Process of RO plant

RO Plant

Reverse osmosis is a process used to purify contaminated water by passing through different membranes to make it safe for consumption. These steps are performed.

• Ø  Chlorination for disinfection
• Ø  Sand Filtration
• Ø  Carbon Filters
• Ø  Cartridge filters for removal of suspended particles
• Ø  Antiscalant Dosing
• Ø  Hardness reduction by Softening
• Ø  Mineral Dosing
• Ø  Ozonation
• Ø  UV treatment

Step 1 Addition of chlorine:

It is added in raw water to disinfect water and ultimately kill the microbes 4ppm solution is used.

Step 2 Sand Filter:

It removes all the suspended particles if some particles are still there then carbon filters are used. This filter removes the prior added chlorine. If chlorine is not fully removed it will chock the Ro membranes and ultimately destroy them. So, carbon filters are used made up of activated carbon or charcoal. Cartridge filters are of 0.5 microns used to remove the dust and other solid particles from the water. i.e., dust, sand, and dirt further for safety purposes as well. 10 to 15 days’ change is strictly recommended.

Step 3 Antiscalant Dosing:

0.301-micron size of Ro membranes called reverse membranes. Feed Pump takes raw water by the impeller of the high-pressure pump (low to high movement) this impeller will speed up the Reverse osmosis process. Then the water goes in RO membranes having 4 membranes. Before going to RO membranes there is Antiscalant dosing done to prevent it from scaling and rusting issues to the Ro membranes. As water stays in it in 24 hours during processing so to enhance the shelf life of these membranes Antiscalant dosing is performed. Now, this is called product water or Distilled water. Raw water TDS was 550 now DI water has TDS up to 30 to 40. If we consume this water, it will leach out minerals from our body because it has deficiency thus it is hazardous.

Step 4 Mineral Dosing:

 Now, this water is mineral dosed with salts i.e., Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, and Sodium Bicarbonate. These 3 salts are added according to national and international standards. Now check TDS concentration it should be up to 120 to 130.

Step 5 Ozonation:

Now ozonation in product tank by ozone diffuser to kill microbes and pungent smell. In this tank, product water is stored and filled in bottles.

Step 6 Bottle Filing:

Bottles used for filling should also be disinfected if issues in bottles disturb the quality of water. Thus, treat bottles with oxonia chemical and then hot water treatment to remove residues of chemical and finally cold water this is done to provide a sudden shock to it to kill microbes. Bottles are filled and further passed through the UV panel. Capper will seal the bottles. If any suspended particles are found during UV observation, then waste the entire product. Thus, it's crucial to properly perform all steps to avoid any mishap. Bottes are filled 100 times then expire. The tank will be filled in 1 hour give 2000-liter product and fill up to 100 bottles in one hour.

Overall Observations:

In the RO plant, there was a proper check and balance. Plant and personal hygiene were up to the mark. Proper machinery setup was installed for purification. Personals and Visitors were following proper SOPs. i.e., Mask, Cap, and Slippers. Thus, Quality and Safety were properly ensured in each processing step which ultimately results in a Quality product (Drinking Water).