Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Desaltech Home Reverse Osmosis System ?
Desaltech RO Series is a Home Drinking Water System that uses the principle of
reverse osmosis to remove 95-99% of all the mineral and chemical
contaminants from raw tap water. Our products give you the quality of bottled
water with the convenience of a faucet mounted on your kitchen sink.
Q: How does Reverse Osmosis differ from a Water Filter ?
Ordinary water filters use a screen to separate only particles of dirt sediment
from water. Reverse osmosis employs a semipermeable membrane that
removes not only particles but also an extremely high percentage of dissolved
contaminants-molecule by molecule- from raw tap water.
Q: What is the membrane and how does it work ?
The membrane consists of several thin layers or sheets of film that are bonded
together and rolled in a spiral configuration around a plastic tub (This is also
known as a thin film composite or TFC membrane.) The material of the
membrane is semipermeable: it allows water molecules pass through while
acting as a barrier to dissolved solids (i.e.: mineral chemical contaminants).
When the feed water stream passes across the surface of the membrane, the
PurePro molecules penetrate the membrane surface, working their way around
the spiral and collecting in the center tube. The remaining contaminants are
concentrated and washed from the surface of the membrane down the drain.
Q: Can you explain Osmosis ?
Assume a membrane is semipermeable, allowing water to pass through while
being closed to dissolved salts. Place a membrane between two compartments
in a container as shown in the figure to the right. Then place a salt solution in
one half of the container and pure water in the other half. Now a fundamental
scientific principle comes into play. That is, two different concentrations of
liquids within the same system will try to reach equilibrium (i.e. the same
concentration of contaminants) on both sides of the membrane. Of course the
only way for this to happen is for pure water to pass through the membrane to
the salt water side in an attempt to reach equilibrium is called OSMOSIS.
Q: What is Reverse Osmosis ?
Reverse Osmosis is the reversal of the natural flow of osmosis. In a water
purification system, the goal is not to dilute the salt solution, but to separate
the pure water from the salt and other contaminants. When the natural osmotic
flow is reversed, water from the salt solution is forced through the membrane
in the opposite direction by application of pressure-thus the term REVERSE
OSMOSIS. Through this process, we are able to produce pure water by
screening out the salts and other contaminants.
Q: What is the actual process of the Desaltech Home R.O. System ?
The raw tap water first flows through a 5 micron particle FILTER[1] to remove
dirt, rust and other sediment. The water then flows into a carbon briquette
cartridge FILTER[2] which takes out 98% of the chlorine and organic chemicals.
The next stage of the process is FILTER[3] 1 micron sediment filter or the Block
carbon filter to filter multi-chemical compounds and suspension. [4] The
reverse osmosis membrane (TFC) which will separate 95-99% of the dissolved
contaminants from the water molecules. The contaminants are then washed
down the drain. The next stage of the PPW* series process is the small CARBON
FILTER [5] removes the remaining traces of chemicals, tastes and odors.
The R.O. water is stored in a 3.2 gallons TANK[6]. Inside the tank is a
balloon-like rubber diaphragm, pre-charged with 8-10 psi of air. As the tank fills,
the air pressure increases and pushes the water out when the faucet is
opened. The final element of the Desaltech Series system is a POLISHED
CHROME FAUCET [7]. It is installed on the kitchen counter or the sink. It is a
dual action faucet offering intermittent flow (to fill a glass, hold the handle
down) or continuous flow (to fill a coffee pot, lift the handle up).
Q: How did Reverse Osmosis get its start ?
Although the idea of reversing osmosis has been known for over 10 years, the
practical application is a recent development. In 1962 the U.S Government
funded the first R.O. plant which processed 1000 gallons clean water per day.
Today, there are more than 3000 large R.O. treatment plants, each producing
more than a million gallons of drinking water each day. In 1991, the U.S. Army
bought 8,000 large membranes to their mobile water purification units for
troops in Desert Storm. In 1993, the U.S. Government bought another 6,300
large membranes to purify flood water in the Midwest.
Q: Will R.O. remove Sodium from the water ?
YES! Reverse Osmosis was originally designed to make sea water drinkable for
the navy. It is ideal for anyone on a low sodium diet.
Q: Does R.O. remove Bacteria ? Cryptosporidium ?
YES! An R.O. membrane has a pore size much smaller than bacteria virus,
pyrogen or the cryptosporidium parasite. When functioning properly it will
remove all microorganisms from tap water and produce sterile water .
Q: What does the Desaltech series drinking water taste like ?
The taste of the Desaltech water depends on the amount of contaminants in the
tap water originally. If 95% of dissolved minerals and chemicals are removed,
the R.O. water may taste like distilled water (no minerals), bottled water (low
mineral), or natural spring water (moderate mineral content).
Q: How will the Desaltech series water affect mixed beverages ?
Because reverse osmosis removes invisible contaminants that mask flavor, it
allows the natural taste of your beverages to come through. You will be able to
use less coffee and still get the full flavor. Concentrated beverages like
orange juice will taste tangier. You will probably be drinking a lot more water as
well, since many people drink soda, Kool-Aid, concentrated juices, and beer as
an alternative to bad-tasting tap water. Also, Desaltech eliminates most of the
lime build up on drip coffee makers, preventing the need for frequent cleaning.
No longer will you find the white scum on the inside of pans after boiling water.
Q: Don't people need minerals removed from the water ?
Most of the minerals that we receive are from the foods we eat. Only a very
small percentage comes from the water we drink.
Q: Where is the Desaltech series drinking water system installed ?
The Desaltech System is usually installed underneath the kitchen sink. So
installers prefer to locate the equipment in the basement or in a crawl space
since the water may stay cooler there, and can be easily run up to the kitchen
sink, as well as to a refrigerator & additional faucets in the home.
Q: Can the Desaltech system be connected to an extra faucet ?
It only takes a 1/4" tee and tubing to run the water to a refrigerator or a extra
faucet. Some families run Desaltech system to all of their bathrooms.
Q: What factors affect the quantity and the quality of the water produced ?
There are four major variables to consider:
1. PRESSURE. The greater the water pressure, the better the quantity and
quality of the water produced. Water pressure of 60 psi ideal. Desaltech
include one booster pump can make sure the water pressure.
2.TEMPERATURE. 76*F is the ideal water temperature for R.O. 40*F water will
cause the production of R.O. water to fall to half of that at 76*F. The maximum
water temperature recommended is 85*F.
3.TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS). The higher the amount of dissolved
contaminants in the water, the lower the quantity of water produced. A high
level of TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS can be overcome with additional water
pressure.
4. MEMBRANE. Different membranes have different characteristics. Some
produce more water than others; some have better contaminant rejection
capabilities; some have greater resistance to chemical abrasion for longer life.
Desaltech system include RE1812-70 The Thin Film Composite(TFC) membranes
combine the best of these characteristics and are considered the finest
membrane in the world.
Q: How much water does the Desaltech system produce ?
Under ideal conditions, the RE1812-70 TFC membrane is rated at 70gallons of
production per day (70gpd at 60psi, 95gpd at 100psi). Under the average
conditions, the consumer can expect 70-95 gallons of product water per day.
But that's still a lot of water for the average household's drinking and cooking
requirements.
Q: Can the amount of water produced be increased ?
Yes. There are several ways: 1.At night, fill a pitcher with water from the tank.
The emptier the tank the faster the water production. By morning the tank will
be filled with fresh water. 2. A second membrane can be added. An additional
membrane is required to double the capacity of the Desaltech System.
Q: What is the guarantee on the Desaltech System ?
The Desaltech System (excluding filters) is guaranteed for 1 years for material
and workmanship. All defective parts will be replaced free within the first year.
Q: What is the maintenance schedule for the Desaltech System ?
The three pre-filter cartridges should be changed every 3 months. The first is a
5 micron sediment cartridge. The second is a Carbon Cartridge. The third is a 1
micron sediment filters. (some system comes with the Extruded carbon filter.)
Failure to change the cartridge every 3 months may allow chlorine to destroy
the membrane. It is very easy to change the prefilters. Just order the needed
filters from us and all system come with the housing wrench to open the filter
housings so you can maintain your system yourself and feel confident about
your drinking water.
Q:When should the membrane be changed ?
One indication is a gradual reduction in water production caused by a layering
of minerals and salts on the membrane surface. Another is a gradual
deterioration in the quality of water being produced. You my notice a different
taste or more white scum on the inside of a pan of water you are boiling. This
might mean the R.O. membrane is disintegrating and requires replacement.
Q: What contaminants does Reverse Osmosis Remove ?
The Desaltech System contains a quality carbon filter which will remove more
than 98% of organic chemicals from the water. These include THMs(chloroform),
DBCP, lindane, TCEs(trichloroethylene), PCEs(tetrachloroethylene), carbon
tetrachloride chlorine, In addition to these organic chemicals, below is a partial
list of other contaminants removed by the Re1812-70 TFC membrane. The
percentage of removal shown below is a conservative estimate.
TYPICAL THIN FILM COMPOSITE(TFC) MEMBRANE REJECTION RATE*
Barium 97%
Potassium 92%
Bicarbonate 94%
Radium 97%
Cadmium 97%
Selenium 97%
Calcium 97%
Silicate 96%
Chromate 92%
Silver 85%
Copper 97%
Sodium 92%
Detergents 97%
Strontium 97%
Fluoride 90%
Sulfate 97%
Lead 97%
PCBs 97%
Magnesium 97%
Insecticides 97%
Nickel 97%
Herbicides 97%
Total Dissolved Solids 95%
Q: What is the Desaltech Home Reverse Osmosis System ?
Desaltech RO Series is a Home Drinking Water System that uses the principle of
reverse osmosis to remove 95-99% of all the mineral and chemical
contaminants from raw tap water. Our products give you the quality of bottled
water with the convenience of a faucet mounted on your kitchen sink.
Q: How does Reverse Osmosis differ from a Water Filter ?
Ordinary water filters use a screen to separate only particles of dirt sediment
from water. Reverse osmosis employs a semipermeable membrane that
removes not only particles but also an extremely high percentage of dissolved
contaminants-molecule by molecule- from raw tap water.
Q: What is the membrane and how does it work ?
The membrane consists of several thin layers or sheets of film that are bonded
together and rolled in a spiral configuration around a plastic tub (This is also
known as a thin film composite or TFC membrane.) The material of the
membrane is semipermeable: it allows water molecules pass through while
acting as a barrier to dissolved solids (i.e.: mineral chemical contaminants).
When the feed water stream passes across the surface of the membrane, the
PurePro molecules penetrate the membrane surface, working their way around
the spiral and collecting in the center tube. The remaining contaminants are
concentrated and washed from the surface of the membrane down the drain.
Q: Can you explain Osmosis ?
Assume a membrane is semipermeable, allowing water to pass through while
being closed to dissolved salts. Place a membrane between two compartments
in a container as shown in the figure to the right. Then place a salt solution in
one half of the container and pure water in the other half. Now a fundamental
scientific principle comes into play. That is, two different concentrations of
liquids within the same system will try to reach equilibrium (i.e. the same
concentration of contaminants) on both sides of the membrane. Of course the
only way for this to happen is for pure water to pass through the membrane to
the salt water side in an attempt to reach equilibrium is called OSMOSIS.
Q: What is Reverse Osmosis ?
Reverse Osmosis is the reversal of the natural flow of osmosis. In a water
purification system, the goal is not to dilute the salt solution, but to separate
the pure water from the salt and other contaminants. When the natural osmotic
flow is reversed, water from the salt solution is forced through the membrane
in the opposite direction by application of pressure-thus the term REVERSE
OSMOSIS. Through this process, we are able to produce pure water by
screening out the salts and other contaminants.
Q: What is the actual process of the Desaltech Home R.O. System ?
The raw tap water first flows through a 5 micron particle FILTER[1] to remove
dirt, rust and other sediment. The water then flows into a carbon briquette
cartridge FILTER[2] which takes out 98% of the chlorine and organic chemicals.
The next stage of the process is FILTER[3] 1 micron sediment filter or the Block
carbon filter to filter multi-chemical compounds and suspension. [4] The
reverse osmosis membrane (TFC) which will separate 95-99% of the dissolved
contaminants from the water molecules. The contaminants are then washed
down the drain. The next stage of the PPW* series process is the small CARBON
FILTER [5] removes the remaining traces of chemicals, tastes and odors.
The R.O. water is stored in a 3.2 gallons TANK[6]. Inside the tank is a
balloon-like rubber diaphragm, pre-charged with 8-10 psi of air. As the tank fills,
the air pressure increases and pushes the water out when the faucet is
opened. The final element of the Desaltech Series system is a POLISHED
CHROME FAUCET [7]. It is installed on the kitchen counter or the sink. It is a
dual action faucet offering intermittent flow (to fill a glass, hold the handle
down) or continuous flow (to fill a coffee pot, lift the handle up).
Q: How did Reverse Osmosis get its start ?
Although the idea of reversing osmosis has been known for over 10 years, the
practical application is a recent development. In 1962 the U.S Government
funded the first R.O. plant which processed 1000 gallons clean water per day.
Today, there are more than 3000 large R.O. treatment plants, each producing
more than a million gallons of drinking water each day. In 1991, the U.S. Army
bought 8,000 large membranes to their mobile water purification units for
troops in Desert Storm. In 1993, the U.S. Government bought another 6,300
large membranes to purify flood water in the Midwest.
Q: Will R.O. remove Sodium from the water ?
YES! Reverse Osmosis was originally designed to make sea water drinkable for
the navy. It is ideal for anyone on a low sodium diet.
Q: Does R.O. remove Bacteria ? Cryptosporidium ?
YES! An R.O. membrane has a pore size much smaller than bacteria virus,
pyrogen or the cryptosporidium parasite. When functioning properly it will
remove all microorganisms from tap water and produce sterile water .
Q: What does the Desaltech series drinking water taste like ?
The taste of the Desaltech water depends on the amount of contaminants in the
tap water originally. If 95% of dissolved minerals and chemicals are removed,
the R.O. water may taste like distilled water (no minerals), bottled water (low
mineral), or natural spring water (moderate mineral content).
Q: How will the Desaltech series water affect mixed beverages ?
Because reverse osmosis removes invisible contaminants that mask flavor, it
allows the natural taste of your beverages to come through. You will be able to
use less coffee and still get the full flavor. Concentrated beverages like
orange juice will taste tangier. You will probably be drinking a lot more water as
well, since many people drink soda, Kool-Aid, concentrated juices, and beer as
an alternative to bad-tasting tap water. Also, Desaltech eliminates most of the
lime build up on drip coffee makers, preventing the need for frequent cleaning.
No longer will you find the white scum on the inside of pans after boiling water.
Q: Don't people need minerals removed from the water ?
Most of the minerals that we receive are from the foods we eat. Only a very
small percentage comes from the water we drink.
Q: Where is the Desaltech series drinking water system installed ?
The Desaltech System is usually installed underneath the kitchen sink. So
installers prefer to locate the equipment in the basement or in a crawl space
since the water may stay cooler there, and can be easily run up to the kitchen
sink, as well as to a refrigerator & additional faucets in the home.
Q: Can the Desaltech system be connected to an extra faucet ?
It only takes a 1/4" tee and tubing to run the water to a refrigerator or a extra
faucet. Some families run Desaltech system to all of their bathrooms.
Q: What factors affect the quantity and the quality of the water produced ?
There are four major variables to consider:
1. PRESSURE. The greater the water pressure, the better the quantity and
quality of the water produced. Water pressure of 60 psi ideal. Desaltech
include one booster pump can make sure the water pressure.
2.TEMPERATURE. 76*F is the ideal water temperature for R.O. 40*F water will
cause the production of R.O. water to fall to half of that at 76*F. The maximum
water temperature recommended is 85*F.
3.TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS). The higher the amount of dissolved
contaminants in the water, the lower the quantity of water produced. A high
level of TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS can be overcome with additional water
pressure.
4. MEMBRANE. Different membranes have different characteristics. Some
produce more water than others; some have better contaminant rejection
capabilities; some have greater resistance to chemical abrasion for longer life.
Desaltech system include RE1812-70 The Thin Film Composite(TFC) membranes
combine the best of these characteristics and are considered the finest
membrane in the world.
Q: How much water does the Desaltech system produce ?
Under ideal conditions, the RE1812-70 TFC membrane is rated at 70gallons of
production per day (70gpd at 60psi, 95gpd at 100psi). Under the average
conditions, the consumer can expect 70-95 gallons of product water per day.
But that's still a lot of water for the average household's drinking and cooking
requirements.
Q: Can the amount of water produced be increased ?
Yes. There are several ways: 1.At night, fill a pitcher with water from the tank.
The emptier the tank the faster the water production. By morning the tank will
be filled with fresh water. 2. A second membrane can be added. An additional
membrane is required to double the capacity of the Desaltech System.
Q: What is the guarantee on the Desaltech System ?
The Desaltech System (excluding filters) is guaranteed for 1 years for material
and workmanship. All defective parts will be replaced free within the first year.
Q: What is the maintenance schedule for the Desaltech System ?
The three pre-filter cartridges should be changed every 3 months. The first is a
5 micron sediment cartridge. The second is a Carbon Cartridge. The third is a 1
micron sediment filters. (some system comes with the Extruded carbon filter.)
Failure to change the cartridge every 3 months may allow chlorine to destroy
the membrane. It is very easy to change the prefilters. Just order the needed
filters from us and all system come with the housing wrench to open the filter
housings so you can maintain your system yourself and feel confident about
your drinking water.
Q:When should the membrane be changed ?
One indication is a gradual reduction in water production caused by a layering
of minerals and salts on the membrane surface. Another is a gradual
deterioration in the quality of water being produced. You my notice a different
taste or more white scum on the inside of a pan of water you are boiling. This
might mean the R.O. membrane is disintegrating and requires replacement.
Q: What contaminants does Reverse Osmosis Remove ?
The Desaltech System contains a quality carbon filter which will remove more
than 98% of organic chemicals from the water. These include THMs(chloroform),
DBCP, lindane, TCEs(trichloroethylene), PCEs(tetrachloroethylene), carbon
tetrachloride chlorine, In addition to these organic chemicals, below is a partial
list of other contaminants removed by the Re1812-70 TFC membrane. The
percentage of removal shown below is a conservative estimate.
TYPICAL THIN FILM COMPOSITE(TFC) MEMBRANE REJECTION RATE*
Barium 97%
Potassium 92%
Bicarbonate 94%
Radium 97%
Cadmium 97%
Selenium 97%
Calcium 97%
Silicate 96%
Chromate 92%
Silver 85%
Copper 97%
Sodium 92%
Detergents 97%
Strontium 97%
Fluoride 90%
Sulfate 97%
Lead 97%
PCBs 97%
Magnesium 97%
Insecticides 97%
Nickel 97%
Herbicides 97%
Total Dissolved Solids 95%
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