Water Purification Systems

Reverse Osmosis (RO) System – Overview

Reverse Osmosis is a water purification process that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove contaminants from water. By applying pressure, water is forced through the membrane, allowing only pure water molecules to pass while rejecting dissolved salts, particles, and impurities.

Purpose

The main objective of an RO system is to produce clean, safe, and potable water by eliminating:

• Dissolved salts and minerals

• Heavy metals

• Microorganisms (bacteria and viruses)

• Organic contaminants

Applications

RO technology is used across diverse sectors:

• Residential – for household drinking water

• Commercial – in restaurants, offices, and hospitals

• Industrial – for process water, boiler feed water, and pharmaceuticals

An industrial RO system is a large-scale water purification solution that removes impurities, dissolved solids, and contaminants using reverse osmosis technology. These systems are essential in sectors such as municipal water treatment, desalination, wastewater treatment, and various industrial processes, providing high-quality water for critical applications.

1. Pre-treatment
Before entering the RO membrane, water typically undergoes pre-treatment steps like:

• Sand filtration

• Activated carbon filtration

• Water softening or antiscalant dosing
  These processes help protect the membrane from fouling, scaling, and damage.

2. High-Pressure Pumping
A high-pressure pump forces the pre-treated water through the semi-permeable membrane. The pressure must exceed the osmotic pressure to drive the filtration process.

3. Reverse Osmosis
The membrane allows water molecules to pass through while rejecting dissolved salts, minerals, and other contaminants.

4. Product Water and Reject Stream

• Product water (permeate) is the purified output.

• Reject stream (brine) carries concentrated impurities, which can be either discharged or treated further for reuse.

High-Efficiency Membranes
Industrial systems use specially engineered membranes for high rejection rates and extended performance under demanding conditions.

Energy Recovery Systems
In desalination and high-pressure setups, energy recovery devices help reduce power consumption, making operations more efficient.

Automated Operation
Modern RO systems feature automation for continuous monitoring, pressure control, membrane flushing, and alarm systems.

Scalability
Designed to adapt to varying production capacities, from small industrial setups to large-scale municipal plants.

Durability
Built with corrosion-resistant and high-strength materials to handle extreme environments and continuous use.

Drinking Water Production
Produces potable water from sources like brackish water, river water, or seawater.

Desalination
Converts seawater into fresh water for coastal towns, resorts, and industrial plants.

Wastewater Treatment and Reclamation
Treats industrial or municipal wastewater for reuse or safe discharge.

Industrial Process Water
Supplies high-purity water for manufacturing, boiler feedwater, and cooling towers.

Pharmaceutical and Food & Beverage Industries
Meets stringent water quality requirements for product consistency and safety.

Purified Water Distribution System

A Purified Water (PW) Distribution System is a sophisticated network designed to deliver high-purity water to critical points of use in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, cosmetic, and food & beverage industries. It maintains consistent quality, controls temperature and flow, and minimizes contamination risks.

Key Components and Features

Storage Tank

• Constructed from SS316L stainless steel with electropolished surfaces

• Capable of handling pressure and temperature fluctuations

• Ensures clean, contamination-free water storage

Recirculation System

• Uses sanitary-grade pumps to maintain continuous circulation

• Prevents stagnation and microbial growth through turbulent flow

Distribution Piping

• Made from sanitary stainless steel tubing (ASTM A270 or ASME BPE)

• Features orbital welding and tri-clamp connections for cleanability

• Fully drainable design

Pumps

• Typically centrifugal pumps with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

• Maintain precise flow rates and system pressure

Instrumentation

• Includes sensors for flow, pressure, temperature, conductivity, and Total Organic Carbon (TOC)

• Ensures water quality remains within defined parameters

Sanitization Methods

• May include ozonation, heat, or chemical methods

• Helps eliminate microbial contamination and maintain system hygiene

Dead Leg Minimization

• System is designed to reduce or eliminate areas of water stagnation

• Helps prevent biofilm formation and microbial buildup

Temperature Control

• PW systems generally operate between 15–25°C

• WFI (Water for Injection) loops typically run above 80°C for microbial control

Final Filtration

• Utilizes 0.2 or 0.1 micron cartridge filters

• Acts as a final safeguard to remove particulates and microorganisms

Special Considerations for Pharmaceutical Applications

Regulatory Compliance

• Systems are designed to meet standards such as USP, EP, and JP

WFI Systems

• Specialized setups, often involving distillation, are required for Water for Injection used in parenteral (injectable) products

Automation and Control

• Often includes PLC- or SCADA-based automation

• Supports continuous monitoring, alarms, and data logging for validated processes

Reverse Osmosis (RO) System Overview

A Reverse Osmosis (RO) system is a water purification technology that removes dissolved salts, particles, and other contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. It is widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications to produce clean, high-purity water.

1. How It Works

Semi-permeable Membrane
At the heart of the RO system is a membrane with microscopic pores that allow water molecules to pass through while blocking contaminants like salts, minerals, and microorganisms.

Pressure Application
Pressure is applied to the feed water, pushing it through the membrane. This pressure must exceed the natural osmotic pressure to separate clean water from dissolved impurities.

Separation Process
The system splits the water into two streams:

• Permeate (Purified Water): The clean water that passes through the membrane

• Reject/Brine: The concentrated water carrying the removed contaminants

2. Key Components

Pre-filter
Removes large particles, sediment, and chlorine to prevent damage to the RO membrane.

RO Membrane
The central filtering element, usually made of thin-film composite (TFC) material, which removes up to 99% of dissolved impurities.

Post-filter (Optional)
Used to enhance the taste and odor of the purified water, especially in drinking water systems.

Storage Tank
Holds the purified water for immediate or future use.

Pressure Pump
Boosts water pressure to improve filtration efficiency and overcome osmotic resistance.

3. Applications of RO Systems

Drinking Water Purification
Commonly used in homes and offices to produce clean, safe drinking water—especially effective in areas with high total dissolved solids (TDS).

Desalination
Essential in converting seawater into potable water for regions with limited freshwater resources.

Industrial Processes
Applied in industries for boiler feedwater, pharmaceutical production, food processing, and water reuse systems.

Aquariums and Hydroponics
Provides mineral-free, controlled water environments for sensitive aquatic life and plant cultivation.