How to test Reverse Osmosis system?
I acquired a small sink-side reverse osmosis device used. It seems to work, producing a trickle versus a heavier stream out the waste. But how do I know the membrane is intact? How do I know the process is working? Can anyone think of a simple test?
1.) I think you should use regular osmosis to test the membrane. If that works, then you assume that the membrane is fine.
2.) Do the reverse osmosis process and test the water. I would use a boiling test. If the boiling point is higher, then you have solute within the water and the process did not work.
Some equations to predict if you have what you want:
pi=iMRT (van't hoff equation)
delta (temp) = iKbm (boiling point equ. m=molality, Kb=constant of water, i=ions)
good luck.
May 11th, 2009 at 2:40 am
1.) I think you should use regular osmosis to test the membrane. If that works, then you assume that the membrane is fine.
2.) Do the reverse osmosis process and test the water. I would use a boiling test. If the boiling point is higher, then you have solute within the water and the process did not work.
Some equations to predict if you have what you want:
pi=iMRT (van't hoff equation)
delta (temp) = iKbm (boiling point equ. m=molality, Kb=constant of water, i=ions)
good luck.
References :