A wide variety of industries produce wastewater during their production process. From food and drinks companies to car manufacturers, industrial effluent poses a challenge for all of them. The problem with producing such waste is that it often contains contaminants, such as chemicals, heavy metals, or bacteria. How to dispose of these contaminants in a responsible way is of growing concern, and many industries are turning to water purifying methods to cut down on water waste and better dispose of the non absorbing particles. One of the most effective processes is RO water treatment, which works by using reverse osmosis. While every situation is different, this process works well for many businesses as a simple and effective solution to effluent management. Who is it suitable for? RO water treatment has seen a growth in popularity as more and more industries are taking responsibility for their environmental impact. Many businesses see these systems as an investment that needs to be made, not only to increase their green credentials but also to make working environments safer and processes more efficient. There are many industries that can, and do, benefit from reverse osmosis systems, including: Pharmaceutical Food and beverage Agriculture Automotive Aerospace How it works Simply put, RO water treatment systems use high pressure and a semi-permeable membrane to filter large, unwanted particles from effluent. It works by reversing the process of osmosis. This is a naturally occurring process where a solvent moves across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of high concentration to a low concentration to achieve balance on either side of the barrier. To ensure that the liquid goes against the natural concentration gradient, a high pressure must be applied to force the solvent through the membrane in the opposite direction. The result is that any contaminants – such as silica, nitrates, bacteria, salts, and minerals – will be removed (these could be used for other processes). What’s left is highly purified water. RO is a fantastic option for treating water as it can easily be used with other filtration units, depending on your needs. The resulting liquid can then be reused in production or disposed of safely. What you need The essentials of an RO water treatment system include a high-pressure pump and a semi-permeable membrane. Depending on the size of the plant or the amount of effluent being treated, you might need additional pumps and accessories. Do your research to ensure that you work with a credible and experienced supplier/installer who understands the technologies; they’ll be able to advise you on which equipment is necessary to your industry. RO water treatment is fast becoming one of the most popular methods of dealing with effluent. With environmental policy being stricter than ever, managing wastewater responsibly is a must. Ensure that you find an expert that understands your needs and you’ll get the best out of your system. Author Plate Sean Clifford is an advisor at AllWater Technologies Ltd, a wholly independent company providing consultation and water treatment equipment, including RO water treatment plant and systems (reverse osmosis). 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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