Types of Reverse Osmosis Systems

Various types of reverse osmosis filter systems can provide clean filtered water

What are the Types of Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

Reverse osmosis filter systems are available in various types to cater to different needs and applications including under-sink drinking water systems, whole house RO, restaurants, and light commercial manufacturing.

RO is becoming increasingly popular since it was developed in the late 1950s under U.S. Government funding, as a method of desalinating seawater.

Today, reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration is used throughout the world to effectively remove impurities found in water and is recognized as an effective method for improving the quality of water.

How Does the Reverse Omsosis Process Work?

First, a review on how reverse osmosis works. Reverse osmosis (RO) is a separation process that uses pressure to force a solvent (water) through a membrane, which retains the solute (contaminant) on one side and allows the pure solvent (water) to pass to the other side.

It can also be said that reverse osmosis is the process of forcing a solvent from a region of high solute concentration through a membrane to a region of low solute concentrate by applying pressure.

During the reverse osmosis process, water is forced through the RO membrane under pressure. This causes the water molecules to pass through the tiny pores of the membrane, leaving behind a concentrated solution of impurities, which is then flushed away as wastewater. The purified water that passes through the RO membrane collects on the other side, resulting in clean, filtered water.

Reverse osmosis pre-filtration incorporates sediment and carbon filtration and are designed to protect the delicate reverse osmosis membrane.

The RO membrane plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of reverse osmosis water filtration. The RO membrane is a semi-permeable barrier that allows water molecules to pass through while blocking the passage of larger molecules, ions, and particles.

get delicious drinking water with reverse osmosis filtration

Under-Sink Residential Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

As the name suggests, under-sink RO systems are installed beneath the kitchen sink, saving valuable counter space. They are discreetly hidden away, so they don't interfere with your kitchen's aesthetics.

Under-counter reverse osmosis drinking water systems are highly effective at removing various contaminants from water, including chlorine, heavy metals, dissolved solids, pesticides, and other harmful substances.

With an under-sink RO system, you have purified water available on demand without the need to refill any pitchers or containers.

And using an under-sink RO system reduces plastic waste from single-use water bottles, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

Your RO system will provide a constant supply of clean, great-tasting, filtered water, convenient for drinking and cooking.

under sink RO drinking water filter systems

Best of all, a reverse osmosis filter system can ensure that you and your family are not exposed to harmful substances present in unfiltered water.

By providing cleaner and safer water, under-sink RO systems can contribute to better overall health and well-being for your family.

SHOP RO DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS

Why Choose Reverse Osmosis?

If you're searching for a water filtration system that will give you outstanding water. Here are a few reasons to consider RO:

Improves Taste
RO filtration improves taste, odor and appearance of water by removing contaminants that cause taste and odor problems.

Saves Money
With an RO system, you can cancel your water delivery service and stop purchasing cases of bottled water. Reverse Osmosis filtration provides “better-than-bottled water” quality water for just pennies per gallon.

Simple Maintenance
RO systems have very few moving or replaceable parts making RO systems easy to clean and service.

Removes Impurities
Reverse osmosis systems can reduce or remove common pollutants from water including nitrates, lead, pesticides, sulfates, fluoride, PFOS, pharmaceuticals, Arsenic V, and much more. A Reverse Osmosis systems’ carbon filter will also remove chlorine and chloramines.

Find Out Why Milions OF Households Have Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Systems

SHOP NOW

Whole House Reverse Osmosis Systems

We don't typically recommend whole house reverse osmosis filtration systems because of the up-front system cost, maintenance expense, water wasteage, and space requirements.

Other water filtration solutions, such as under-sink RO systems for drinking water combined with a whole-house ultraviolet system may be more cost-effective.

But there are cases that warrant a whole-house RO system; usually when a specific contaminant is most economically removed through the reverse osmosis process.

The typical whole house reverse osmosis system operates at water pressure between 100-225 psi, and produces 300 to 4000 gallons per day.

whole house reverse osmosis (RO) filter system

Please give us a call if you would a consultation to determine the most suitable water filtration system for your needs.

SHOP WHOLE HOUSE RO SYSTEMS

Commercial RO Systems

Commercial reverse osmosis systems are used in applications that demand large volumes of treated water (150-50,000 gallons) that result in high levels of water purity.

The filtration process used by commercial systems is the same as that used by typical residential reverse osmosis systems.

However, commercial systems become more complicated and expensive due to the addition of such components as pumps, flow gauges, monitors, electrical supplies and more.

Commercial systems can be installed in a wall, floor or frame mounted configuration.

SHOP LIGHT COMMERCIAL RO SYSTEMS

Reverse Osmosis Replacement Filters and Membranes

RO replacement filter kits We offer the most popular brands and types of replacement filters for both residential and commercial reverse osmosis systems. The range of filters includes those designed to mechanically remove sediment, particulates and even cysts; varieties of carbon filters to remove chlorine and organic contaminants, and special media filters targeted to remove specific contaminants. Our reverse osmosis filter inventory includes many proprietary brands and high-quality compatible filters that can save our customers money. We can provide everything needed to keep an RO system producing great-tasting water.

SHOP RO FILTERS

Commercial Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membranes

Commercial Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes are critical components of large-scale water filtration systems used in commercial and industrial applications.

Commercial RO membranes are designed to handle large volumes of water. They are capable of producing hundreds to thousands of gallons of purified water per day, making them suitable for various industries, such as food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, and more.

Like residential RO membranes, commercial RO membranes are semi-permeable barriers that allow water molecules to pass through while blocking the passage of contaminants, dissolved solids, and larger particles.

Most membranes are produced in a spiral wound configuration and are of two different types. The first is "CTA" (cellulose triacetate) which require a chlorinated water source and have a daily rated capacity of 10-16 gallons per day. The second membrane type is "TFC/TFM" (thin film composite/thin film material) which require a non-chlorinated water source and have daily rated capacities ranging from 18-150 gallons per day. The standard spiral wound residential membrane is commonly referred to as a low-pressure membrane with an operating parameter of 40-100 psi.

Some RO membranes are manufactured to be universal and fit any standard residential membrane housing. Others are designed in such a way that they fit only specific proprietary systems.

Please give us a call if you have any questions about which RO membrane is right for your system: 469-521-9920 (Mon-Fri, 8 am to 5 pm Central).

SHOP COMMERCIAL MEMBRANES

diagram stages reverse osmosis filter system

RO water filtration for home and commercial applications

Reverse Osmosis Provides Clean, Great-Tasting Water

Shop All

Expert Tip

If your RO system is getting older, there's an inexpensive way to upgrade your current reverse osmosis system and extend it's life for years to come. You can do this by installing an RO "retrofit" conversion kit.

Yes, rather than completely replacing your entire RO system, install a retrofit kit. Simply remove your old system and plug your existing faucet and RO tank into the conversion kit, and you'll be up and running in no time.

RO Replacement Parts

Although there are very few moving parts on a reverse osmosis system, there are parts that occasionally require replacement. We offer the most common replacement reverse osmosis parts and components to ensure you have any part you may need.

For example, if you have slow water flow from your RO faucet, this generally means that the filters need replacement. But occasionally, troubleshooting might reveal the culprit to be the pressure tank. Check out our RO Troubleshooting Guide.

Replacement filters, membranes and parts can be located by selecting the brand of system you have. We list both standard and proprietary systems, offering easy access for your replacement needs.

SHOP RO PARTS