RO – W23 AORA reverse osmosis filter (membrane)

A water ioniser is a device used to alter the pH level of water and to separate it into alkaline and acidic water. It uses electrolysis technology to ionise the water and produce negatively and positively charged ions. Alkaline water is often used as drinking water and is said to have an alkalising effect on the body, whilst acidic water can be used for cleaning purposes. Water ionisers aim to alkalise the water and alter its taste.

On the other hand, a reverse osmosis system is a system based on the principle of reverse osmosis, as described previously. It uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities such as salts, minerals, heavy metals, bacteria and viruses from the water. The process of reverse osmosis produces clean, filtered water that can be used for various purposes such as drinking, cooking or industrial applications. Reverse osmosis systems aim to rid the water of a wide range of contaminants and ensure high water quality.

The main difference between a water ioniser and a reverse osmosis system lies in how they work and what they are designed to achieve. Whilst a water ioniser is primarily designed to alter the pH level of the water and provide potentially alkaline water, a reverse osmosis system focuses on removing contaminants and providing clean, filtered water. The choice between the two depends on individual requirements and preferences – whether one prefers water ionisation or comprehensive purification.

Reverse osmosis is a water treatment process based on the principle of selective permeability. It is a widely used method for desalinating water and removing impurities. Reverse osmosis is used in various applications, including drinking water treatment, seawater desalination, wastewater treatment and process water purification.

The basic principle of reverse osmosis involves forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane under high pressure. The membrane is designed to retain certain molecules and ions, whilst allowing water molecules to pass through. This effectively removes salts, minerals, organic compounds, heavy metals and other contaminants from the water.

The reverse osmosis process consists of several components. First, the water to be treated is fed through a pre-filter to remove coarse impurities such as sediment, particles and rust. The water is then pumped into the reverse osmosis unit, where it flows through the semi-permeable membrane.

The high pressure generated by a pump forces the water to pass through the membrane. The membrane consists of a thin layer of semi-permeable material capable of allowing water molecules to pass through whilst retaining larger dissolved substances. This removes most impurities from the water.

The purified water that has passed through the membrane is known as permeate and can be used for various purposes, including drinking water, food processing or industrial processes. The water that has not passed through the membrane and contains the contaminants is known as concentrate and is usually disposed of or recirculated back into the reverse osmosis process to optimise water consumption.

The performance of a reverse osmosis unit is influenced by various factors, including pressure, the type of membrane, the temperature of the water, and the nature and concentration of the contaminants in the feed water. To ensure the efficiency and longevity of the system, it is important to carry out regular maintenance, such as cleaning and replacing the membranes.

Reverse osmosis offers an effective method of water treatment, particularly in areas with limited access to clean water or where high-purity water is required. It is a proven process for desalinating seawater and removing contaminants from various water sources. Continuous technological development has led to improved membranes and more efficient systems, enabling cost-effective and economical water treatment.

TheAORA W23is a reverse osmosis system that is particularly effective at removing contaminants from water. Here is an overview:

What is filtered out?

• Heavy metals: lead, copper, cadmium, chromium, nickel, etc.

• Chemical contaminants: chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides.

• Micro-organisms: bacteria, viruses (even more effective when combined with a UV filter).

• Salts and minerals: nitrates, sulphates, fluorides, arsenic.

• Particles: Sediment, rust, sand, suspended solids.

• Organic compounds: Medication residues, hormones.

What is not filtered out?

• Gases: Dissolved gases such as oxygen or carbon dioxide are not removed.

• Very small molecules: Some extremely small organic molecules can pass through the membrane.

• Taste and smell: Chlorine and other substances that affect the taste are removed, but the taste of pure water may be perceived as ‘flat’ due to the absence of minerals.

Note on minerals:

• Reverse osmosis also removeshealthy mineralssuch as calcium and magnesium. However, some models (including, where applicable, the AORA W23) have amineralisation filter which reintroduces important minerals into the water after filtration.

The installation of our reverse osmosis systems (such as the W12 or W23) can be carried out by anyone with some DIY experience, using the connection materials supplied and the illustrated installation instructions. The system is usually connected to the cold water supply under the sink and to a mains power supply. If you are unsure, we recommend having the installation carried out by a qualified plumber. Our customer service team will be happy to assist you with any questions regarding installation by telephone or email.