RO systems: Difference between revisions
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Every RO system should contain a carbon block. Pore size typically ranges from 0.5 to 10 microns. Smaller pores remove chlorine and other compounds more effectively and provide greater protection to the RO membrane, with 0.5 micron being the most superior by far.<ref name=bhfaq/><ref>[https://spectrapure.com/collections/filters/products/0-5-micron-carbon-block-filter-10-inch-l-x-2-8-inch-dia-cf-0-5-10 0.5 micron carbon block filter 10".] SpectraPure website. Accessed October 2020.</ref> Carbon blocks are also sometimes rated by the volume of water that can pass through before they need to be replaced.<ref name=cbtech/> This can range from a few hundred gallons up to 20,000 gallons. Be wary if the filter doesn't specify this! Carbon blocks are not very effective at removing chloramine, especially filters with pores larger than 0.5 micron. | Every RO system should contain a carbon block. Pore size typically ranges from 0.5 to 10 microns. Smaller pores remove chlorine and other compounds more effectively and provide greater protection to the RO membrane, with 0.5 micron being the most superior by far.<ref name=bhfaq/><ref>[https://spectrapure.com/collections/filters/products/0-5-micron-carbon-block-filter-10-inch-l-x-2-8-inch-dia-cf-0-5-10 0.5 micron carbon block filter 10".] SpectraPure website. Accessed October 2020.</ref> Carbon blocks are also sometimes rated by the volume of water that can pass through before they need to be replaced.<ref name=cbtech/> This can range from a few hundred gallons up to 20,000 gallons. Be wary if the filter doesn't specify this! Carbon blocks are not very effective at removing chloramine, especially filters with pores larger than 0.5 micron. | ||
Many RO systems on the market contain multiple larger-pore carbon pre-filters +/- post-filters. They intend to trick you into thinking that the extra stages are better, but really they just want to sell you a more expensive system and more replacement filters. Just one quality (small-pore) carbon block is needed. Surface area of the carbon block increases exponentially with smaller pore size, so for example, in theory it would take ''' | Many RO systems on the market contain multiple larger-pore carbon pre-filters +/- post-filters. They intend to trick you into thinking that the extra stages are better, but really they just want to sell you a more expensive system and more replacement filters. Just one quality (small-pore) carbon block is needed. Surface area of the carbon block increases exponentially with smaller pore size, so for example, in theory it would take '''one hundred''' 5 micron carbon filters to provide the same performance as a single 0.5 micron carbon filter!! | ||
Catalytic carbon is an advanced activated-carbon product designed to remove chloramines. If there are chloramines in your water, a catalytic carbon filter stage must be used because chloramines will damage the RO membrane and potentially cause off-flavors in your brew (see [[Chlorine removal]]).<ref name=hbtrog>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/reverse-osmosis-guide.678265/ Reverse osmosis guide.] HomeBrewTalk website. 2012. Accessed October 2020.</ref><ref name=hbtguide/> Catalytic carbon also removes [[hydrogen sulfide]] gas, which produces the "rotten egg" smell in some well water and can impair RO membrane performance.<ref name=ndsu/><ref>[https://www.lenntech.com/Data-sheets/Filmtec-Water-Chemistry-Feedwater-L.pdf Water chemistry and pretreatment: treatment of feedwater containing hydrogen sulfide.] Dow Tech Manual excerpt. Accessed October 2020.</ref><ref>Boyle N, Ghiu S, Levitus N. [https://www.hazenandsawyer.com/publications/the-use-of-catalytic-gac-for-removal-of-hydrogen-sulfide-in-groundwater/ The use of catalytic GAC for removal of hydrogen sulfide in groundwater.] Hazen and Sawyer website. May 2016. Accessed October 2020.</ref> | Catalytic carbon is an advanced activated-carbon product designed to remove chloramines. If there are chloramines in your water, a catalytic carbon filter stage must be used because chloramines will damage the RO membrane and potentially cause off-flavors in your brew (see [[Chlorine removal]]).<ref name=hbtrog>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/reverse-osmosis-guide.678265/ Reverse osmosis guide.] HomeBrewTalk website. 2012. Accessed October 2020.</ref><ref name=hbtguide/> Catalytic carbon also removes [[hydrogen sulfide]] gas, which produces the "rotten egg" smell in some well water and can impair RO membrane performance.<ref name=ndsu/><ref>[https://www.lenntech.com/Data-sheets/Filmtec-Water-Chemistry-Feedwater-L.pdf Water chemistry and pretreatment: treatment of feedwater containing hydrogen sulfide.] Dow Tech Manual excerpt. Accessed October 2020.</ref><ref>Boyle N, Ghiu S, Levitus N. [https://www.hazenandsawyer.com/publications/the-use-of-catalytic-gac-for-removal-of-hydrogen-sulfide-in-groundwater/ The use of catalytic GAC for removal of hydrogen sulfide in groundwater.] Hazen and Sawyer website. May 2016. Accessed October 2020.</ref> | ||