Winter-proofing your Reverse Osmosis (RO) system is crucial to prevent freezing and maintain optimal performance during colder months. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to help you winterize your RO system:
Locate and Insulate Pipes:
Identify all exposed pipes connected to your RO system.
Use pipe insulation sleeves to cover exposed pipes, especially those located in unheated areas like basements or garages.
Ensure a snug fit to provide adequate insulation against the cold.
Protect Outdoor Components:
If your RO system has outdoor components, such as pre-filters or membranes, consider installing a protective cover or enclosure to shield them from snow and freezing temperatures.
Make sure the cover is well-ventilated to prevent condensation and humidity buildup.
Install a Heated Wrap:
For additional protection in extremely cold climates, consider using a heated wrap or tape specifically designed for water pipes.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the heated wrap, and ensure it has a thermostat to regulate temperature.
Insulate the Entire System:
If your RO system is located in an unheated space, consider insulating the entire system. Use insulation blankets or foam boards to wrap around the unit.
Pay attention to sensitive components like the pressure pump and valves.
Install a Space Heater:
If the RO system is in an area without sufficient heating, consider using a space heater to maintain a moderate temperature.
Position the heater away from direct contact with the RO system components and follow safety guidelines.
Regular Maintenance:
Perform routine maintenance, such as changing filters and checking for leaks, before the onset of winter.
Address any issues promptly to prevent them from escalating during colder weather.
Monitor Weather Conditions:
Stay informed about upcoming weather conditions. If an extreme cold spell is forecasted, take additional precautions, such as increasing the water flow or applying extra insulation.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your reverse osmosis system remains operational and efficient, even in the coldest winter conditions. If in doubt or if you’re unsure about certain aspects of winterizing your RO system, contact our team for further guidance.
Choosing the right filtration system for your home can be confusing to say the least. Even going online and searching for water filtration system brings up millions and millions of hits! Look no further than our article below, we’ve simplified all the information you need to choose the right filtration system for your home.
In order to choose the right filtration system for your needs, you need to establish what you want your water filtration system to do. We have three types of water available to us.
Treated tap water.
Home filtered water, either via a whole house system or a water filter to your kitchen tap.
Purified drinking water provided by a Reverse Osmosis System to a dedicated tap at the kitchen sink.
Now we know the types of water available to us, you can choose the system that is most suitable for your needs.
If you want to filter your entire house…you are choosing home filtered water.
In order to filter your entire home, you will need a whole house system. This system consists of a 10” sediment filter and granulated active carbon filters.
What will this do to my water?
The sediment filter will remove and reduce sediments including rust, dirt, silt and sand from your water.
The granulated activate carbon filters will remove up to 99% of chlorine as well as 85% of pesticides, herbicides, some VOCs, some disinfection byproducts, and other organic chemicals from your tap water. This filter will also improve the taste and odour of the water.
Are there any chemicals that will still be present?
Most carbon filters cannot remove microorganisms, chloramine, hardness minerals, salts, fluoride, or most heavy metals. However activated carbon filters have shown promise in reducing an emerging contaminant in our drinking water supplies: pharmaceuticals.
Pharmaceuticals are natural or synthetic chemicalsthat get into our water through human waste and improper disposal of medications, for example flushing drugs down toilets or sinks. To further remove many of these contaminants we recommend using Reverse Osmosis.
If you want to filter your drinking water only….you are choosing filtered water.
If you wish to filter your drinking water only, you need a drinking water filtration system. This system is similar to the above description system but on a smaller scale and will purify the water at one point of entry only. This is usually your kitchen tap.
This system consists of 10” sediment filter, 10” CBR2 filter and a 10” Chlorplus carbon filter.
What will this do to my water?
The sediment filter will remove and reduce sediments including rust, dirt, silt and sand from your water.
The CBR2 filter will target and remove metals including lead, mercury as well as reduce levels of chlorine, taste and odour.
The Chlorplus Carbon filter which will target chlorine and chloramines, volatile organic compounds and chlorination by-products. It will also minimize petrochemical by-products and insecticides. This Chlorplus filter will provide a greater chloramine performance capacity than granular carbon.
Are there any chemicals that will still be present?
Most carbon filters cannot remove microorganisms, chloramine, hardness minerals, salts, fluoride, or most heavy metals. However activated carbon filters have shown promise in reducing an emerging contaminant in our drinking water supplies: pharmaceuticals.
Pharmaceuticals are natural or synthetic chemicalsthat get into our water through human waste and improper disposal of medications, for example flushing drugs down toilets or sinks. To further remove many of these contaminants we recommend using Reverse Osmosis.
If you want to purify your drinking water only….you are choosing a Reverse Osmosis water purifier.
If you wish to filter your drinking water only, you need a Reverse Osmosis water purification system. This will purify the water at one point of entry only. This will be a faucet tap. This system consists of 10” sediment filter, 10” granulated active carbon filter, 10” carbon block filter, 10” reverse osmosis membrane, inline taste and odour filter as well as a remineralising filter.
What will this do to my water?
This option will purify your water, giving you the cleanest possible drinking water. It will remove almost all contaminants from your water.
The sediment filter will remove and reduce sediments including rust, dirt, silt and sand from your water.
The granulated activate carbon filters will remove up to 99% of chlorine as well as 85% of pesticides, herbicides, some VOCs, some disinfection byproducts, and other organic chemicals from your tap water. This filter will also improve the taste and odour of the water.
The Reverse Osmosis membrane will remove chloramine, hardness minerals, salts and heavy minerals, lead, chromium, copper, chloride, sodium, phosphorous, nitrate, potassium, sulfate, radium, fluoride, arsenic, E-coli, shigella, salmonella, campylobacter, giardia, cryptosporidium, rotavirus, norovirus and hepatitis B, pesticides, cyanide and pharmaceuticals. On average our Reverse Osmosis systems will reduce these from between 80% – 97%.
As a result, you will have pure clean water which will then be passed through a remineralising filter to improve the PH and restore some trace minerals such as calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a water filtration or water purification system for your home. We hope that this article has provided you with some information in how to select the right system to suit your needs. Our website contains a wealth of information on all our systems as well as the chemicals that they remove. As always our team are available for further information and advice. Please contact us via email, WhatsApp, our social media channels or telephone.
If you live in an area with hard water, you might have noticed problems like soap scum build-up, dry skin, and dingy laundry. A water softener can help solve these problems and improve the quality of your water. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of water softeners, including their benefits, types, and maintenance.
What is a water softener?
A water softener is a system that removes minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water supply. These minerals can cause hard water which can create build-up in your pipes, appliances, and fixtures, and even make it difficult for soap to lather. A water softener uses a process called ion exchange to replace these minerals with sodium or potassium ions.
Benefits of using a water softener
There are several benefits to using a water softener in your home. Here are a few:
1. Better water quality: Soft water feels and tastes better. You might notice that your skin and hair feel softer and smoother after a shower, and your clothes and dishes come out cleaner.
2. Extended appliance longevity: Hard water can cause mineral build-up in your appliances, shortening their lifespan. A water softener can help protect your investment by preventing this.
3. Reduced energy costs: Mineral build-up can also reduce the efficiency of your appliances, causing them to use more energy to operate. By reducing build-up, a water softener can help you save on energy costs.
Types of water softeners
There are several types of water softeners available on the market. Here are a few:
Salt-based water softeners: These are the most common type of water softener. They use an ion exchange process to replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. The sodium ions are supplied by adding salt to the softener.
Salt-free water softeners: These use a different process called template-assisted crystallization (TAC) to reduce mineral build-up. They don’t actually remove minerals from the water, but instead change their structure so that they don’t cause build-up.
Dual-tank water softeners: These have two tanks, so that one can always be regenerating while the other is in use. This ensures that you always have a supply of soft water available.
Maintenance of water softeners
Like any appliance, water softeners require regular maintenance to function properly. Here are a few tips:
1. Add salt regularly: If you have a salt-based water softener, you’ll need to add salt regularly to keep it working properly.
2. Check for leaks: Check your water softener regularly for leaks or signs of damage.
3. Clean the resin bed: Over time, the resin bed in your water softener can become fouled with mineral build-up. You’ll need to clean it periodically to keep your water softener working properly.
In conclusion, a water softener can provide several benefits for your home, including better water quality, extended appliance lifespan, and reduced energy costs. There are several types of water softeners available, each with their own pros and cons. To keep your water softener working properly, be sure to perform regular maintenance tasks like adding salt and cleaning the resin bed.
At RO-Man we have created our own water softening systems and consumable products. You can access these products here. These products should assist in removing any hard water issues you may have and providing you with the benefits outlined above. Should you wish to discuss this in more detail contact us directly with any questions you may have.
Reverse Osmosis is one of the most convenient and effective filtration methods available, removing between 96% – 99% of contaminants found in water. This water is fresher and healthier than tap or bottled water with any potentially harmful salts, minerals, heavy metals and bacteria removed.
However, there is one downside of Reverse Osmosis technology: waste water. Most Reverse Osmosis Systems with a single membrane work with a product to waste water ration of 4:1. While there are ways in which Reverse Osmosis waste water can be reduced, waste water is inevitable.
In this blog post, we explain how Reverse Osmosis water can be stored, highlight a number of creative ways in which this waste water can be used and give you some ideas of RO-Man products that can aid with Reverse Osmosis waste water.
How to store Reverse Osmosis water?
The most simplest and straightforward way of collecting and storing waste water would be to drop a pipe into a bucket. However, this method of storing the water would required monitoring. For example, if your daily water usage is 20 litres and the ratio of 4:1 waste to product water, 80 litres of waste water would be produced. This method of storing the water would require checking the bucket often enough to stop it over flowing. This might not be practical for a lot of people.
The second method to collect and store waste water is by extending the waste water outlet pipe and drop this into a large tank placed near the location of your Reverse Osmosis system. The water that gets collected in this tank can be stored and reused later. You could also place a submersible pump into the tank and connect a water pipe to the pump’s outlet to siphon the water out of tank.
RO-Man have a large range of storage tanks and containers that can be used to collect both Reverse Osmosis water and Reverse Osmosis waste water. Our extensive product range can be found by clicking here.
Creative ways to use Reverse Osmosis waste water
Household Chores
Most home owners will appreciate the amount of tasks to be carried out around the home. Floors need mopped, dishes need washed and bathrooms need cleaned. The list is endless. Reverse Osmosis waste water can be used in all these tasks.
Reverse Osmosis waste water can be used to mop and scrub floors. It is recommended to dilute the waste waste with equal parts tap water. This will eliminate any residue and prevent stains in case of high TDS and salt content. Reverse Osmosis waste water can also be used for cleaning dishes and utensils as well as bathroom fixtures and faucets.
Washing Cars
A single car wash could use anywhere between 14 litres to 75 litres of water, depending on whether a bucket of water or hose pipe is being used. This could be reduced greatly by using Reverse Osmosis waste water to wash your car, making good use of your waste water as well as helping the environment by reducing your water consumption. Water with a TDS level between 1200 – 1500 PPM can be safely used for car washing. If the TDS level of waste water is high, this can be mixed with tap water to reduce the TDS level. Using this Reverse Osmosis waste water won’t harm your car and is just as effective as regular water is when washing your car.
Gardening
The most effective and convenient use of Reverse Osmosis waste water is for gardening. The high nutrient and mineral content in the water can help your plants bloom and grow. A watering can or bucket can be used to store the waste water and used for both indoor and outdoor plants. It is recommended to start with a few plants, use the waste water for 15 – 20 days and monitor the effective this has on the plant growth. Each plant will respond differently and this will give you a clearer understanding of which plat reacts best. Water with a TDS level up to 2100 PPM is suitable for use in gardening and irrigation.
Can Reverse Osmosis waste water be reduced?
Reverse Osmosis technology is one of the finest filtration methods available and when the waste water is stored and put to good use around the home, these high quality Reverse Osmosis systems are of even more benefit. Reverse Osmosis waste water can be reduced further by using a second membrane in which waste water is fed through, this will also enable your system to produce water at a faster rate. By conserving this water, waste is reduced by 40% – 50% and production is increasing by 80% — 95%. RO-Man have an high quality Membrane Upgrade Kit which includes all the essential components to reduce your Reverse Osmosis waste water and speed up your water production. You can view this product and all the essential information by clicking here.
We hope that you have found this article useful and it has given you some ideas on how to use your Reverse Osmosis waste water. It is important to note that before waste water is used, the TDS of this should be monitored as well as carrying out a test patch on any surfaces you are applying waste water to. As always, should you have any queries or questions please get in contact with us on helpdesk@ro-man.com or on 01823 698813 where a member of our expert team will be happy to assist you with any query you may have.
Most home owners will have a long
list of never ending household chores to do around the house. If you have ever
attempted to clean your own windows only to see streaks and water marks when
the water dries you will understand how frustrating this can be! These unsightly
stains are caused by impurities in the water, so no matter what detergent or
cleaning product you use, when washed with ‘normal’ water these marks will
follow. So what is the solution for this? How do professional window cleaners
leave our windows with that show home finish? Reverse Osmosis technology.
How does Reverse Osmosis clean windows?
Professional window cleaners have been using Reverse Osmosis technology for many years. The three main stages of water purification in window cleaning are Water Softening, Reverse Osmosis and De-Ionisation.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is the finest filtration available. It works by separating contaminants from water by forcing the water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane acts as a physical barrier and prevents impurities at a molecular level from passing through. This will produce pure water having filtered out 98% of unwanted molecules such as fluoride, lead, chlorine, chloramines, pesticides, nitrates, sulphates and much more. This enables windows to be cleaned with pure water, ensuring that no water impurities will leave streaks or water marks.
De-Ionising (DI) Resin is also a
popular method in cleaning windows. DI is the polishing of the water using
resin vessels. The water is passed through a DI resin vessel which will in turn
polish the water, leaving pure water ready to be tanked and used. This DI resin
technology is excellent in car washing and detailing also.
It is important to note that water
softening is not always necessary for cleaning windows. However in areas with
hard water, this can be beneficial. This process will remove the calcium and
magnesium and replace it with sodium. If you have hard water, your TDS will
read 350 or higher.
Either of these processes can be
used alone or in combination together. We find that many window cleaning
companies will use a combination of these methods to ensure a professional
finish.
What are the stages of a RO window cleaning systems?
A typical Reverse Osmosis system
used by window cleaners will involve purification through a 5 or 6 stage
process. Our systems use a combination of filters and membranes to ensure that
the water is of the highest and purest quality. Typically our systems including
a spun sediment filter, carbon block filter and a chlorplus carbon filter on
certain systems.
The first stage in our system is
our spun sediment 5 micron filter. This is made from spun polypropylene with an
extra high capacity. It will remove all remove sediments and particles such as
dirt, sand, silt and rust. The second stage is the carbon block filter which is
our high quality filter made from roasted coconut husk and comprised of
activated carbon granules. This filter
is ideal for chlorine reduction and the removal of particulates, microscopic
cysts, heavy metals such as lead and any other contaminants.
Some of our systems will include
a third pre-filter, Chlorplus. This filter utilizes advanced activated carbon
technology which allows superior chloramine and chlorine reduction. It also
minimizes petrochemical by-product dichloroacetonitrile, ethylene dibromide and
insecticides. Chloramine carbon filters help reduce sediment while providing
greater chloramine performance capacities than granular carbon.
Once the water has passed through
the pre-filtration stage, the membrane will then be the next stage in the
purification process. Reverse osmosis membranes are the heart of every reverse
osmosis system and work by forcing water though a semi-permeable membrane to
remove ions, molecules, and larger particles. The membrane will remove an
average 97-99% of tap water contaminants. We only use high quality thin film
composite reverse osmosis membranes in our systems.
We
give our customers using our window cleaning systems the option to include a
de-ionisation stage after the reverse osmosis has taken place. DI is a resin
based water purification process removes all dissolved solids from the water. These
resins attract non-water ions and replaces them with water ions. This will give
a purer water form with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) reading of zero.
Summary
Reverse Osmosis systems are an
excellent choice for professional window cleaner producing perfectly purer
water through a series of filters and membranes. It is an effective way of
removing any unwanted particles and impurities at a molecular level to ensure
that windows are left at show home standard. Should you be interested in any of
our window cleaning systems and would like any further information please do
not hesitate to contact us on 01823 698813 or via email helpdesk@ro-man.com where our expert team will talk you through
the systems and choices on offer.
In our increasingly health conscious society we are told on a daily basis of the importance of being well hydrated and drinking enough water. Water makes up almost two thirds of our body and is essential for us to function correctly. Used by our body for many processes, water aids with transporting nutrients and oxygen around our bodies, controls temperature, aids in the functioning of our digestive system, removes waste products, lubricates our joints as well as keeping our skin healthy. Simply put, we need water to survive and thrive.
In the UK we are fortunate to have drinking water suitable for consumption straight from our taps at home. But what exactly is in our tap water and is this purified as well as it should be? Is our tap water free from all chemicals and the best type of water for us and our family? Or should we be using a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system for our drinking water? What is the difference between tap water and Reverse Osmosis water? Is this difference enough to warrant an at home Domestic Reverse Osmosis System? In this blog post we aim to outline the main differences between tap water and Reverse Osmosis water, the benefits and drawbacks to both allowing the consumer to decide whether a Reverse Osmosis system would be beneficial to them.
What is in our Tap Water?
The UK government has strict standards and laws in place to ensure that drinking water within our homes is safe and of suitable quality. These standards cover micro organisms, chemicals such as nitrate and pesticides, metals such as lead and copper and as well the taste of the water and the appearance of the water.
While the mineral content found in tap water is variable, depending on the where your water is sourced from, in general terms the following nutrients are found in our drinking water.
Calcium – essential for bone health
Magnesium – essential for cardiovascular and bone health
Fluoride – effective in preventing dental issues
Sodium – an important electrolyte which can be lost with excess sweat
Copper – important for cardiovascular health, iron utilisation and antioxidant function
Selenium – essential for the immune system and antioxidant function
Our water is delivered to our homes through collection, processing and treatment at specialist facilities before being transported through a network of pipes and pumping stations. The collected rainwater is pushed through screens and filters to remove debris and tiny particles before chlorine is added to the water ensuring that any remaining particles, organisms and bacteria is killed before human consumption. In the UK, we benefit from this process ensuring our water is clean and made readily available to us in our homes.
To summarise, by law we are guaranteed clean, safe drinking water but additional minerals are found in our tap water. What then does the reverse osmosis process do and which water is best for us to consume?
What is in Reverse Osmosis Water?
Reverse Osmosis water is the produced water from a Reverse Osmosis system. Reverse Osmosis is the finest filtration for water producing the purest form of water possible. These systems will filter out 98% of unwanted molecules such as fluoride, lead, chlorine, chloramines, pesticides and many more. Once this process of filtration has taken place the produced water will be expertly clean, safe for drinking and storage for future use also. With regular maintenance, filter and membrane changes a Reverse Osmosis system will provide pure water for the life span of the system.
While we are fortunate enough in the UK to have safe drinking water pumped to our homes, some areas may still have potential issues and concerns over the use of pesticides or herbicides. In areas where the quality of water may be uncertain Reverse Osmosis water is an excellent option for removing trace minerals. For people with serious allergies, illnesses and health concerns using Reverse Osmosis to ensure the safety of water can be of high importance. This will produce very high quality water removing just about every contaminant possible giving reassurance to those who may require it.
Now, we know what is in our tap water and what the Reverse Osmosis process does, which is best for our health and our families to consume?
Potential Concerns with Tap water
Our drinking water is pumped to our homes using pipes and networks laid in the early to mid 20th century. Having a lifespan of 75 – 100 years these pipes would need significant investment to ensure that the pipes are still fit for purpose or replacement in order to protect health and the environment. In addition to this, research conducted in 2017 by Orb Media found that 83% of water samples collected across 159 taps in fourteen different countries on five continents was contaminated with microscopic plastic fibres.
In 2009 it was estimated that approximately 25% of domestic households in the EU have lead pipe either as a connection to the water mains or as an integral part of the household plumbing. While lead is no longer found in paints, petrol or food containers, if your water is travelling through lead pipes small amounts can build up over time which could cause serious health problems.
As explained in the article earlier chlorine is added to water at the end of the treatment process to kill off any remaining bacteria. However, recent reports have indicated that there may be an increased risk of bladder and colorectal cancers from long term consumption of water contaminated with chlorine.
Given that we are told that tap water in the UK is safe to drink these potential contaminants may cause some concern but is reverse osmosis the better option or are there any potential causes for concern with it also?
Potential Concerns with Reverse Osmosis Water
Reverse Osmosis systems produce the purest water possible by removing all molecules and contaminants within the water. However, the system has no way of differentiating between good and bad molecules. So while a RO system is excellent for removing all harmful contaminants, it will also remove all nutrients and minerals that are needed and beneficial to our bodies. In an ideal world this wouldn’t be an issue as we would get all the nutrients that we need from our food but unfortunately that is not the case. In addition to this when cooking with demineralised water, such as RO water it may reduce the amounts of vitamins and minerals found in whole foods. So if are some individuals are already vitamin deficient and also using a reverse osmosis system, by extracting the remaining minerals in our water could lead to vitamin deficiencies.
In addition to this, the process of purifying the water Reverse Osmosis systems will also produce some waste water. There is a cost implication to consider with a Reverse Osmosis system. The purchase of a system which must be followed up with regular maintenance and filter changes. If the filters are not changed regularly this can unintentionally make the tap water worse over time, hence the need for regular and carefully maintenance.
RO-Man Drinking Water Systems
At RO-Man we have created and manufacture a range of Reverse Osmosis and Water Purification Systems that are designed to purify water for drinking. All our systems are expertly manufactured using high quality components and filters, using water safe parts.
Drinking Water 6 Stage Purification System
Our Drinking Water 6 Stage Purification System is a complete filtration system designed to produce pure water that can be used for drinking, preparing and cooking food as well as any other household tasks. This Reverse Osmosis system has 6 stages of filtration to ensure your water is expertly clean, pure and tastes great. This system will remove and reduce chlorine, pesticides, lead, oestrogen, fluoride and many other contaminants. More information on this drinking water system as well as specification details can be found here.
Fresh 3 Stage System
Our Fresh 3 Stage System has been specially designed to produce high quality, pure water without altering the overall dissolved mineral or pH of the water. This Water Purification System is ideal for drinking water and should fit underneath most kitchen sinks. This system has 3 stages of filtration and will reduce and remove chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, earth metals as well as any other volatile organic compounds. More information on this drinking water system as well as specification details can be found here.
Whole House Filtration System
Our Whole House Filtration System is a complete water filtration system for the home. This system is installed at the water entry point to the house and will allow this system to begin treating water as soon as it enters the home’s plumbing system. This system has 3 stages of filtration and will remove chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals and earth metals as well as other volatile organic compounds for the water. This system can treat up to 380,000 litres of water. More information on this whole house system can be found here.
Summary
Water is essential for our health in any form be it tap water or Reverse Osmosis water. To sustain a healthy body it is important that we drink sufficient water per day for our bodies to function at their optimum level. In the UK we are fortunate to have good quality, safe drinking water readily available pumped to our homes. However, with the addition of Reverse Osmosis our drinking water can be made even more pure by removing all traces of harmful contaminants. Our society is becoming ever more health conscious and with the risk of lead, chlorine and other contaminants in our tap water, Reverse Osmosis would be an excellent choice for ensuring the water we consume is the best for our health and bodies.
Ultimately, the choice between tap water and Reverse Osmosis water is a personal choice for each individual and family. RO-MAN is always available for any advice on water quality and the benefits of Reverse Osmosis systems. We have a range of systems designed to suit every need, from small to industrial systems. Should you be interested in any more information please feel free to contact us for some further advice on our products.
Water pressure is important for
running a filtration system. It is the pressure of water that forces the water
through the membrane for purification and flushing away the rejected solids.
Low water pressure will result in reduced production and premature fouling of
the membrane.
The ideal pressure for operating a small RO System up to 300 gallons per day is 60 PSI and for larger systems 100 PSI is optimum. Pressure below 40 PSI is generally considered insufficient and can be enhanced using a pressure booster pump.
A booster pump is used to increase inlet pressure to the RO membrane. RO membranes require a minimum of about 40 PSI to operate most water supplies meet this minimum requirement. Should you plan to use your RO system where low water pressure is a problem, using a booster pump is something that you may consider.
Even for applications with
sufficient water pressure a booster pump can greatly benefit your RO System.
Booster pumps will increase pressure which in turn increases the efficiency of
an RO membrane. Booster pumps are cost effective through increased RO
performance. The result will be much faster production of filtered water and
less wastewater.
As we turn on the kitchen tap or run
a bath, unless the water is dripping out or not coming out at all, most people
will not consider the how the water is coming out. However, water pressure is
something that we should all be familiar with.
Most households receive water
from a mains water system. The water is usually extracted from various
groundwater sources, treated to remove impurities and then pumped to a high
point or water tower. Gravity then takes over to provide the pressure that
forces the water through the pipes and eventually to our homes.
Typical residential water systems
are designed to function between 40-70 psi of pressure. If the water pressure
exceeds 80-90 psi, a pressure regulator may need to be installed to reduce the
pressure to an acceptable range. This will stop any damage being caused by excess
water force. The opposite can also occur. Where water pressure is below 40 psi,
a pressure-booster can be installed to bring it up to acceptable levels.
It is also important to note that
water flow is not the same as water pressure. Water flow is the effect of water
pressure on the amount of water available. If water pressure is reading at an
acceptable level but the pressure seems to be less than usual, this may be
caused by a flow problem.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is the total amount of charged ions dissolved in a given volume of water. This is expressed in units of mg per unit volume of water (mg/L) or as parts per million (ppm). These ions can include minerals, salts or metals and can affect everything that consumes, lives in or uses water. TDS will measure the quality and purity of water as well as the performance of water filtration systems.
The dissolved solids refer to any
minerals, salts or metals dissolved in water. This includes anything present in
water other than pure water molecules and suspended solids. Suspended solids
are any particles or substances that are not dissolved or settled in the water,
such as wood pulp.
In general, the total dissolved
solids concentration is the sum of positively charged and negatively charged
ions in the water.
A TDS meter is based on the
electrical conductivity (EC) of water. Pure water has virtually zero
conductivity. TDS is calculated by converting the EC by a factor of 0.5 to 1.0
times the EC, depending upon the levels. Typically, the higher the level of EC,
the higher the conversion factor to determine the TDS.
Changing the filters in your
Reverse Osmosis system is essential. We recommend pre-filters are changed every
6 months, or earlier if you use a lot of water. RO-MAN systems have been designed
to operate at their best with normal, routine maintenance. By changing the
pre-filters on a regular six-month basis, any impurities in the water that may
potentially clog the membrane will be eliminated. This can extend the life the of RO membrane.
Which
filters?
The first step is ensuring you
have the correct replacement filter. With the range of RO systems on the market
it is easy to get a little confused when choosing the correct filter set. While
we do sell our filters individually, in order to get the best from your RO
system we find that it is best to do a complete filter set change, rather than
change the filters singly. This is also more cost effective both in buying the
filters and in the productivity of your system.
Below we have outlined the filter set to match the correct Reverse Osmosis unit.
Reverse Osmosis and Deionisation
4 Stage Professional Reverse Osmosis System. Filters Needed: 4 Stage Professional System Replacement Filter Set – 10 inch 5 Micron Spun Sediment filter, 10 inch Carbon Block filter, Mixed Bed DI resin
200, 300 and 450 Large Systems. Filters Needed: 200, 300 and 450 Large System Replacement Filter Set – 10 inch 5 Micron Spun Sediment filter and 10 inch Carbon Block filter and 10 inch Chlorplus Carbon filter
4040 Reverse Osmosis Systems
4040 Reverse Osmosis System. Filters Needed: 4040 Reverse Osmosis Filter Set – 20 inch 5 Micron Spun Sediment filter and 20 inch Carbon Block filter
HMA 2010 Metal Removal System. Filter Needed: HMA 2010 Metal Removal System Filter Set – 10 inch 5 Micron Spun Sediment filter, 10 inch CBR2 Carbon filter and 10 inch Chlorplus Carbon filter
HMA 3020 Metal Removal System. Filters Needed: HMA 3020 Metal Removal System Filter Set – 20 inch 5 Micron Spun Sediment filter, 20 inch Chlorplus Carbon filter and Metal Removing Resin
HMA System Metal Removing 2100. Filters Needed: Long Life Metal Removing Unit 2100 ml – 10 inch 5 Micron Spun Sediment filter, 10 inch Carbon Block filter, Metal Removing Resin
We hope that you will find all the information that you need in order to choose the correct filter set for your RO unit. However, if you are in any doubt of which filter set you require or if you do not see your particular system on this list please do not hesitate to get in touch either via telephone or email helpdesk@ro-man.com. We will be happy to advise you further in choosing the correct filter set.
Filter Replacement Instructions
Even though most systems will
have slight variations, these steps to replace filters should work for most.
Before you begin, we advise that you wash your hands to avoid contaminating the
new filters and the inside of your system. Waterproof covers and towels are a
good idea to have on hand. You may find it convenient to have a container in
which to placing the housings and old filters until you can dispose of them
properly.
Turn off the water supply and press the red pressure-relief button (if present). If you have a storage tank, switch it to closed. Open the RO faucet to release any pressure and drain the remaining water. Once the dripping stops, close the faucet.
Place your container below the housings and unscrew by turning anticlockwise. You may find it easier to use a housing wrench for this. Discard any water and take out the old filter cartridges.
Clean the filter housing and cap thoroughly.
Check that the o rings on the housings are clean and in good condition. If they show any signs of wear they should be replaced. Should you need something to lubricate the o rings, silicone grease or petroleum jelly is suitable. Place the o rings in the correct position to avoid leaks.
Unwrap the new filter cartridge and insert into the housing. Once you have ensured the filter and o ring is in place, screw the filter housing back into the cap. Again, you may find it easier to use a housing wrench. Be careful not to over tighten.
To change inline filters, push in and hold down the collet against the quick connect fitting to pull out the tubing. Repeat this on both ends.
Remove the cartridge and install replacement. The arrow will indicate the flow direction.
Reconnect the filter by pushing the tubing into the fitting on both ends. Check for a secure connection by pulling back on the tubing.
The water supply can now be switched back on and check the system for any visible air traps.
Switch the tank and faucet on if they are part of your system. It is very important to flush the filters for at least 5 minutes, or until water runs clear before the system is used.
Storage tanks should be filled completely and emptied at least once.
The system is now ready for use.
Changing the Membrane
The lifespan of a RO membrane will
depend on how they are treated and maintained. With proper maintenance of
pre-filters, a membrane should last from 2 to 5 years.
The easiest method to determine
if your membrane needs changing is by measuring water Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
with a TDS meter. Firstly, test the TDS of the tap water followed by testing
the TDS of the RO water. A properly functioning membrane will have removed
approximately 95% of all contaminants in the water. If you find this is not the
case, it is time to replace your membrane.
It is good practice to replace
the flow restrictor at the same time of replacing the membrane to keep your
system operating efficiently. If you are
unsure of the membrane you require, the number on your flow restrictor can help
indicate this.
Flow restrictor number 300 = 50 GPD membrane Flow restrictor number 420 = 75 GPD membrane Flow restrictor number 550 = 100 GPD membrane Flow restrictor number 800 = 150 GPD membrane
The majority of RO systems have
one membrane located horizontally above the vertical filter housings. Membranes
are quick and easy to replace:
Begin by turning off the water supply. If you have a storage tank, close the valve and open the faucet to drain any remaining water and then close.
To remove the tubing from the membrane housing cap, push in and hold down the collet against the quick connect fitting to release tubing. Pull the tubing out.
Remove the cap by turning clockwise. You may find using a wrench will help.
Take out the old membrane, use pliers if necessary.
Clean the membrane housing thoroughly.
Unwrap and insert the new membrane (with the two black o rings first) into the housing until it has sealed tight.
Check that the black rubber o ring is in good condition and in place before screwing the housing cap back on.
Reconnect the membrane by pushing the tubing into the cap fitting. Check for a secure connection by pulling back on the tubing.
The water supply can now be switched back on and the system checked for leaks.
Switch the tank and faucet on if they are part of your system. It is very important to flush the filters for at least 15 minutes.
Storage tanks should be filled completely and emptied at least once.
Discard the first one or two full tanks of water before use. This will flush out the preservative inside the membrane. If the water still has a strange taste or odour after two rounds, keep flushing until the water is suitable for use.
Do you need a Reverse Osmosis system but unsure which is suitable for your requirements? Keep reading for a few points to consider.
What do you plan to use the water for? Once you have established what you need the system for this will narrow down your options. Our RO-MAN systems can be used in a variety of applications including commercial and industrial, laboratories, fish-keeping, window cleaning, domestic and household as well as dental.
We have a wealth of experience in the water industry and have created a range of the perfect systems for any requirement. We also manufacture bespoke systems should you have specific requirements. Our bespoke systems will be made to meet your exact needs, should this be water pressure, certain contaminants within your water or height restrictions where the system will be located. More information on bespoke systems can be found here.
How many stages of filtration should a Reverse Osmosis system should have? No Reverse Osmosis filter media can remove all types of contaminants on their own and for this reason Reverse Osmosis systems are comprised of different stages. RO-MAN systems start with 3 stages and can have as many as 6 different stages.
Our 3 Stage systems typically contain a sediment filter, a carbon based filter and a reverse osmosis membrane. Our 4 stage systems have an additional filter – granulated active carbon filter or deionisation resin depending on which system you choose. Our drinking water systems have 6 stages which include a specific carbon for taste and odour as well as an enriching re-mineraliser.
How much water can a Reverse Osmosis system produce? Once you have established what you need a system to do and have chosen a system to suit your needs, it is important to consider how much water you need this to produce. This will help you pick the correct size of system. The majority of systems will have a production rate of 50% to 75% of system size. For example: a customer wanting a system to produce pure drinking water may not need as much water produced as a customer needing pure water for their fish tank.
For fish keeping our most popular system size is 150 GPD and for producing drinking water our most popular systems is 50 GPD. It is important to note that the 50 GPD rating is the speed that an Reverse Osmosis system makes water. This size of system will produce a gallon of water per hour providing enough water for the most households.
Do Reverse Osmosis systems waste water? In the Reverse Osmosis process, water is used to wash impurities out of your water. In doing this, water will carry away the impurities and particles that are too small to be caught by the filters. This could be considered waste water. In general, Reverse Osmosis systems use approximately 4 gallons of water to produce 1 gallon of clean, pure, filtered water. This waste water is similar to most other household appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers.
Do I need a tap? RO-MAN Drinking Water and Dental systems come complete with a tap and storage tank as standard. Should you require a tap fitted to your system, we can do so as required. Our faucets and taps can be found here.
What about water hardness? If the water flowing into a Reverse Osmosis system has a hardness level above 7 grains per gallon (GPG), the addition of a water softener pre-treatment may be beneficial. Reverse Osmosis systems will not soften water and by adding this pre-treatment it may help preserve the life the system and membrane. However, this is not essential.
Does water pressure matter? Reverse Osmosis membranes require a minimum of about 40 PSI to operate efficiently and most water supplies meet this minimum requirement. Should you plan to use your Reverse Osmosis system where low water pressure is a problem, using a booster pump is something that you may consider. Even for applications with sufficient water pressure a booster pump can greatly benefit your Reverse Osmosis system. Booster pumps will increase pressure which in turn increases the efficiency of an Reverse Osmosis membrane. Booster pumps are cost effective through increased Reverse Osmosis performance. The result will be much faster production of filtered water and less wastewater.
We have a range of booster pumps to work along with our Reverse Osmosis systems to ensure they are working and producing water efficiently. Our booster pumps can be found here.
Can I install it myself? Installation is a fairly simple and straight forward process. All systems come with a comprehensive installation guide with schematics and step by step processes. It should take approximately 30 minutes to install. If you are unfamiliar with Reverse Osmosis systems this could take approximately 45-60 minutes. Should you be unable to install this yourself, most plumbers should be able to install the system. Our installation guide can be found here.
Best Selling Systems
As explained previously, RO-Man have a wide range of systems to suit all requirements. Below we have briefly outlined our most popular systems.
Drinking Water System
Our most popular drinking water system is the Drinking Water 6 Stage Purification System. This complete system is a must for any person concerned for their family’s health. This excellent, high quality system produces fresh, pure, clean and great tasting water. More information on this system can be found here.
Fish Keeping
Our most popular system for fish keeping is our 4 Stage Professional Reverse Osmosis System. This system comes complete with sediment, carbon and deionisation resin to ensure your water is ultra pure for your marine life. This system can be found here.
Dental System
We have developed a high quality dental system with the industry in mind. We have created and manufactured an expert system that is suitable for use in both smaller and larger practices. This system will produce an ample supply of pure water for autoclaves, drills and other dental equipment. This system and further information can be found here.
Window Cleaning
RO-Man have a number of systems and options suitable for window cleaning, both large and smaller scales can use. We have an excellent 4 Stage Professional System that can produce up to 150 GPD as well as an industrial 4040 system that will produce large volumes of water for larger scale companies. The 4 Stage Professional Reverse Osmosis system can be found here. The 4040 Twin membrane Reverse Osmosis system can be found here.
Industrial
We have created and manufactured a high performing, excellent quality industrial 4040 system. This commercial Reverse Osmosis system is suitable for window cleaners, aquatic applications and much more. This heavy duty system will produce up to 2000 gallons of water per day, removing an average of 97 – 99% of contaminants. This high quality Reverse Osmosis system can be found here.
Here at RO-Man we pride ourselves on expert advice and excellent sales care, both pre and post purchase. Should you have any questions after reading the above pointers or need a little more advice, please contact us. One of our expert team will be happy to talk you through our systems and which would suit your own personal requirements. We can be contact by telephone on 01823 698813, email at helpdesk@ro-man.com or online contact form.
Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of
the most convenient and effective filtration methods available. RO membranes
can usually remove between 96 – 99% of most contaminants, including salts, minerals,
dyes, particles, bacteria, and hazardous metals.
In reverse osmosis, contaminants
are separated from water by forcing it through a semi-permeable membrane. This
membrane acts as a physical barrier to almost all molecules with a molecular
weight greater than 200 grams/mole. For example, the membrane may allow passage
of water molecules but block molecules of dissolved salt. These unwanted
molecules are retained by the membrane while the ultra-pure water continues on
for use or further treatment. This is the same technology used to make bottled
water and is the only technology capable of desalinating sea water to be made
into drinking water.
Non-RO water filters are much
less effective. They can filter out coarse particles, sediments and elements but
anything finer including most dissolved substances cannot be filtered out. This
will result in a lower quality of filtered water compared to RO filtration.
Welcome to the newly redesigned RO-MAN website. Over the past few months our technical department have been planning and developing our website. We hope that you find this new website modern, easier to navigate and with a larger range of products.
In addition to the new layout and product range we have decided to publish a blog. This will give all our customers regular updates on RO-MAN, information about new products as well as a vast selection of articles with advice on Reverse Osmosis, System information and any frequently asked questions that may be of benefit to our customers.
We hope you enjoy using the new site! We are excited about these new developments and what the future holds for RO-MAN. As always we will continue to strive to bring you high quality products with excellent customer service!
RO-MAN
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