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If you’ve decided that a reverse osmosis water system is right for your business, with so many options on the market how do you know which one to go for? Before you take the plunge you need to compare the different reverse osmosis water systems on the market and decide which one is best for what you want to achieve. Take a look at these thought provoking questions and they help you decide how best to invest. Questions to Ask What Flux Rate is Required The rate of flux is the rate at which the permeate or water passes through the reverse osmosis membrane. Every membrane supplier will make their flux rate known and stipulate a maximum rate for their particular membrane product. You need to make sure that the flux rate specified by the manufacturer of the reverse osmosis water system is matched by the membrane maximum flux rate. If there is a discrepancy between the two, the products will not last as long or function as efficiently. Remember to ask about the flux rate but it is also recommended that you ask about the number of membranes that are provided with the initial purchase (these can be expensive). Does the System Support Additional Pumps Integration? Something that is definitely worth considering is whether or not the product you are looking at supports peripheral add-ons, in terms of pumps. You may not feel you need these initially, but in the future you may decide that you need to boost the water pressure, add on a raw pump or even a distribution pump. The more versatile your purchase first off, with regards to a facility for integration and controlling additional pumps, the better the investment. Cost of Clean in Place (CIP) Connectivity To maximise the functionality of your equipment and encourage its longevity, you will need to have it serviced and cleaned. This has to be done by specialists and should be done in situ. It is imperative that you ask your supplier about this before you make the purchase. Some companies include it in the initial price but others will charge extra for the service and this may have a bearing on which supplier you go with. Testing Water from Membranes It is a good idea to ask whether you can test water quality from the individual membranes, especially if you’re contemplating a larger reverse osmosis water system. If the answer is yes then you can rest assured that this is a money saver in the long run; equipment can be maintained and problems noticed early should one arise. What Instrumentation Is Offered? Another key question is whether your new system will have the function to measure the conductivity of the permeate. This is a basic measurement and all suppliers should ensure this is integrated into the equipment. Other instrumentation might include a monitor that measures permeate concentrate and concentrate recycle lines, or one that measures the feed pressure - both are useful tools. Investing in a reverse osmosis water system can be a daunting prospect, but begin by asking these questions and your supplier will know you mean business. The key is to get the product to work for you; so know what you need, ask the questions and then let the experts point you in the right direction. Author Plate Sean Clifford is an advisor at AllWater Technologies Ltd, a wholly independent company providing consultation and water treatment equipment, including a reverse osmosis water system and effluent treatment plant. Bringing together a host of experience and specialist knowledge, the company is committed to building and maintaining long-term relationships and creating maximum value and benefit for their customers.
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