Water osmosis is a natural process that occurs when two solutions with different concentrations of solutes are separated by a semipermeable membrane. This membrane allows water molecules to pass through freely, but does not allow larger solute particles to pass through. As a result, water molecules tend to move from the less concentrated solution to the more concentrated solution until an equilibrium is reached. This process is used to filter water and increase the quality of the water that comes out of the tap. However, there are numerous water osmosis myths that must be denied.
In this article we are going to tell you what the myths of water osmosis are, its characteristics and much more.
What is the osmosis filter used for?
The taste of tap water in certain urban areas can be quite potent, mainly due to its high mineral content, also known as "lime." This often leads many people to opt for bottled water. Recently, an emerging trend involves the use of osmosis filtration devices as an alternative, but it is important to be careful. These devices may not be as effective or beneficial as advertised. In fact, in some cases, they can even worsen water quality instead of improving it. Additionally, these devices can waste a lot of water.
Home reverse osmosis systems that are available for purchase that sit under the sink with a small faucet work quite simply. Generally, They are analyzed in terms of their 4 or 5 stage filters, which represent the different steps of the water filtration process.
Osmosis process in the water filter
The osmosis filter can be compared to a sieve, whose holes are so tiny that only water can pass through, while other impurities, such as salt and other substances, are trapped. Although the process is more complex than simple filtration, There is no need to delve into such complexities. This is similar to visualizing an atom, where the core is the Earth and the electrons orbit around it like satellites. Although this is not entirely accurate, it provides a general idea of the concept.
The initial phases of the process aim to remove any impurities that may be present in the water on a larger scale, which can be economically removed before it reaches the osmosis membranes. This reduces the workload required and extends the life of the membranes.
The filter considered here is a sediment filter that is primarily used to remove sand particles or grains of lime that may be present in the water. Its filtration capacity is limited to particles larger than 5 microns, which is equivalent to 0,005 millimeters. Activated carbon, both in granular and block form, is used in the second and third stages of these processes.
The process of obtaining a material capable of eliminating specific components requires the treatment of plant remains such as nut shells, wood or coconut bark with a combination of combustion gases and water vapor at high temperatures. Using this method, a material is produced that contains a significant number of pores and crevices. These characteristics have the ability to eliminate certain components through an adsorption phenomenon.
The main objective of its use is to eradicate unpleasant odors. Additionally, in the context of drinking water, they are also used to remove chlorine. To reduce the hardness of the water, A cation exchange resin is often included in the process, which performs the same function as the salt descalers found in dishwashers. This component is responsible for reducing the hardness of the water.
Inside the well-known filter jugs there is an active cartridge composed of both carbon and resin. Through this combination, the cartridge is able to successfully remove chlorine (from the carbon) and reduce the hardness level of the water (from the resin).
The fourth stage consists of the elimination of solid remains, chlorine and salts. After this, the water undergoes osmosis membrane filtration, which effectively removes almost all the impurities that were present in the water.
To speed up this gradual process, there is a container that collects the water, allowing it to be used immediately without having to wait. This container is commonly known as a tank.
The fifth and final stage of the process It involves the addition of a small activated carbon filter once the deposit has been made. This filter is used to put the finishing touches on the product.
Myths of water osmosis
When considering the pros and cons of a given topic, it is important to weigh both sides of the argument. While there may be benefits to this process, there are also potential drawbacks that should be considered. By carefully examining both the advantages and disadvantages, An informed decision can be made that takes into account all relevant factors.
First, we will examine the true benefits and disadvantages of these instruments.
Advantages
- Reduce expenses both on visits to the supermarket as in transportation, it can generate substantial savings. It is certainly true that if one refrains from buying bottled mineral water, one does not need to go to the supermarket just for water.
- Compared to the cost of mineral water, you can save money.
- The profitability of this effort depends on the initial cost of the device, as well as the expenses incurred for purchasing spare parts and performing necessary inspections. A thorough financial analysis is recommended to determine the viability of this investment. However, it is undeniable that implementing this cost-saving measure, such as stopping purchasing bottled water, could lead to significant financial gains.
- An effective way to reduce the production of plastics is to avoid buying bottled water.
- When water contains a large amount of dissolved salts, particularly calcium and magnesium, causing scale, it is called "hard water." The addition of chlorine to hard water is what causes the distinctive taste that is often associated with it, as a result of a combination of both traits. This is why filter pitchers are effective at improving the overall taste of hard water.
Disadvantages
Water misuse is a major environmental concern. Reckless waste of this valuable resource is a persistent problem that demands immediate attention.
During the process of passing through the osmosis filter, only part of the water manages to pass through the membrane. The part of the water that can be filtered has a very low concentration of minerals and is what you will consume, while the rest of the water that contains all the minerals stays and is more concentrated, being finally discarded. Manufacturers may claim that there is a ratio of 1 part filtered to 4 parts discarded, but in reality, this figure is often much higher and difficult to achieve. It is not unusual to have numbers ranging from 1 to 10, and if the equipment is not well selected or the network pressure is not adequate, these figures can be multiplied by two or three.
It may go unnoticed that wasted water goes directly down the drain and, due to the low cost of tap water, is also not reflected on the bill. However, the unfortunate truth is that due to low efficiency, the water that is disposed of is virtually the same quality as tap water.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the myths of water osmosis.