What is RO performance measured by?

Reverse Osmosis (RO) performance is primarily measured by percent rejection, which indicates how effectively the membrane removes contaminants from the feed water. Percent rejection is calculated by comparing the concentration of specific solutes in the feed water to their concentration in the permeate (the treated water that passes through the membrane). A higher percent rejection signifies that the RO system is efficiently filtering out unwanted substances, such as salts, minerals, and other impurities.

This measurement is critical for evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of an RO system. It helps operators understand the performance of the membrane, assess its lifespan, and determine when maintenance or replacement may be required. Percent rejection is also a key performance indicator (KPI) that water treatment facilities use to ensure that they meet regulatory standards for potable water quality.

While water temperature, flow rate, and pressure levels are important parameters in the RO process, they do not directly measure the performance of the membrane in terms of contaminant removal. Instead, they influence the overall operation and efficiency of the system. For instance, higher temperatures can improve permeate flow rates, but they do not provide a direct assessment of the membrane's rejection capabilities.