Reverse Osmosis Filters

APEC Water Systems Extends Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Donation Program for 2011 to Benefit Charity

2011-12-29T16:31:00.000-08:00

APEC Water Systems is excited to announce that they will continue providing FREE water filtration systems to people who are in need of pure drinking water for the first half of 2011. From now until the end of June, disadvantaged individuals and families who are experiencing both financial and medical hardships can apply at the website Freedrinkingwater.com for a chance to receive a free reverse osmosis water purification system.

According to recent news reports, tap water from 31 of 35 U.S. cities have tested positive for hexavalent chromium, or chromium-6, based on laboratory tests. Hexavalent chromium is a carcinogen and unfortunately, it is just one of the many contaminants that are found in drinking water which can cause cancer and damage people's health. For individuals who are already sick and undergoing medical treatment, even low levels of toxins in their water can have a negative effect on their recovery. Unfortunately, many people do not have the financial means to purchase a quality reverse osmosis system to filter out contaminants like chromium, arsenic and fluoride which are not removed by basic faucet water filters.

APEC's FreeDrinkingWater program will donate several new water filtration systems every month to qualified applicants for the first half of 2011. Besides reverse osmosis, other systems that are available include whole house carbon filters, countertop filters, iron removal systems, and UV water purifiers. "We are excited to continue to offer this program and would like to thank the past applicants who have made it truly meaningful and worthwhile." said Ed Shih, marketing manager at APEC. "We believe that purified drinking water is fundamental to peoples' health, and would like to sincerely and humbly welcome all applicants who are interested to apply today."

The FreeDrinkingWater program is open to all residences within the 48 contiguous states. Full details, eligibility requirements and application forms are available to the public through the website at

www.freedrinkingwater.com/charity.

www.sfgate.com

For the original version on PRWeb visit: www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2011/01/prweb4982084.htm

Guide to Water Purification (water filter)

2011-05-11T05:03:00.001-07:00

by Rick Curtis

first edition published by Random House March, 1998

Water Purification

Dipping your head into a cold mountain stream and taking a long refreshing drink is an experience that has basically vanished from the wilderness areas of America. With the increased use of the wilderness there has also been an increase in the amount of bacteriological contamination of backcountry water supplies. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that 90 percent of the world’s water is contaminated in some way. There are a variety of microscopic organisms that can contaminate water supplies and cause potentially serious, even fatal, illnesses among wilderness travelers. The major danger in the backcountry from these infections is fluid loss due to diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to hypovolemic shock and possibly death (see Diarrhea or Vomiting, page 315; Fluid Electrolyte Replacement, page 286; Shock, page 238).

In order to drink the water, you should be prepared to treat it. There are numerous methods of water purification, described below in order of effectiveness. Remember, however, that infections can also be spread through poor personal hygiene, something that purifying your water won’t prevent.

Biologically Contaminated vs. Toxic Water

Biologically contaminated water is water that contains microorganisms such as Giardia (a common microorganism that, if not killed, leads to intestinal disorders), bacteria, or viruses that can lead to infections (see Gastrointestinal Infections, page 316). Toxic water sources contain chemical contamination from pesticide runoffs, mine tailings, and so on. Boiling, filtering, or chemically treating water can remove or kill microorganisms, but it will not remove chemical toxins. This is also the case when using a solar still (see page 223).

Boiling

Boiling is the most certain way of killing all microorganisms. According to the Wilderness Medical Society, water temperatures above 160° F (70° C) kill all pathogens within 30 minutes and above 185° F (85° C) within a few minutes. So in the time it takes for the water to reach the boiling point (212° F or 100° C) from 160° F (70° C), all pathogens will be killed, even at high altitude. To be extra safe, let the water boil rapidly for one minute, especially at higher altitudes since water boils at a lower temperature (see page 68.)

Chemical Purification

There are two types of chemical treatment: those using iodine and those using chlorine. There are a variety of products on the market, so follow the directions on the bottle. Be advised that many of the tablets have an expiration date and become ineffective after that point. Also, once the bottle has been opened, the tablets must be used within a certain period. When in doubt, buy a new bottle. Remember that chemical purification methods may only be partially effective, depending on the water temperature.

General Chemical Treatment Procedures

The effectiveness of all chemical treatment of water is related to the temperature, pH level, and clarity of the water. Cloudy water often requires higher concentrations of chemical to disinfect.
If the water is cloudy or filled with large particles, strain it, using a cloth, before treatment. Large particles, if swallowed, may be purified only "on the outside."
Add the chemical to the water and swish it around to aid in dissolving. Splash some of the water with the chemical onto the lid and the threads of the water bottle so that all water areas are treated.
The water should sit for at least 30 minutes after adding the chemical to allow purification to occur. If using tablets, let the water sit for 30 minutes after the tablet has dissolved.
The colder the water, the less effective the chemical is as a purifying agent. Research has shown that at 50° F (10° C), only 90 percent of Giardia cysts were inactivated after 30 minutes of exposure. If the water temperature is below 40° F (4° C), double the treatment time before drinking. It is best if water is at least 60° F (16° C) before treating. You can place the water in the sun to warm it before treating.
Chemically treated water can be made to taste better by pouring it back and forth between containers, after it has been adequately treated. Other methods include adding a pinch of salt per quart or adding flavorings (e.g., lemonade mix, etc.) after the chemical treatment period.

Iodine Treatment

Iodine is light sensitive and must always be stored in a dark bottle. It works best if the water is over 68° F (21° C). Iodine has been shown to be more effect than chlorine-based treatments in inactivating Giardia cysts. Be aware that some people are allergic to iodine and cannot use it as a form of water purification. Persons with thyroid problems or on lithum, women over fifty, and pregnant women should consult their physician prior to using iodine for purification. Also, some people who are allergic to shellfish are also allergic to iodine. If someone cannot use iodine, use either a chlorine-based product or a non-iodine-based filter, such as the PUR Hiker Microfilter, MSR WaterWorks, or the Katadyn Water Filter.

Generally, the procedure is as follows:

Liquid 2% Tincture of Iodine Add 5 drops per quart when the water is clear. Add 10 drops per quart when the water is cloudy.
Polar Pure Iodine Crystals Fill the Polar Pure bottle with water and shake. The solution will be ready for use in one hour. Add the number of capfuls (per quart of water treated) listed on the bottle, based on the temperature of the iodine solution. The particle trap prevents crystals from getting into the water being treated. It is important to note that you are using the iodine solution to treat the water, not the iodine crystals. The concentration of iodine in a crystal is poisonous and can burn tissue or eyes. Let the treated water stand for 30 minutes before drinking. In order to destroy Giardia cysts, the drinking water must be at least 68° F (20° C). The water can be warmed in the sun before treating or hot water can be added. Refill the treatment bottle after use so that the solution will be ready one hour later. Crystals in the bottle make enough solution to treat about 2,000 quarts. Discard the bottle when empty.
Potable Aqua This is an iodine tablet product. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

Chlorine Treatment

Chlorine can be used for persons with iodine allergies or restrictions. Remember that water temperature, sediment level, and contact time are all elements in killing microorganisms in the water. Halazone is an example of a chlorine tablet product. To use, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Tricks of the Trail

Backups Always have at least one backup method for water purification in case one fails. This can be any combination of methods. I’m the cautious type, so I always have two backup methods: water filter and 2% tincture of iodine or Polar Pure iodine crystals. And I can always boil the water. If boiling is your backup method, make sure you have enough fuel.
Fix the Taste Adding vitamin C (about 50 milligrams) to iodized water completely eliminates any taste or color of iodine. You must wait until the iodine has purified the water before adding the vitamin C. The vitamin C in drink mixes like Tang™ has the same effect.<

Filtration

There are a number of devices on the market that filter out microorganisms. A water filter pumps water through a microscopic filter that is rated for a certain-size organism. The standard size rating is the micron (the period at the end of this sentence is about 600 microns). Depending on the micron rating of the filter, smaller organisms (like viruses) can pass through. Be cautious when selecting a filter. You should know what potential organisms you need to treat for. You don’t want to go to an area where a virus like hepatitis A is present in the water (a problem in some developing countries) with a filter that will handle only a larger organism like Giardia.

Common microorganisms and the filter size needed:

Organism
Examples
General Size
Filter Type
Particle Size Rating

Protozoa
Giardia, Cryptosporidium
5 microns or larger
Water filter
1.0–4.0 microns

Bacteria
Cholera, E. coli, Salmonella
0.2–0.5 microns
Microfilter
0.2–1.0 microns

Viruses
Hepatitis A, rotavirus, Norwalk virus
0.004 microns
Water purifier
to 0.004 microns

There are two basic types of filters (descriptions of several popular models begin on the facing page).

Membrane Filters use thin sheets with precisely sized pores that prevent objects larger than the pore size from passing through. Pro: Relatively easy to clean. Con: Clog more quickly than depth filters. Example: PUR-Hiker.
Depth Filters use thick porous materials such as carbon or ceramic to trap particles as water flows through the material. Pro: Can be partially cleaned by backwashing. Activated carbon filters also remove a range of organic chemicals and heavy metals. Con: Rough treatment can crack the filter, rendering it useless. Examples: MSR WaterWorks II, Katadyn.

Note: There is a difference between a water filter and a water purifier. Filters do not filter out viruses, but there are water purifiers, like the PUR Scout, that pass the water through both a filter and an iodine compound that kills any smaller organisms that have passed through the filter. These purifiers kill all microorganisms down to 0.004 microns; however, the filter should not be used by people who are allergic to iodine.

Common Practices for Using a Water Filter

Filter the cleanest water you can find. Dirty water or water with large suspended particles will clog your filter more quickly.
Prefilter the water either through a prefilter on the pump or strain it through a bandanna.
If you must filter dirty water, let it stand overnight for particles to settle out.

Countertop Superior Water Filter System - White - with 1 Micron Carbon Block Filter

2011-04-21T18:47:00.001-07:00

by Superior

Water Filter

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Product Features

Reduces Chlorine taste & odors and improves taste
Features 1 Micron Solid carbon block Filter Cartridge
Easy to install and use - Inexpensive and Convenient
Great tasting more healthy water
Convenient - quality water right at your tap.

Product Details

Item Weight: 3 pounds
Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
ASIN: B0009VKJCY

Product Description

This counter top unit sits on the counter and easily connects to most any kitchen faucet. A diverter valve replaces the aerator on your faucet. In the regular position, water exits straight through its own aerator. When filtered water is desired, turn on the cold water and pull out on the diverter valve knob - water is routed through the filter and out its own swivel spout. Uses a replaceable carbon block cartridge (included), in a single space-saving housing. This cartridge is manufactured using a patented process that yields a cartridge with a nominal 10 micron filtration rating, high dirt-holding capacity. A high porosity design helps prevent the cartridge from plugging before its adsorption capacity is exhausted, maximizing the utilization of the carbon while maintaining low pressure drop, 6,000 gallons chlorine taste & odor reduction. Flow rate is .75 to 1 gallon per minute. For cold water use only, includes two diverter adapters, spout, chrome diverter valve. Includes chlorine test strips to verify when it's time to replace cartridge.

Water Filter

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Aquasana AQ-4501.56 Premium Under Counter Water Filter System, Polished Chrome

2011-04-21T18:44:00.001-07:00

by Aquasana

Water Filter

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$249.94

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Product Specifications

Part Number:
AQ-4501.56

Color:
Polished Chrome

Item Package Quantity:
1

Technical Details

Voted Consumers Digest Best Buy
Performance Certified by Underwriters laboratories and the California Department of Public Health
Help prevent thousands of plastic containers from winding up in landfills and further polluting the environment
Filters out chlorine, lead, VOCs, MTBE and Cysts
32 gallons a hour of ultra-filtered high quality

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Remove pollutants, maintain healthy minerals. The Aquasana Premium Under Counter water filtration system uses the same drinking filter that won Health Magazine's "Healthiest Product" award for 2010, but offers a convenient installation that allows you to get healthy, clean water directly from a separate tap that matches your kitchen fixtures. This water filter uses Aquasana's unique selective filtration process: a combination of carbon filtration, ion-exchange and sub-micron filtration to produce clean, healthy water. Our drinking water filter products are certified to NSF standards 42 & 53 to reduce sediment, chlorine, lead, herbicides, pesticides, cysts, VOCs, SOCs, THMs and bad taste & odor. Our unique filter also leaves in healthy minerals for optimum hydration. Since Aquasana filter cartridges last 6 months or 500 gallons, you're getting the healthiest water and the best value.

Product Description

Aquasana's Premium Under Counter Drinking Water Filter installs in minutes without the need for a plumber! Aquasana Provides Healthy, Great Tasting Water Conveniently At Your Sink.

Replace the filter cartridges every six months with Aquasana AQ-4025 dual cartridge replacement filters. Always have fresh filters right when you need them, receive a 20% discount on replacements and extend your system warranty with Aquasana's Water For Life auto-ship cartridge program.

Contaminant Reduction:
99.3% of Chlorine taste and odor
98.7% of Lead @ 6.5pH
99.0% of Lead @ 8.5pH
99.987% of Cryptosporidium (cyst)
98.46% of Particulate, Class I particles 0.5 to <1µm
99.6% of VOCs(by surrogate testing using chloroform)
>95% of Trihalomethanes*(THMs)

*V.O.C.s tested by chloroform surrogate as specified in NSF Standard 53.
For an expanded list of contaminants reduced please see the Aquasana AQ-4000 performance sheet. Performance testing was perfomed by Underwriters Laboratories to NSF Standards 42 & 53. While testing was performed under standard laboratory conditions, actual peformance may vary. California Department of Health Certificate #06-1792

Product Details

Shipping Weight: 4.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
ASIN: B000YF9ZIO
Item model number: AQ-4501.56

Water Filter

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3M Filtrete 3US-PF01 Under-Sink Advanced Replacement Water Filter

2011-04-21T18:38:00.001-07:00

by 3M

Water Filter

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$37.99

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Product Specifications

Part Number:
3US-PF01

Item Package Quantity:
1

Item Dimensions

Weight:
1.7 Pounds

Technical Details

Certified to remove parasitic cysts
Reduces sediments, chlorine taste and odor
Quick, easy, no mess filter changes
No tools needed for filter changes
Filter lasts up to six months

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Replacement filter for the 3M Filtrete 3US-PF01 Under-Sink Professional Water Filtration System.

Product Description

Fits Filtrete 3US-AS01, 3US-PS01, and Whirlpool WHCF-SUF, WHCF-SUFC water filter systems. <SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE

Product Details

Item Weight: 1.7 pounds
Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
ASIN: B001DVRR4W
Item model number: 3US-PF01

Water Filter

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PUR 2 Stage Water Pitcher Replacement Filter

2011-04-21T18:34:00.001-07:00

Water Pitcher

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by PUR

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$19.99

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Size: 3 Pack

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Product Features

Size: 3 Pack

Replace filters every 40 gallons for best results
Reduces lead and contaminants in water
Leaves beneficial fluoride in the water
For use with the Pur 2 Stage water pitchers and dispenser
Contains 3 filter units

Product Details

Size: 3 Pack

Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 7.6 x 2.7 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
ASIN: B000067DZX
Item model number: CRF-950Z

Product Description

Size: 3 Pack

Amazon.com Review

Keep drinking chemical- and odor-free water with a new PUR water filter. This pack of three replacement filters fits PUR’s Ultimate Water Filtration Dispenser and Pitcher. They reduce cadmium, cryptosporidium, giardia, lead, mercury, asbestos, copper, zinc, and sediment 96 to 99.99 percent; plus lessen chlorine levels and discoloration.

PUR’s filters are made with activated carbon to reduce chlorine and sediment, and include an ion-exchange resin that helps eliminate lead and copper. For best results, filters should be changed every 40 gallons. While PUR filters rid water of many chemicals, coloration, and bad flavors, they do not soften water or remove fluoride. This package of filters measures 7.9 by 7.6 by 2.7 inches, and weighs 2 pounds. --Jessica Reuling

From the Manufacturer

Replacement filters for use with the Pur 2 Stage Water Pitchers. Filters conveniently provide up to 40 gallons (1 to 2 months) of crystal clean water. Reduces lead and removes microbiological cysts while leaving beneficial fluoride in the water. Can also help remove 96% of trace pharmaceuticals found in some tap water supplies.

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GE Smart Water MWF Refrigerator Water Filter, 1-Pack

2011-04-21T18:28:00.001-07:00

Water Filter

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by General Electric

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1-Pack: $32.992-Pack: $62.743 Pack: $94.954-Pack: $132.156-Pack: $192.00

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Product Specifications

Part Number:
MWF

Size:
1-Pack

Item Package Quantity:
1

Item Dimensions

Length:
8 inches

Width:
10 inches

Height:
6 inches

Technical Details

Replacement water filter for refrigerators
Works with a wide-range of GE models
Replaces GWF, GWFA, GWF01, GWF06, MWFA
Eliminates home delivery/store bought bottled water
Should be replaced every 6 months

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

GE MWF Refrigerator Water Filter is easy to replace with no special tools required. No need to even turn off the water, simply turn the filter to the left to remove. A check valve stops water flow and prevents leakage. Insert a new filter and turn to the right. It replaces GE water filter part numbers GWF, GWFA, GWF01, GWF06, MWFA, and Hotpoint HWF, HWFA . This GE water filter works with a wide-range of GE and Hotpoint models and should be replaced every six months. An adapter may be needed if you have the following filters: FXRC, FXRT, MXRC, HXRT, WR97X10006, and Kenmore 46-9905.

Product Description

The General Electric (GE) MWFDS SmartWater Refrigerator Filter reduces lead cysts, asbestos, mercury, and other sediments and pesticides as well as tastes and odor from chlorine treatment for better tasting and healthy water. The filter is NSF tested and certified. Manufacturer number: MWFDS. SKU number: 4299855.

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 8 x 10 x 6 inches
Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
ASIN: B000AST3AK
Item model number: MWF

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Filtration

2011-04-21T18:26:00.001-07:00

Water filters have a long history as a method of water purification, beginning as early as 2000 b.c.e. in ancient Egypt. Filtration has evolved from the simple Hippocratic sleeve of ancient Greece, made from cloth, to the complicated solid block carbon and multimedia water filters currently on the market. Water filtration is now the premier method of water purification, removing more water contaminants, more efficiently, than any other technique.

The Process:

The filtration process involves some type of filter media, over which water flows. This filter media blocks passage of contaminants through physical obstruction, chemical adsorption, or a combination of both processes. Material construction of the filter media varies widely, but the most effective medias are made from carbon or a combination of carbon with other elements. Modern filtration technology allows water filters to remove more and more contaminants through the chemical process of adsorption. In the adsorption process, contaminants are encouraged to break their bond with water molecules and chemically adhere to the filter media. Generally, water goes through several stages of filtration to ensure that each filter media will remove the ultimate number of contaminants. Water normally passes through a water filter at a relatively low speed, in order to ensure adequate contact time with the filter media. Once the water has passed through the required stages of filtration, it emerges as pure drinking water, free from contamination.

Pros and Cons:

Unlike reverse osmosis and distillation process, water filters are not limited in the type or size of contaminants they can remove. Thus, water filters are able to remove far more contaminants than any other purification method. Also, because they use the chemical adsorption process, water filters can selectively retain healthy trace minerals in drinking water.

Filtration is the only one of the three water purification methods that is capable of removing chlorine, chlorine byproducts, and VOCs from drinking water. Chlorine and VOCs are the most dangerous and threatening contaminants of municipally treated drinking water. Besides the removal of these dangerous chemicals, water filters also extract from drinking water the chlorine-resistant protozoa giardia and cryptosporidium. These protozoa have plagued the water treatment industry for several decades and have caused a number of epidemics of severe gastrointestinal disease, contracted through drinking contaminated water.

Water filters, because they do not require the costly energy sources of reverse osmosis and distillation, provide a source of relatively inexpensive, purified water. Also, water filters waste very little water, as compared to reverse osmosis and distillation systems.

Depending upon the type of filter used, water filtration may be a less than ideal form of water purification. For example, granular filters do not utilize the chemical adsorption process, allowing several contaminants to pass through the filter media. Likewise, rapid water filters allot water inadequate contact time with the filter media, limiting the number of contaminants that may be removed. Solid block carbon filters solve both of these problems by using both adsorptive and slow filtration processes. Solid block carbon filters are absolutely the best and most effective water filters available.

10 Reasons to Use a Whole House Water Filter

2011-04-21T18:22:00.001-07:00

Harmful chemicals constantly escape into the air in a home from the dishwasher, the toilet, and the shower.
The release of water contaminants into the air results in poor air quality in a home. This poor air quality is a leading cause of asthma and bronchitis.
The use of a countertop water filter and shower filter cannot entirely protect a home from harmful water contaminants.
Shower filters, because they must filter water at extreme temperatures, are not 100% effective at removing all dangerous contaminants.
Many skin rashes and other irritations are a result of chlorine and volatile organic chemicals VOCs) that have become embedded in clothing washed in chlorinated water.
The dishwasher releases more chlorine into the air than any other water source in the house, besides the shower.
The use of a whole house water filter is the only way to ensure pure, filtered water from every water source in the house.
A whole house water filter purifies water efficiently and cost-effectively, making it a viable solution to drinking water contamination for a majority of people.
The 2100 known water contaminants can make their way into our bodies not just from drinking the actual water but also from inhalation and dermal absorption.
Merely avoiding drinking tap water by indulging in bottled water is not an effective means of protection against dangerous water contaminants.

10 Benefits of Using a Water Filter

2011-04-21T18:20:00.001-07:00

Water filters provide better tasting and better smelling drinking water by removing chlorine and bacterial contaminants.
Point-of-use water filters remove lead from drinking water immediately prior to consumption, thus preventing this harmful substance from entering the body.
The purchase of a countertop filter results in a source of clean, healthy water that costs much less than bottled water.
Water filters greatly reduce the risk of rectal cancer, colon cancer, and bladder cancer by removing chlorine and chlorine byproducts from drinking water.
A solid block carbon water filter can selectively remove dangerous contaminants from drinking water while retaining healthy mineral deposits that balance the pH of drinking water.
Drinking clean, filtered water protects the body from disease and leads to overall greater health
A water filter provides clean, healthy water for cooking, as well as drinking, at the convenience of tap water.
Water filters reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disease by more than 33 percent by removing cryptosporidium and giardia from drinking water.
Drinking pure water is especially important for children. Water filters provide the healthiest water for children’s developing immune systems
Water filters offer the last line of defense between the body and the over 2100 known toxins that may be present in drinking water.

How Do Reverse Osmosis Filter Systems Work & What Do They Do?

2011-04-19T18:46:00.001-07:00

Producing Drinking Water Using Reverse Osmosis

Although Reverse Osmosis seems like a complex system it is really a simple and straightforward water filtration process. And it's not a new process. High-pressure (pump driven) reverse osmosis systems have been used for years to desalinate* water – to convert brackish or seawater to drinking water. Having a better understanding of how a reverse osmosis system works will eliminate the mystery and confusion you may feel when you look at a reverse osmosis system -- with its many colored tubes and multitude of filters. Read on to enhance your knowledge of residential reverse osmosis systems.

The most important points to remember:

All RO Systems work the same way.
Most RO (Reverse Osmosis) systems look alike.
All RO Systems have the same basic components.
The real difference is the quality of the filters and membranes inside the RO.

How the Reverse Osmosis System Works?

Reverse Osmosis is a process in which dissolved inorganic solids (such as salts) are removed from a solution (such as water). This is accomplished by household water pressure pushing the tap water through a semi permeable membrane. The membrane (which is about as thick as cellophane) allows only the water to pass through, not the impurities or contaminates. These impurities and contaminates are flushed down the drain.

For a definition of **Reverse Osmosis.

Ultimately, the factors that affect the performance of a Reverse Osmosis System are:

Incoming water pressure
Water Temperature
Type and number of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the tap water
The quality of the filters and membranes used in the RO System (see operating specs)

Diagram of a Reverse Osmosis Membrane:

What does a Reverse Osmosis System Remove?

A reverse osmosis membrane will remove impurities and particles larger than .001 microns.

TYPICAL REJECTION CHARACTERISTICS OF R.O. MEMBRANES
Elements and the Percent R.O. Membranes will remove

Sodium
Sulfate
Calcium
Potassium
Nitrate
Iron
Zinc
Mercury
Selenium
Phosphate
Lead
Arsenic
Magnesium
Nickel
Fluoride
Manganese
Cadmium
Barium
Cyanide
Chloride

85 - 94%
96 - 98%
94 - 98%
85 - 95%
60 –75%
94 – 98%
95 – 98%
95 – 98%
94 – 96%
96 – 98%
95 – 98%
92 – 96%
94 – 98%
96 – 98%
85 - 92%
94 – 98%
95 – 98%
95 – 98%
84 – 92%
85 – 92%

% may vary based on membrane type water pressure, temperature & TDS

Basic components common to all Reverse Osmosis Systems:

Cold Water Line Valve: Valve that fits onto the cold water supply line. The valve has a tube that attaches to the inlet side of the RO pre filter. This is the water source for the RO system.
Pre-Filter (s): Water from the cold water supply line enters the Reverse Osmosis Pre Filter first. There may be more than one pre-filter used in a Reverse Osmosis system. The most commonly used pre-filters are sediment filters. These are used to remove sand silt, dirt and other sediment. Additionally, carbon filters may be used to remove chlorine, which can have a negative effect on TFC (thin film composite) & TFM (thin film material) membranes. Carbon pre filters are not used if the RO system contains a CTA (cellulose tri-acetate) membrane.
Reverse Osmosis Membrane: The Reverse Osmosis Membrane is the heart of the system. The most commonly used is a spiral wound of which there are two options: the CTA (cellulose tri-acetate), which is chlorine tolerant, and the TFC/TFM (thin film composite/material), which is not chlorine tolerant.
Post filter (s): After the water leaves the RO storage tank, but before going to the RO faucet, the product water goes through the post filter (s). The post filter (s) is generally carbon (either in granular or carbon block form). Any remaining tastes and odors are removed from the product water by post filtration.
Automatic Shut Off Valve (SOV): To conserve water, the RO system has an automatic shutoff valve. When the storage tank is full (this may vary based upon the incoming water pressure) this valve stops any further water from entering the membrane, thereby stopping water production. By shutting off the flow this valve also stops water from flowing to the drain. Once water is drawn from the RO drinking water faucet, the pressure in the tank drops and the shut off valves opens, allowing water to flow to the membrane and waste-water (water containing contaminants) to flow down the drain.
Check Valve: A check valve is located in the outlet end of the RO membrane housing. The check valve prevents the backward flow or product water from the RO storage tank. A backward flow could rupture the RO membrane.
Flow Restrictor: Water flow through the RO membrane is regulated by a flow control. There are many different styles of flow controls. This device maintains the flow rate required to obtain the highest quality drinking water (based on the gallon capacity of the membrane). It also helps maintain pressure on the inlet side of the membrane. Without the flow control very little drinking water would be produced because all the incoming tap water would take the path of least resistance and simply flow down the drain line. The flow control is located in the RO drain line tubing.
Storage Tank: The standard RO storage tank holds up to 2.5 gallons of water. A bladder inside the tank keeps water pressurized in the tank when it is full.
Faucet: The RO unit uses its own faucet, which is usually installed on the kitchen sink. In areas where required by plumbing codes an air-gap faucet is generally used.
Drain line: This line runs from the outlet end of the Reverse Osmosis membrane housing to the drain. This line is used to dispose of the impurities and contaminants found in the incoming water source (tap water). The flow control is also installed in this line.

Diagram of a Reverse Osmosis System with Basic Components:

Quality of RO Membranes and Filters – They're not all alike!

While one RO System may look just like the next in terms of design and components, the quality of those components can be very different. These differences can have a significant impact on the quality of the water the system produces.

Here are some examples of questions you might ask and consequences associated with "less than desirable" quality.

Has the manufacturer used sound methods? What types of welds have been used in these plastic products? Will they allow contaminated water to bypass the filtration system? Will they allow the system to leak?
How has this filter or membrane been created? Will it allow the water to 'channel' and, in effect, bypass the removal component of this device?
What about the quality of the 'fill'? Are it's contents of a high enough quality to produce the expected percentage of contaminant reduction? Carbon quality, for instance, can have huge variances in reduction capability, reduction capacity, and the sloughing of 'fines', which can prematurely clog or foul the RO Membrane.
What are the manufacturer's controls on tolerances or variations in specifications? If this component is rated as a 1-micron filter will it truly filter out everything larger than 1 micron or will it only do the job 80% of the time? And, what if it actually filters at a .5-micron rate? That will stop the system from flowing -- clogging it and forcing filter replacement? If this is a sediment filter and it fails the excess sediment will clog or foul the RO Membrane.
And in general - Are the materials used in this product FDA or NSF (National Safety Foundation) approved? If not, you might question their quality or performance ability.

So, it becomes clear that the quality of the components is the key to an optimal functioning RO System.

Why and How To Increase the Gallon Per Day Capacity of A Reverse Osmosis Systems

The main reason to change to a higher flow reverse osmosis membrane is to improve the recovery rate which is to reduce the amount of time it takes to refill the storage tank. This insures that there is adequate water available during times of heavy usage or when the reverses osmosis system may feed more than one location such as an ice maker and a dispensing faucet.

Changing to a higher flow membrane has no effect on the quality of the water your reverse osmosis system makes or the length of time the reverse osmosis membrane will last.

The change to a higher capacity membrane is easy. You simply replace your old membrane with a new, higher capacity membrane, along with the correctly sized drain line flow restrictor. (Matching the membrane with the correctly sized drain line flow restrictor is important to ensure the proper product to waste ratio is meet. A mis-matched combination will allow either excess water to flow to the drain or cause premature fouling of the membrane.) Most standard reverse osmosis membrane housings will accommodate membranes ranging in capacities from 10 – 150 gallons per day.

GE FQROPF Profile SmartWater Ultra Plus Reverse Osmosis Filter Set

2011-04-16T02:16:00.001-07:00

by General Electric

Product Features

PRE AND POST FILTER SET
Works with the following models: General Electric PNRQ15FBL, General Electric PNRQ20FBB
General Electric PNRQ20FBL, General Electric PNRQ20FWW, General Electric PXRQF15F

Product Details

Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
ASIN: B001EY8XUK

Product Description

The FQROPF GE Profile SmartWater Ultra Plus reverse osmosis filter set takes advantage of GE's newest twist & lock reverse osmosis filter system. The FQROPF replacement filter set includes both a pre-filter and a post-filter.