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REVERSE OSMOSIS AND ULTRAFILTRATION SYSTEMS

Remco Engineering reverse osmosis

systems fill a unique position in the area of
water and wastewater treatment. Our
reverse osmosis systems provide complete
water purification solutions with
microprocessor control and fiberglass
support skids for trouble free automatic
operation and a long useful life.

Our systems use a recycle loop that takes

part of the reject water from the system and
recycles it back to the holding tank that feeds the reverse osmosis pump. This is
possible because of the water softening system we include with each system. This
allows us to use 94%+ of the water we receive into the system. Our competitors will
reject up to 50% of the water to drain to keep the membranes from fouling with the
water hardness. We remove the hardness first.

Systems can be run with a softener or anti-scalant feed. No other chemicals are
required. . No expensive specialty chemicals that you can forget to order and foul your
membrane. . The carbon bed reacts with the chlorine and has an almost infinite life.
Only plugging of the carbon would require its' replacement. The only periodic
maintenance is to change the prefilter to keep the flow rate at an acceptable level.

Our reverse osmosis systems are sized to handle from 1000gallons per day to 500,000
gallons per day. Small reverse osmosis systems have all components mounted on one
skid. Larger systems have individual tanks and a separate skid for the RO system.

Installation is simply placing the skid in place, connecting power, city water and the
drain lines. Larger reverse osmosis systems will require some simple interconnect
plumbing from the feed tanks. In less than 4 hours, most all systems can be installed
and running.

Each Remco system includes:

o 5 micron prefiltration;
o High flow carbon bed for
chlorine removal with an
automatic timed backwash;
o Either a two tank water
softening system to remove
 water hardness or an anti-scalant feed to sequester the calcium and
mangesium.
o A fiberglass skid constructed of epoxy bonded fiberglass structural
material with a control panel mounting surface and supports for the
reverse osmosis (RO) vessels;
o A stainless steel multistage reverse osmosis pump;

o PVC or Stainless Steel interconnection plumbing.

o Nema 4x (waterproof) fiberglass control panel;

o Fiberglass reverse osmosis pressure vessels;

o Thin Film composite reverse osmosis membranes with 97%, 99% or

99.5%rejection;
o Preprogrammed microprocessor controller interfaced to all pumps and
level controls;
o Softened water storage tank with level controls interfaced to the
microprocessor or metering pump for the anti-scalant feed;
o Reverse osmosis water storage tank with level controls interfaced to the
microprocessor;
o Flowmeters on permeate, reject, and recycle streams;

o Conductivity meter on permeate stream;

o Valves for adjusting recycle rate, pump output pressure, and

backpressure;
o Ultraviolet sterilizer on the permeate output; (optional)

o up to 94%+ water usage efficiency due to the recycle loop and water
softening (94% of the water is permeate, 6% of the water is dumped to
drain)
o

o Optional computer monitor and control system for data logging and remote
service and troublshooting

With other systems, the base price is a stripped system and everything useful is an
extra cost option. We have very few options. Ours systems are designed to run
efficiently, continuously, and with minimum down time. We don't like field service so if it
broke, we changed it for something that won't break. Each service call is money out of
our pocket so we won't sell you a system that needs lots of service.
We design our systems to include both softening and carbon treatment for removal of all
hardness ions and chlorine. The hardness ions foul the reverse osmosis membrane and
require periodic cleaning to remove them. If the reverse osmosis membranes become
too fouled, the membranes will need to be replaced. By removing the hardness totally,
we avoid periodic membrane cleaning totally. We have some systems that are only
cleaned on an annual basis. The chlorine removal is to prevent oxidation of the
membrane surface.

http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water-education/quality-water-filtration-method.htm

Water Purification Technologies

 Distillation
 Ion Exchange

 Carbon Adsorption

 Filtration

 Ultrafiltration

 Reverse Osmosis

 Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

 Pulling It All Together

Distillation

Distillation is probably the oldest method of water purification. Water is first heated to
boiling. The water vapor rises to a condenser where cooling water lowers the temperature
so the vapor is condensed, collected and stored. Most contaminants remain behind in the
liquid phase vessel. However, there can sometimes be what is called carry-overs in the
water that is distilled. Organics such as herbicides and pesticides, with boiling points
lower than 100 °C cannot be removed efficiently and can actually become concentrated in
the product water. Another disadvantage is cost. Distillation requires large amounts of
energy and water.

Distilled water can also be very acidic, having a low pH, thus should be contained in glass.
Since there is not much left, distilled water is often called "hungry" water. It lacks oxygen
and minerals and has a flat taste, which is why it is mostly used in industrial processes.

Table 1. Distillation
Advantages Disadvantages

Removes a broad range of contaminants Some contaminants can be carried into the
condensate
Reusable
Requires careful maintenance to ensure purity

Consumes large amounts of energy

System usually takes a large space on counter

Ion Exchange

The ion exchange process percolates water through bead-like spherical resin materials (ion-
exchange resins). Ions in the water are exchanged for other ions fixed to the beads. The
two most common ion-exchange methods are softening and deionization.

Softening is used primarily as a pretreatment method to reduce water hardness prior to

reverse osmosis (RO) processing. The softeners contain beads that exchange two sodium
ions for every calcium or magnesium ion removed from the "softened" water.

Deionization (DI) beads exchange either hydrogen ions for cations or hydroxyl ions for
anions. The cation exchange resins, made of styrene and divinylbenzene containing sulfonic
acid groups, will exchange a hydrogen ion for any cations they encounter (e.g., Na+, Ca++,
Al+++). Similarly, the anion exchange resins, made of styrene and containing quaternary
ammonium groups, will exchange a hydroxyl ion for any anions (e.g., Cl-). The hydrogen
ion from the cation exchanger unites with the hydroxyl ion of the anion exchanger to form
pure water.

These resins may be packaged in separate bed exchangers with separate units for the
cation and anion exchange beds. Or, they may be packed in mixed bed exchangers
containing a mixture of both types of resins. In either case, the resin must be "regenerated"
once it has exchanged all its hydrogen and/or hydroxyl ions for charged contaminants in the
water. This regeneration reverses the purification process, replacing the contaminants
bound to the DI resins with hydrogen and hydroxyl ions.
Deionization can be an important component of a total water purification system when used
in combination with other methods discussed in this primer such as RO, filtration and carbon
adsorption. DI systems effectively remove ions, but they do not effectively remove most
organics or microorganisms. Microorganisms can attach to the resins, providing a culture
media for rapid bacterial growth and subsequent pyrogen generation. The advantages and
disadvantages of this technology are summarized below.

Table 3. Deionization

Advantages Disadvantages

Removes dissolved inorganics effectively. Does not effectively remove particles,

pyrogens or bacteria.
Regenerable (service deionization).
DI beds can generate resin particles and
Relatively inexpensive initial capital culture bacteria.
investment.
High operating costs over long-term.

Carbon Adsorption

Carbon absorption is a widely used method of home water filter treatment because of its
ability to improve water by removing disagreeable tastes and odors, including objectionable
chlorine. Activated carbon effectively removes many chemicals and gases, and in some
cases it can be effective against microorganisms. However, generally it will not affect total
dissolved solids, hardness, or heavy metals. Only a few carbon filter systems have been
certified for the removal of lead, asbestos, cysts, and coliform. There are two types of
carbon filter systems, each with advantages and disadvantages: granular activated carbon,
and solid block carbon. These two methods can also work along with a reverse osmosis
system, which can be read about below.

Activated carbon is created from a variety of carbon-based materials in a high-temperature

process that creates a matrix of millions of microscopic pores and crevices. One pound of
activated carbon provides anywhere from 60 to 150 acres of surface area. The pores trap
microscopic particles and large organic molecules, while the activated surface areas cling to,
or adsorb, small organic molecules.

The ability of an activated carbon filter to remove certain microorganisms and certain
organic chemicals, especially pesticides, THMs (the chlorine by-product), trichloroethylene
(TCE), and PCBs, depends upon several factors, such as the type of carbon and the amount
used, the design of the filter and the rate of water flow, how long the filter has been in use,
and the types of impurities the filter has previously removed.
The carbon adsorption process is controlled by the diameter of the pores in the carbon filter
and by the diffusion rate of organic molecules through the pores. The rate of adsorption is a
function of the molecular weight and the molecular size of the organics. Certain granular
carbons effectively remove chloramines. Carbon also removes free chlorine and protects
other purification media in the system that may be sensitive to an oxidant such as chlorine.

Carbon is usually used in combination with other treatment processes. The placement of
carbon in relation to other components is an important consideration in the design of a
water purification system.

Table 3. Carbon Adsorption

Advantages Disadvantages

Removes dissolved organics and chlorine Can generate carbon fines.

effectively.

Long life (high capacity).

Microporous Basic Filtration

There are three types of microporous filtration: depth, screen and surface. Depth filters are
matted fibers or materials compressed to form a matrix that retains particles by random
adsorption or entrapment. Screen filters are inherently uniform structures which, like a
sieve, retain all particles larger than the precisely controlled pore size on their surface.
Surface filters are made from multiple layers of media. When fluid passes through the filter,
particles larger than the spaces within the filter matrix are retained, accumulating primarily
on the surface of the filter.
The distinction between filters is important because the three serve very different functions.
Depth filters are usually used as prefilters because they are an economical way to remove
98% of suspended solids and protect elements downstream from fouling or clogging.

Surface filters remove 99.99% of suspended solids and may be used as either prefilters or
clarifying filters. Microporous membrane (screen) filters are placed at the last possible point
in a system to remove the last remaining traces of resin fragments, carbon fines, colloidal
particles and microorganisms.

Table 4. Microporous Membrane Filtration

Advantages Disadvantages

Absolute filters remove all particles and Will not remove dissolved inorganics,
microorganisms greater than the pore size. chemicals, pyrogens or all colloidals.

Requires minimal maintenance. Potentially high expendable costs.

Not regenerable.

Ultrafiltration

A microporous membrane filter removes particles according to pore size. By contrast, an

ultrafiltration (UF) membrane functions as a molecular sieve. It separates dissolved
molecules on the basis of size by passing a solution through an infinitesimally fine filter.

The ultrafilter is a tough, thin, selectively permeable membrane that retains most
macromolecules above a certain size including colloids, microorganisms and pyrogens.
Smaller molecules, such as solvents and ionized contaminants, are allowed to pass into the
filtrate. Thus, UF provides a retained fraction (retentate) that is rich in large molecules and
a filtrate that contains few, if any, of these molecules.
Ultrafilters are available in several selective ranges. In all cases, the membranes will retain
most, but not necessarily all, molecules above their rated size.

Table 5. Ultrafiltration

Advantages Disadvantages

Effectively removes most particles, Will not remove dissolved inorganics.

pyrogens, microorganisms, and colloids
above their rated size.

Produces highest quality water for least

amount of energy.

Regenerable.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis (RO) is the most economical method of removing 90% to 99% of all
contaminants. The pore structure of RO membranes is much tighter than UF membranes.
RO membranes are capable of rejecting practically all particles, bacteria and organics >300
daltons molecular weight (including pyrogens). In fact, reverse osmosis technology is used
by most leading water bottling plants.

Natural osmosis occurs when solutions with two different concentrations are separated by a
semi-permeable membrane. Osmotic pressure drives water through the membrane; the
water dilutes the more concentrated solution; and the end result is an equilibrium.

In water purification systems, hydraulic pressure is applied to the concentrated solution to

counteract the osmotic pressure. Pure water is driven from the concentrated solution and
collected downstream of the membrane.

Because RO membranes are very restrictive, they yield slow flow rates. Storage tanks are
required to produce an adequate volume in a reasonable amount of time.

RO also involves an ionic exclusion process. Only solvent is allowed to pass through the
semi-permeable RO membrane, while virtually all ions and dissolved molecules are retained
(including salts and sugars). The semi-permeable membrane rejects salts (ions) by a charge
phenomena action: the greater the charge, the greater the rejection. Therefore, the
membrane rejects nearly all (>99%) strongly ionized polyvalent ions but only 95% of the
weakly ionized monovalent ions like sodium.

Reverse osmosis is highly effective in removing several impurities from water such as total
dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, asbestos, lead and other toxic heavy metals, radium, and
many dissolved organics. The process will also remove chlorinated pesticides and most
heavier-weight VOCs. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filtration are complementary
processes. Combining them results in the most effective treatment against the broadest
range of water impurities and contaminants.

RO is the most economical and efficient method for purifying tap water if the system is
properly designed for the feed water conditions and the intended use of the product water.
RO is also the optimum pretreatment for reagent-grade water polishing systems.

In addition, Reverse osmosis treatment is an insurance policy against nuclear radiation such
as radioactive plutonium or strontium in the drinking water. If one lives near a nuclear
power plant, this is a key way to ensure the household is drinking the best water for their
health.

Table 6. Reverse Osmosis

Advantages Disadvantages

Effectively removes all types of Flow rates are usually limited to a certain
contaminants to some extent (particles, gallons/day rating.
pyrogens, microorganisms, colloids and
dissolved inorganics).

Requires minimal maintenance.

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

Ultraviolet radiation has widely been used as a germicidal treatment for water. Mercury low
pressure lamps generating 254 nm UV light are an effective means of sanitizing water. The
adsorption of UV light by the DNA and proteins in the microbial cell results in the
inactivation of the microorganism.

Recent advances in UV lamp technology have resulted in the production of special lamps
which generate both 185 nm and 254 nm UV light. This combination of wavelengths is
necessary for the photooxidation of organic compounds. With these special lamps, Total
Organic Carbon (TOC) levels in high purity water can be reduced to 5 ppb.

Table 8. Ultraviolet Radiation

Advantages Disadvantages

Effective sanitizing treatment. Decreases resistivity.

Oxidation of organic compounds (185 nm Will not remove particles, colloids, or ions
and 254 nm) to < 5 ppb TOC
Pulling It All Together

Water Purification Systems

Because each purification technology removes a specific type of contaminant, none can be
relied upon to remove all contaminants to the levels required for critical applications. A well-
designed water purification system uses a combination of purification technologies to
achieve final water quality.

Each of the purification technologies must be used in an appropriate sequence to optimize

their particular removal capabilities. The schematic below shows a central laboratory water
purification system designed to produce water for critical applications.
The first step is pretreatment equipment specifically designed to remove contaminants in
the feed water. Pretreatment removes contaminants that may affect purification equipment
located downstream, especially reverse osmosis (RO) systems. Examples of pretreatment
are: carbon filters (or tanks) for chlorine removal, particulate filters for
sediment/silt/particulate removal, and softening agents to remove minerals that cause
"hard" water.

The next purification step is RO. RO removes 90 to 99% of all the contaminants found in
water. It is the heart of any well designed water purification system because it effectively
removes a broad range of contaminants.

However, the tight porosity of the RO membrane limits its flow rate. Therefore, a storage
container is used to collect water from the system and distribute it to other points-of-use
such as polishing systems.

Polishing systems purify pretreated water, such as RO water, by removing trace levels of
any residual contaminants. Polishing elevates the quality of pretreated water to "Type I" or
"ultrapure" water.

A polishing system is designed to remove residual traces of impurities from water already
pretreated by some other means (such as reverse osmosis or deionization). Treating raw
tap water using such a system would quickly exhaust its capacity and affect final quality.

A typical polishing system may consist of activated carbon, mixed-bed deionization, organic
scavenging mixtures and 0.22 µm final filtration. Systems can also be enhanced with
ultrafiltration, ultraviolet oxidation or other features for use in specific applications.

This combination of purification technologies, combined with proper pretreatment, will

produce water that is virtually free of ionic, organic and microbial contamination.

Healthy and Convenient! Our Featured Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System