RO Membrane Hydrophobicity

The working principle of Reverse Osmosis (RO) is based on the process of osmosis, which is the natural movement of solvent molecules from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration through a semipermeable membrane. In the case of RO, this process is reversed by applying external pressure to overcome the natural osmotic pressure.   RO systems consist of several key components: a pre-treatment system, a high-pressure pump, a semipermeable membrane, a pressure vessel, and a post-treatment system. The pre-treatment system is responsible for removing any large particles, sediment, chlorine, and other impurities that can potentially damage the RO membrane.    Once the water has been pre-treated, it is pressurized by a high-pressure pump and directed to the RO membrane. The membrane is a thin layer that allows water molecules to pass through while rejecting dissolved solids, contaminants, and other undesirable substances. The RO membrane has extremely small pores that can effectively filter out ions,molecules, and particles with sizes ranging from a few angstroms to micrometers. The post-treatment system is often included to further polish the permeate by adjusting its pH, adding disinfectants, or removing any remaining impurities, ensuring its quality meets the required standards for various applications.   RO technology is widely used in various applications, including desalination of seawater, production of ultrapure water for industries, residential water purification systems, and wastewater treatment. Its efficiency and versatility make it a popular choice for water treatment where the removal of dissolved solids and contaminants is necessary.   In conclusion, the working principle of RO involves the application of pressure to reverse the natural osmotic process, allowing the selective removal of dissolved solids and contaminants, resulting in the production of purified water.