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Chemistry Forums for Students => Physical Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: rj1027 on October 10, 2004, 09:12:17 PM

Title: Reverse Osmosis
Post by: rj1027 on October 10, 2004, 09:12:17 PM

What level of calcium or magnesium would render a home reverse osmosis unit ineffective when pretreated with softener prior to the reverse osmosis unit?
 ???

Title: Re:Reverse Osmosis
Post by: eugenedakin on April 01, 2005, 11:18:10 AM

Hello,

The reverse osmosis unit is highly dependent on pre-treatment.  Over time, any reverse osmosis unit will eventually plug up due to calcium/magnesium/iron...etc...  The way to maximize the life of the membrane filters is to ensure that 1) the pretreatment salts are kept at high levels, 2) pretreatment filters are continuously cleaned/replaced, 3) ensure that signifacent volumes of 'flush water' is produced to limit calcification/deposition in the membranes.  Purchasing high quality membranes also extends the life of your system.

I hope this helps,

Eugene