REVERSE OSMOSIS

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a filtration method that removes many types of

large molecules and ions from solutions by applying pressure to the solution
when it is on one side of a selective membrane. The result is that the solute
is retained on the pressurized side of the membrane and the pure solvent is
allowed to pass to the other side. To be "selective," this membrane should
not allow large molecules or ions through the pores (holes), but should allow
smaller components of the solution (such as the solvent) to pass freely.

Reverse osmosis is most commonly known for its use in drinking water
purification from seawater, removing the salt and other substances from the
water molecules. This is the reverse of the normal osmosis process, in which
the solvent naturally moves from an area of low solute concentration,
through a membrane, to an area of high solute concentration. The movement
of a pure solvent to equalize solute concentrations on each side of a
membrane generates a pressure and this is the "osmotic pressure." Applying
an external pressure to reverse the natural flow of pure solvent, thus, is
reverse osmosis.
The process is similar to membrane filtration. However, there are key
differences between reverse osmosis and filtration. The predominant
removal mechanism in membrane filtration is straining, or size exclusion, so
the process can theoretically achieve perfect exclusion of particles regardless
of operational parameters such as influent pressure and concentration.
Reverse osmosis, however involves a diffusive mechanism so that separation
efficiency is dependent on solute concentration, pressure and water flux rate.

The membranes used for reverse osmosis have a dense barrier layer in the
polymer matrix where most separation occurs. In most cases, the membrane
is designed to allow only water to pass through this dense layer, while
preventing the passage of solutes (such as salt ions). This process requires
that a high pressure be exerted on the high concentration side of the
membrane, usually 2–17 bar (30–250 psi) for fresh and brackish water, and
40–70 bar (600–1000 psi) for seawater, which has around 24 bar (350 psi)
natural osmotic pressure that must be overcome. This process is best known
for its use in desalination (removing the salt from sea water to get fresh
water), but since the early 1970s it has also been used to purify fresh water
for medical, industrial, and domestic applications.

Around the world, household drinking water purification systems, including

a reverse osmosis step, are commonly used for improving water for drinking
and cooking.

Such systems typically include a number of steps:

• a sediment filter to trap particles, including rust and calcium carbonate

• optionally, a second sediment filter with smaller pores
• an activated carbon filter to trap organic chemicals and chlorine,
which will attack and degrade TFC reverse osmosis membranes
• a reverse osmosis (RO) filter, which is a thin film composite
membrane (TFM or TFC)
• optionally, a second carbon filter to capture those chemicals not
removed by the RO membrane
• optionally an ultra-violet lamp for disinfecting any microbes that may
escape filtering by the reverse osmosis membrane
 MULTIGRADE SAND FILTER

The Multigrade Sand Filter is a depth filter that makes use of coarse and fine
media mixed together in a fixed proportion. This arrangement produces a
filter bed with adequate pore dimensions for retaining both large and small
suspended particles.

This filter performs at a substantially higher specific flow rate than

conventional filters. Specific flow rates of 15-30m/h have been successfully
obtained for treating water containing 50-25ppm suspended solids
respectively to produce a filtrate with less than 5ppm.

Features:

• Higher specific velocity.

• Raw water can be used for backwashing the filter.

Advantages:

• Higher specific flow rate than conventional down flow filters thereby
saving on Space & cost.
• Very little maintenance required.
• Lower backwash water requirement.
• In most cases, raw water can be used for backwash
Applications:

• The Multigrade sand filters filter is an ideal choice for all applications
where a conventional sand filter is used.
• It is extensively used in side stream filtration of cooling water & in
potable water treatment.
• It is ideal for filtration of clarified water.
• In addition it finds application in sea water filtration & in filtration of
chemical solutions.
• For these types of filtrations rubber lined or epoxy painted filters can
be offered.

Specifications:

• One vertical cylindrical Mild steel/FRP pressure vessels with dished

ends. Mild Steel pressure vessels are painted internally with
anticorrosive bitumastic paint and externally with a protective coat of
red oxide primer.
• One set of internal water distribution & collection system.
• One initial charge of filter sand & underbed material
• One set of frontal pipe work & valves.
• Two pressure gauges to monitor head loss across the filter.
• One orifice board (optional) for indicating wash water flow to be
fitted in drain sump. Maximum / minimum operating pressure will
be 3.5kg/cm2g & 2.0 kg/cm2g respectively.
• Multigrade sand filters are available from 600 to 3000mn diameters.
 CARBON FILTER

Solid carbon blocks are one of the most effective and widely used
technologies in the Point Of Use (POU) drinking water treatment
industry. Solid carbon blocks, or simply carbon blocks, are employed
either as standalone treatment methods or in conjunction with other
filtration technologies. While seemingly simple at first glance, there are
many factors to evaluate when designing and manufacturing an efficient
carbon block water filter.

Design Parameters:

o Raw Material Selection

o Filter Performance Objectives
o Performance Validation
o Filter Dimensions and Finish
o Performance Indication Devices