The key difference between a water purifier and reverse osmosis (RO) is the level of filtration and the contaminants they remove. Water purifiers, especially those with standard filters, generally remove larger particles, while reverse osmosis systems filter at a molecular level, removing dissolved chemicals and salts.
Understanding Water Purification
Water purification is a broad term encompassing various methods to remove undesirable chemicals, biological contaminants, suspended solids, and gases from water. The goal is to produce water fit for a specific purpose, such as drinking.
- Basic Filtration: Ordinary water filters physically screen dirt and sediment particles from the water.
- Micron Rating: These filters typically filter down to about one micron.
- Limitations: They do not remove dissolved chemicals.
Understanding Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse osmosis is a specific type of water purification technology that uses pressure to force water molecules through a semipermeable membrane. This membrane retains most contaminants, including dissolved salts and chemicals, that ordinary filters cannot remove.
- Molecular Level Filtration: RO uses a polymer membrane that filters down to the molecular level.
- Removes Dissolved Substances: It removes dissolved chemicals and salts.
- High Effectiveness: RO systems provide a higher level of purification compared to standard filters.
Water Purifier vs. Reverse Osmosis: A Comparison
| Feature | Water Purifier (Standard Filter) | Reverse Osmosis (RO) |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration Level | Screens larger particles (down to about one micron) | Filters at the molecular level |
| Removes | Dirt and sediment particles | Dissolved chemicals and salts |
| Complexity | Simpler systems | More complex systems |
| Effectiveness | Effective for particulate matter but not dissolved contaminants | Highly effective for a broad range of contaminants |
| Membrane Type | Typically uses filters like sediment and carbon filters. | Uses a semipermeable membrane that filters at the molecular level. |
In essence, all reverse osmosis systems are water purifiers, but not all water purifiers use reverse osmosis. A standard water filter offers basic filtration, while reverse osmosis provides a more thorough and comprehensive purification process.
