How Does Water Purification Systems Work?

Water purifiers have become an indispensable part of every household, ensuring that we have access to clean and safe drinking water whenever we need it. With various types of filtration processes like Reverse Osmosis (RO), Ultra Filtration (UF), and Ultra Violet disinfection (UV), it’s essential to choose the right purification system based on water quality. But have you ever wondered how does water purification systems work?

Each component of a water purifier plays a crucial role in ensuring that the water we drink is clean, safe, and free from contaminants. By understanding how these components of water purification system work together, we can appreciate the importance of regular maintenance and proper care to ensure optimal performance and water quality.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Process

The RO system employs a straightforward yet effective filtration mechanism. Water passes through a semi-permeable membrane, which blocks dissolved solutes and contaminants, ranging from ions to microorganisms and chemicals. This process, akin to desalination, has become a cornerstone in many water treatment plants, addressing a myriad of water-related issues.

Certainly! Let’s delve deeper into how each component of a typical water purifier works:

1. Pre-filters

   • Pre-filters are the first line of defense in a water purifier. They typically consist of sediment and carbon filters.
   • Sediment filters trap larger particles like dirt, sand, and rust, preventing them from entering the main purification system.
   • Carbon filters, often made from activated carbon, remove chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other chemicals that affect taste and odor.
   • Together, pre-filters ensure that the water entering the purification system is free from visible impurities and tastes better.

2. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane

   • The RO membrane is the heart of the purification process in an RO system.
   • It consists of a thin, semi-permeable membrane with tiny pores that allow water molecules to pass through while blocking larger contaminants like dissolved solids, heavy metals, and microorganisms.
   • Through the process of osmosis, water is forced through the membrane under pressure, leaving behind impurities that are flushed out as waste.

3. Storage Tank

   • Once purified, the water enters the storage tank, where it is stored until needed.
   • The tank typically has a capacity ranging from a few liters to several gallons, depending on the model of the water purifier.
   • It ensures a continuous supply of clean water, even during periods of low water pressure or when the purification system is not in operation.

4. Post-filters

   • Post-filters are the final stage of purification, ensuring that the water is free from any remaining impurities and tastes fresh.
   • They often consist of activated carbon filters, similar to those used in pre-filters, but with a finer mesh size to capture smaller particles.
   • Post-filters also help remove any residual odors and improve the overall taste of the water before it is dispensed for consumption.

5. Drain Line

   • The drain line is an essential component of the purification system, responsible for disposing of wastewater generated during the purification process.
   • As water passes through the RO membrane, some of it is diverted to the drain line along with the rejected impurities.
   • The drain line ensures that impurities are effectively removed from the purification system, maintaining its efficiency and prolonging the lifespan of the filters and membranes.

Ultra Violet (UV) Disinfection

Ultra Violet (UV) disinfection is a highly effective method used in water purification systems to ensure the safety and purity of drinking water. UV disinfection works by utilizing powerful UV-C rays emitted from a specialized UV lamp. These rays penetrate the cells of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, disrupting their DNA and rendering them unable to reproduce. As a result, the microorganisms are effectively neutralized, making the water safe for consumption.

Unlike chemical disinfection methods, UV disinfection leaves no residual byproducts in the water, ensuring that it remains clean and free from harmful contaminants. This process is particularly beneficial for eliminating pathogens that may be resistant to chemical treatments, providing an additional layer of protection against waterborne diseases. UV disinfection is a safe, environmentally friendly, and highly efficient method for ensuring the purity of drinking water in households, industries, and communities around the world.

Ultra-Filtration (UF) Process

The Ultra Filtration (UF) process in a water purifier works by employing a semi-permeable membrane with extremely small pores to remove impurities from water. Here’s how it works:

1. Hydrostatic Pressure: Water is subjected to hydrostatic pressure, which pushes it through the semi-permeable membrane. This pressure forces water molecules through the membrane while trapping larger particles and contaminants.
2. Semi-Permeable Membrane: The semi-permeable membrane used in UF systems has pores that are small enough to block particles such as bacteria, viruses, colloids, and other microorganisms, but large enough to allow water molecules to pass through.
3. Particle Removal: As water passes through the membrane, contaminants larger than the pore size of the membrane are effectively trapped and removed from the water. This includes bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other suspended particles.
4. Water Quality: The result is purified water that is free from harmful microorganisms and suspended particles. UF does not remove dissolved salts or ions, so it is often used in conjunction with other purification methods like Reverse Osmosis (RO) to ensure comprehensive water purification.
5. Efficiency and Maintenance: UF systems are known for their efficiency and low maintenance requirements. The membranes are durable and require minimal cleaning or replacement compared to other filtration methods, making them a cost-effective solution for water purification.

Overall, Ultra Filtration is a highly effective method for removing bacteria, viruses, and other suspended particles from water, making it safe and suitable for drinking and other applications.

In conclusion, water purifiers from trusted brands utilize a combination of purification methods to ensure water is free from contaminants, making it safe for consumption. Brands like LIVPURE prioritize removing impurities from water, underscoring the importance of choosing a reliable water purifier for your home.

With the right purification system in place, you can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that your family has access to clean and safe drinking water at all times.

Also read: Difference between RO, UV, UF purification system?

Note: Information provided above is for general knowledge. It is not a set standard for maintenance. Your water purifier’s service needs depend on factors like water quality, usage, placement and more. Trust that our technicians know the best.