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Reverse osmosis uses a membrane that is semi-permeable, allowing the fluid that is being purified to pass through it, while rejecting the contaminants that remain. Contaminants such as nitrogen compounds and phosphates can lead to excessive, and unwanted, algae growth. Dissolved particles are then removed by the RO filter – which effectively can remove most minerals (including salts), metals and many organic impurities from the water. Reverse osmosis was originally developed in the late 1950's by the United States Government. It is also an incredibly slow process when compared to other water treatment alternatives but consider being very essential. Quality reverse osmosis systems use a process known as cross flow to allow the membrane to continually clean itself. Filtration Stages:
2-stage RO units are light and compact, they contain a small inline pre-filter and the RO membrane. A good choice when space is limited. 3-stage RO units are larger, and contain one or more large carbon or sediment pre-filters to protect the delicate membranes. They are high quality, excellent choices for regular use, and tend to last longer than the 2-stage units. 4-stage RO units include an additional final step of deionization. The deionization unit removes the small amount of contaminants remaining, filtering the water to greater than 99.9%. This is the highest level of filtration available.
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