What does R/O stand for in water treatment processes?

In water treatment processes, R/O stands for Reverse Osmosis. This technique involves the movement of water through a semipermeable membrane, where water molecules pass through while larger molecules and impurities are left behind. The process effectively removes a wide range of contaminants, including salts, organics, and other dissolved solids, making it a vital method for purifying water, particularly in applications requiring high water quality, such as in drinking water production, desalination, and industrial processes.

Reverse Osmosis operates by applying pressure to the water feed side, forcing the water through the membrane against the natural osmotic pressure. This is critical in providing clean water in various sectors, including healthcare, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. Moreover, Reverse Osmosis is notable for its efficiency and effectiveness in improving water quality, thus being widely adopted in water treatment facilities.