Tankless reverse osmosis systems are innovative water filtration systems that provide a continuous supply of filtered water without the need for a storage tank. Unlike traditional filtration systems that mainly rely on storing filtered water in a large tank, tankless RO systems provide filtered water on demand, providing a more efficient and spacing-saving solution.
Due to these reasons, they are top-notch options for most of the customers. However, only a few customers know about how they actually work.
In this article, I am going to discuss the working tankless reverse osmosis system in detail. But before heading towards the working, let’s have a quick difference between Tank and tankless RO system. So that you can have an efficient understanding of every detail that will discussed in this article.
Difference Between Tank & Tankless RO Water Filtration Systems:
The size or dimension of the tank is the primary distinction between the varieties. Tankless reverse osmosis water filtration systems are a minimum of fifty percent to seventy-five percent smaller, lighter, and simpler to install.
The filtration system and a storage tank (occasionally smaller/larger) are both included with under-the-sink tank systems. It is necessary for a tank-based RO water filtration system since it typically lacks a pump to force fluid via each of the filter stages before reaching the sink tap; alternatively, the tank’s natural airflow is used to pump water out of the unit.
Tank reverse osmosis water filtration systems prompted to halt output once the amount of backpressure exceeds a specific value, signifying the tank is loaded.
Another significant distinction is that tank reverse osmosis water filtration systems frequently utilize conventional dimensions, while tankless revere osmosis systems frequently employ custom dimensions and can’t be adjusted to accommodate post-filtration procedures like ultraviolet disinfection and remineralization filters.
How Does a Tankless Reverse Osmosis Work?
Usually, plenty of tankless reverse osmosis (RO) systems are freestanding or immediately attached to the existing icy water supply beneath the kitchen sink, while others are also attached to the current kitchen tap.
- The initial pre-filtering step is where the frigid water supply reaches the reverse osmosis system. In this section, debris, sand, rust chips, and other bigger dirt grains are removed by a few sediment filters. This prevents contamination of the RO membrane and all subsequent filter phases.
- A few carbon pre-filtering systems are the next step. These could be carbon bricks or carbon granules. In both instances, chlorine and other pollutants, along with unpleasant tastes and odors, can be effectively removed with the help of activated carbon. Since many reverse osmosis membranes are quite dependent on chlorine at this time, it is crucial to remove any remaining amounts.
- At this stage, the core of every reverse osmosis system is created. As much as 99 percent of residual pollutants are rejected by the semipermeable reverse osmosis membrane. The remainder stays on the opposite side of the reverse osmosis membrane and gets washed down the sink while water atoms flow into the minuscule membrane pores.
- Finally, post-filtration is a common practice. Additional carbon filters can be used to get rid of any leftover flavors. A remineralization process provides beneficial minerals that were previously depleted in the water, making it suitable for consumption. In fact, many tankless reverse osmosis systems also employ ultra-violet sanitization.
- When the reverse osmosis tap is switched on, the filtered water will start coming out.
Additionally, tankless reverse osmosis water filtration systems frequently use pumps. These generate pressure, which quickly forces water across the whole system until it comes out of your tap.
This provides an ongoing supply of water on request and greatly lowers wastewater generated by an RO system without requiring a pump. Certain tabletop models lack a pump. Thus, the flow of water within them will be significantly lower.
How to Maintain Tankless RO System for Proper Working
You have to maintain the tankless reverse osmosis system for maximum working. Below, I have discussed how you can do this.
1. Change the filters regularly:
Filters, i.e., pre-filter and post-filter, play the main role in removing toxic contaminants like bacteria, chemicals, viruses, sediment, heavy metals, and many more from the water.
Obviously, with time, these filters will definitely get clogged with contaminants, and this will affect the filtering ability of the RO system. That’s why you need to regularly replace them with new ones for maximum working.
In order to determine the time period, you can consider reading the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, filters need to be replaced after 6 months.
2. Check for leaks or damage:
You should regularly inspect the tankless RO system to figure out any leaks or damages. This is essential because leaks can lead to water wastage, which further reduces the overall efficiency of the system. The same is the case with damage.
If you notice any leaks or damage, immediately fix them to avoid major damage to the filtration system.
3. Clean the membrane:
The membrane is also an essential component of the tankless RO system; it removes dissolved solids and contaminants from the water that is passing through it.
Just like the filters, the membrane also accumulates with toxic contaminants and impurities, making it difficult for the filtration system to filter the given water.
You can efficiently clean the membrane with the help of cleaning solutions or by using a specialized membrane cleaning cartridge.
4. Sanitize the system:
Bacteria and other harmful organisms can grow in the tankless reverse osmosis system, especially in the areas that are out of reach during the cleaning process. That’s why it is essential to regularly sanitize the RO filtration system.
In order to sanitize the tankless RO filtration system, you can consider following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Final Thoughts:
Tankless reverse osmosis is one of the popular RO filtration systems, all because of their ability to filter water on demand without needing a storage tank. Most of the people are using them without knowing how they actually work. In this article, I have explained their working in detail, along with some tips for maintaining them.