Advantages of integrated pre-filtration in Lab RO Systems
Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems are a critical addition to any laboratory, as they guarantee the continuous supply of high-purity water. Why is this so important? Well, from the preparation of reagents and solutions to analytical techniques, such as high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, contaminant-free water is essential to ensure the accuracy and reliability and reproducibility of results.
The magic of an RO system happens when mains water is passed through the sediment- and carbon-filters in a pre-filtration phase. The water is then pressurised and forced through the semi-permeable RO membrane that removes dissolved salts and other impurities. At the post-filtration stage, the permeate water may pass through an additional carbon-post filter and be exposed to UV light before it is stored in a tank for use. These processes all work together to remove ions, molecules and larger particles of water to produce high-purity water.
In this blog, we explain how laboratory RO systems with in-built water filters enhance the efficacy and longevity of the equipment and why you need such reverse osmosis systems to ensure that your lab water is always safe.
The advantages of using RO units with integrated pre-filtration
Comprehensive contaminant removal: A pre-filtration process removes large particles, chlorine, chloramines, and other organic compounds before the RO membrane is reached. This enables better quality lab grade water to be achieved, as cleaner water is entering the RO membrane. By removing these contaminants early, the RO membrane is subsequently freed up to do what it does best, which is to filter small particulates and dissolved solids.
Extended lifespan of the RO membrane: As the pre-filters remove many of the particles and chemicals that could damage or plug the RO membrane, they reduce the frequency of the need to replace the membrane. Pre-filters keep the RO membrane operating in peak condition for a longer period.
Stable water quality: Pre-filtering the water keeps the water quality consistently good and keeps the performance of the RO system stable over time. In lab or medical settings, this is a much-needed feature. Pre-filters improve the flow rate onto the RO membrane, which keeps the system running at optimal efficiency, reducing the chances of the RO membrane fouling up.
Lower maintenance cost: Pre-filters are designed to protect RO membranes and reduce the need for frequent replacements, therefore lowering the overall maintenance costs of RO systems. Additionally, because pre-filters help minimise the wear and tear of the RO unit, they can extend its lifespan, allowing for a greater return on investment over the lifetime of the unit.
Optimised lab space: RO water purification systems with a pre-filtration feature greatly reduce the footprint required for water purification equipment, also installation and maintenance are simplified. This technology allows for the combination of two to four different filtration stages, from sediment filters to carbon filters and RO membranes, into one cohesive system that avoids the placement of multiple individual filtration devices within the lab. This consolidation allows for greater use of precious lab space, and its straightforward set-up reduces issues for staff monitoring the system day in, day out. The combined unit also requires less time and attention for maintenance, as well as fewer parts to consider when upgrades are needed in the laboratory.
The advantages of a laboratory-based RO system with pre-filtration are numerous when it comes to performance and reliability of research results. When water is pre-filtered for sediment and carbon and then passed through RO membranes, integrated systems ensure maximum purity and safeguard equipment from contaminants. Adding a lab RO system with pre-filtration to the laboratory ensures that water is less contaminated and purer, increasing the lifespan of the RO unit, and maintaining high lab standards at a lower cost.
Purite Descale
Because prefiltration is so important in the creation of high purity water, Purite has embedded this functionality into the Purite Descale 160 Eco purification solution. This benchtop unit is a compact footprint, RO system with integrated water purifier that has been engineered to provide repeatable water purity with minimal environmental impact. Ideal for a broad spectrum of applications, it seamlessly supplies RO quality water to ancillary equipment such as environmental chambers, autoclaves, humidifiers, washing machines, and salt spray cabinets.
As well as providing RO grade water, the machine:
- Removes up to 99% of Bacteria, colloids and Organic contaminants
- Features a pre-treatment carbon cartridge
- Achieves 50% water saving via the Eco RO Membrane
- Delivers dissolved Salt Rejection up to 98%
The easy-to-use and maintain Purite Descale 160 Eco solution also features:
- A gravity dispense (optional boost pump)
- An integrated 20L tank as standard
- A touchscreen HMI.
The Purite Descale is an eco-conscious benchtop reverse osmosis (RO) system that has been tailored to suit the multifaceted demands of contemporary laboratories. For those looking for systems for higher capacity applications, Purite also offers the Prestige Descale and Elite Plus solutions.
With over 40 years of experience in water purification for labs and other applications, Purite designs, manufactures, and supports scientists, researchers, healthcare, industrial and process specialists around the world with their purified water requirements. Contact us today to learn how we can help you generate high-purity water for all your application needs.
