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What is Reverse Osmosis?

OSMOSIS

The naturally occurring diffusion of two miscible (mixable) solutions through a semipermeable membrane in such a manner as to equalize their concentration by allowing a lessor concentration, potable water, to naturally diffuse through a semipermeable membrane into a higher concentration, sea or brackish water. Sea / brackish water is a high concentration solution. Potable water is a low concentration solution. Therefore, sea water or brackish water cannot naturally diffuse through a semipermeable membrane to provide potable, or drinking water.

OSMOTIC PRESSURE

The transfer of the water from one side of the membrane to the other will continue until the head (pressure) is great enough to prevent any net transfer of the solvent (water) to the more concentrated (feed water) solution. At equilibrium, the quantity of water passing in either direction is equal, and the head pressure is then defined as the “Osmotic Pressure” of the solution having that particular concentration of dissolved solids.

REVERSE OSMOSIS

A manmade process, Reverse Osmosis, overcomes this natural phenomenon. By forcing sea or brackish water (under high pressure) through a semipermeable membrane, potable water can be realized. Reverse Osmosis Desalination Systems by AquaControl Marine make possible the once impossible, potable water from undrinkable water sources.

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