What is Reverse Osmosis?

Reverse Osmosis, commonly referred to as RO, is a water purification process that utilizes a partially permeable membrane to remove ions, unwanted molecules, and larger particles from drinking water. Reverse Osmosis can remove many types of dissolved and suspended chemical and biological particles from water. Reverse Osmosis differs from filtration in that the mechanism of fluid flow is by osmosis across a membrane. The predominant removal mechanism in membrane filtration is straining, or size exclusion, where the pores are 0.01 micrometers or larger, so the process can theoretically achieve perfect efficiency regardless of pressure and concentration. Reverse Osmosis is commonly used in drinking water applications.

Our Advanced Osmosis Systems

Household drinking water purification systems are common in many parts of the world; most include a reverse osmosis step. Our systems include a sediment filter to trap particles, including rust and calcium carbonate; a carbon filter to trap organic chemicals and chlorine, which can attach and degrade certain types of thin-film composite membranes; and a reverse osmosis filter, which is a thin composite membrane. Optionally, we can add an additional sediment filter with smaller pores to trap smaller particles. A UV (ultraviolet) lamp can sterilize any microbes that may escape filtering by the reverse osmosis membrane. We can also add a second carbon filter to capture those chemicals not removed by the reverse osmosis membrane.

A Great System for Las Vegas Water

Here in Las Vegas, aside from our water being hard, there is also a high level of dissolved solids. The water in Las Vegas is and has to be healthy per EPA guidelines, but the chlorine used and other impurities can affect the taste. The efficacy of a reverse osmosis system is measured by total dissolved solids, or TDS. Las Vegas water and municipalities around Las Vegas tend to have TDS measured between 450 and 550 ppm (parts per million). With a properly functioning reverse osmosis unit, the TDS is below 50 ppm, and we usually get it in the 20s.

We carry filters for many different reverse osmosis systems. Contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced service technicians to learn more about the system.