Reverse osmosis membrane separation is a method of water treatment in which sufficient pressure is applied against a feedwater to force it through a semipermeable membrane and separate water molecules from other constituents within the water. Reverse osmosis (RO) separates the feedwater into two effluent streams, a desired permeate and a higher salinity concentrate (reject) stream. Membrane rejection characteristics are based on a variety of factors including the type of ions, ionic charge, molecular weight, molecular shape, and molecule hydrophobicity.
Reverse osmosis is suitable for industrial processes and the production of potable (drinking) water. Feedwaters vary and may include surface, well, wastewater, industrial process, and seawater sources.
AMTA is the only industry organization that focuses specifically on membrane processes including reverse osmosis (RO), nanofiltration (NF), microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), electrodialysis reversal desalination (EDR), and membrane bioreactors (MBR). The AMTA website offers a wide range of proprietary Fact Sheets and a complete Digital Library of presentations, posters, and papers on all topics related to membrane treatment, membrane systems, and regulatory and compliance topics.
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Key Components of a Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis Membrane