How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?

December 2, 2019 6:18 pm Leave your thoughts

Osmosis is a critical part of the natural world, one of the countless biological processes that keeps the world turning. Since the 1950s, this simple process has been turned on its head to support people from all walks of life. Known as reverse osmosis, this innovative process supplies clean water to commercial and industrial operations in every sector.

For those Cincinnati, OH business owners wondering, “What is reverse osmosis?” here is your answer.

Osmosis and reverse osmosis

Osmosis occurs when two liquids of different thicknesses are separated by a semi-permeable membrane. In nature, the substance of lower concentration will gravitate toward the higher-concentration substance until equilibrium is reached. That may sound like a mouthful, but you see osmosis in action every single day when you step out of the shower and your skin has turned prune-like.

As you luxuriate in your warm shower, the low-concentrate water from the faucet seeps into your skin (a semi-permeable membrane) toward the high-concentrate liquids in your body. The tangible result of that osmosis (plus a triggering effect in your nervous system) causes your hands and feet to get wrinkly.

Building a complete system

Still wondering what is reverse osmosis in Cincinnati, OH? For commercial and industrial users, it’s a complete water purification system, including:

  • Filters: As part of your reverse osmosis system’s pre-treatment functions, harmful substances like iron and sulfur are stripped from your water source.
  • Tank: Once your water has traveled through the network of filters, it will need a place to sit until it can be put through its final post-treatment stages.
  • Final conditioning: The final stages of reverse osmosis can take many forms depending on the makeup of the water in your storage tank. You may need UV treatment, pH adjustments or the injection of certain chemicals into your final product.
  • Monitoring equipment: You’ll need instruments at each step of the process that offer feedback on the quality of your water and ensure the system continues to work as a cohesive whole.

Using those simple components, water treatment experts can construct a reverse osmosis system designed to not only purify water but also prep it for industrial and commercial applications.

Endless uses for reverse osmosis

Though it’s use in the business world is relatively new, the technology behind reverse osmosis is useful for a massive selection of industries and businesses.

You may not be aware that water is the most common ingredient in pharmaceutical drugs. To ensure that medicine works as intended, that water must be free of any contaminants. Farmers, meanwhile, use reverse osmosis to clean wastewater for use on their crops. Offshore workers rely on reverse osmosis to purify water used in industrial processes.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the myriad applications of reverse osmosis.

Your reverse osmosis expert

If you’re in Cincinnati, OH and you still have questions as to what is reverse osmosis, then you’re in luck. Ultra Pure Water Technologies wants to help you get the most from your water source.

Commercial, industrial and medical clients alike can attest to our fantastic customer care and high-quality products. If you need a reverse osmosis solution, schedule an appointment today. We can’t wait to hear from you.

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