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Reverse osmosis (RO) has been around since 1959 (although the process of osmosis was observed in a laboratory setting as far back as 1758) and today it is used in a vast number of applications. In an industrial context, the process has become invaluable, and if not for this vital water purification technology, the world might look a very different place. With globally declining natural resources, the effective treatment of industrial wastewater has never been more important and RO is one of the most popular solutions used by an industrial water treatment company. You may have heard the term, but do you understand what it is? If not, these three fast facts will help give you some insight into its use and applications. It Works Extremely Well The RO process can remove up to 99.9% of all contaminants, which is more than any other method available. The system has the capability to remove bacteria, dissolved solids, ions and other contaminants, making it very popular across a diverse range of industries. These include pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, electronics manufacturing, power generation, and many more. The process works by forcing liquid (wastewater) through a semipermeable membrane by applying pressure. Only clean water — free of bacteria, dissolved solids and other contaminants — passes through the membrane, while the other substances are washed away. One huge benefit of the RO process is that it requires minimal use of chemicals, meaning less hazardous waste and reduced risk to workers’ safety on the job. It’s Cost Effective While the initial cost to set up an RO system and plant can be expensive (and should, ideally, be installed by a professional industrial water treatment company), they come into their own in the longer term. Not only are the operating costs low in relation to the system’s efficacy in removing impurities and contaminants when compared to other methods of wastewater purification, they require minimal maintenance (membranes must be replaced regularly), and there is high potential to reuse the purified wastewater. The latter can hugely affect a company’s bottom line by reducing the need for constant intake of fresh water to run the operations. All the above aspects hinge on the installation of the most effective and appropriate system and plant for an individual company’s needs. It’s vital to consult with a professional industrial water treatment company to ensure a tailored solution is installed. It's Good for the Environment With more and more focus on the environment and the need to remain compliant to stringent local, national and global legislation around discharge limits, industrial RO is one of the most environmentally friendly methods available. The system does not require the use of toxic chemicals, which puts it ahead of the game from the get-go. Because it recycles water to be reused throughout a plant (up to 90% can be recovered), it means less impact on precious fresh water supplies. In terms of legal compliance, RO easily purifies discharge to acceptable limits. There is certainly a lot more to learn about reverse osmosis, however these three basic facts offer a sense of why it is so popular in an industrial context. It is, however, important that a system is designed, implemented and maintained by a professional industrial water treatment company. They will consult on the individual needs of an operation and create a bespoke system that provides consistent and optimal results. Author Plate Sean Clifford is an advisor at AllWater Technologies Ltd, a wholly independent industrial water treatment company providing consultation and equipment, including reverse osmosis water systems. Bringing together a host of experience and specialist knowledge, the company is committed to building and maintaining long-term relationships and creating maximum value and benefit for their customers.
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