kÄänteisosmoosi

Käänteisosmoosi, often abbreviated as RO from its English name reverse osmosis, is a water purification process that uses a partially permeable membrane to remove ions, unwanted molecules and larger particles from drinking water. In normal osmosis, a solvent passes from a region of low solute concentration through a semipermeable membrane to a region of high solute concentration. Käänteisosmoosi, conversely, applies pressure to force the solvent from the region of high solute concentration through the membrane to the region of low solute concentration. This process effectively separates the solvent from the solute.

The most common application of käänteisosmoosi is in the production of drinking water. It is used to remove salts and other impurities from seawater and brackish water, making it suitable for consumption. The process is also employed in various industrial applications, including wastewater treatment, food and beverage production, and pharmaceuticals. Käänteisosmoosi systems typically consist of a pre-filter to remove larger particles, the RO membrane itself, and a post-filter to polish the water. While effective, the process requires significant energy input due to the pressure needed to overcome osmotic pressure and can generate a wastewater stream containing the rejected impurities. The efficiency of the membrane and the energy consumption are key factors in the overall cost and environmental impact of käänteisosmoosi.