How does reverse osmosis work?
Osmosis is a physical force. It is the natural tendency of water with a low concentration of dissolved particles to flow through a semi-permeable membrane to an area of water with a high concentration of dissolved particles. This is how plants absorb nutrients from the soil. The flow may be stopped or even reversed by applying external pressure on the side of higher concentration. This is called reverse osmosis. (R.O.) Reverse osmosis is only one stage of a typical R.O. system. Sediment and carbon filtration is normally included with an R.O. system, with each stage of filtration contributing to the purification process. The first stage of filtration is the sediment filter, which reduces suspended particles such as dirt, dust, and rust. The second stage of filtration is the carbon filter, or filters which reduce volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), chlorine, and other taste and odor causing compounds. The main component of Reverse Osmosis is the membrane. It is responsible for rejecting u
