for it yourself, including replacing filters.
-
