FAQ

Detox Reverse Osmosis System is a Home Drinking Water System that uses the principle of reverse osmosis to remove 95-99% of all the mineral and chemical contaminants from raw tap water. Detox products gives you the quality of bottled water with the convenience of a faucet mounted on your kitchen sink.

Q:How does Reverse Osmosis differ from a Water Filter?

Ordinary water filters use a screen to separate only particles of dirt sediment from water. Reverse osmosis employs a semi-permeable membrane that removes not only particles but also an extremely high percentage of dissolved contaminants molecule-by-molecule from raw tap water.

Q:What is the membrane and how does it work?

The membrane consists of several thin layers or sheets of film that are bonded together and rolled in a spiral configuration around a plastic tub (This is also known as a thin film composite or TFC membrane.) The material of the membrane is semi permeable: it allows water molecules pass through while acting as a barrier to dissolved solids (i.e.: mineral chemical contaminants). When the feed water stream passes across the surface of the membrane, the molecules penetrate the membrane surface, working their way around the spiral and collecting in the center tube. The remaining contaminants are concentrated and washed from the surface of the membrane down the drain.

Q:Can you explain Osmosis ?

Assume a membrane is semi permeable, allowing water to pass through while being closed to dissolved salts. Place a membrane between two compartments in a container. Then place a salt solution in one half of the container and pure water in the other half. Now a fundamental scientific principle comes into play. That is, two different concentrations of liquids within the same system will try to reach equilibrium (i.e. the same concentration of contaminants) on both sides of the membrane. Of course the only way for this to happen is for pure water to pass through the membrane to the salt water side in an attempt to reach equilibrium. This is called OSMOSIS.

Q:What is Reverse Osmosis ?

Reverse Osmosis is the reversal of the natural flow of osmosis. In a water purification system, the goal is not to dilute the salt solution, but to separate the pure water from the salt and other contaminants. When the natural osmotic flow is reversed, water from the salt solution is forced through the membrane in the opposite direction by application of pressure-thus the term REVERSE OSMOSIS. Through this process, we are able to produce pure water by screening out the salts and other contaminants.

Q:What is the actual process of the Detox Home R.O. System?

The raw tap water first flows through a 5 micron particle FILTER[1] to remove dirt, rust and other sediment. The water then flows into a carbon briquette cartridge FILTER[2] which takes out 98% of the chlorine and organic chemicals. The next stage of the process is FILTER[3] the Block carbon filter to filter multi-chemical compounds and suspension. [4] The reverse osmosis membrane (TFC) which will separate 95-99% of the dissolved contaminants from the water molecules. The contaminants are then washed down the drain. The next stage of the RO series process is the small CARBON FILTER [5] removes the remaining traces of chemicals, tastes and odours.

The R.O. water is stored in a 4 gallon tank. Inside the tank is a balloon-like rubber diaphragm, pre-charged with 14 psi of air. As the tank fills, the air pressure increases and pushes the water out when the faucet is opened. The final element of the RO Series system is a POLISHED CHROME TAP. It is installed on the kitchen counter or the sink. It is a dual action tap offering intermittent flow (to fill a glass, hold the handle down) or continuous flow (to fill a coffee pot, lift the handle up).

Q:How did Reverse Osmosis get its start?

Although the idea of reversing osmosis has been known for over 10 years, the practical application is a recent development. In 1962 the U.S Government funded the first R.O. plant which processed 1000 gallons clean water per day. Today, there are more than 3000 large R.O. treatment plants, each producing more than a million gallons of drinking water each day. In 1991, the U.S. Army bought 8,000 large Desal* membranes to their mobile water purification units for troops in Desert Storm. In 1993, the U.S. Government bought another 6,300 large Desal* membranes to purify flood water in the Midwest.

Q:Will R.O. remove Sodium from the water?

YES! Reverse Osmosis was originally designed to make sea water drinkable for the navy. It is ideal for anyone on a low sodium diet.

Q:Does R.O. remove Bacteria ? Cryptosporidium?

YES! An R.O. membrane has a pore size much smaller than bacteria virus, pyrogen or the cryptosporidium parasite. When functioning properly it will remove all microorganisms from tap water and produce sterile water .

Q:What does the RO series drinking water taste like?

The taste of the RO water depends on the amount of contaminants in the tap water originally. If 95% of dissolved minerals and chemicals are removed, the R.O. water may taste like distilled water (no minerals), bottled water (low mineral), or natural spring water (moderate mineral content).

Q:How will the RO series water affect mixed beverages?

Because reverse osmosis removes invisible contaminants that mask flavour, it allows the natural taste of your beverages to come through. You will be able to use less coffee and still get the full flavour. Concentrated beverages like orange juice will taste tangier. You will probably be drinking a lot more water as well, since many people drink soda, Kool-Aid, concentrated juices, and beer as an alternative to bad-tasting tap water. Also, RO eliminates most of the lime build up on drip coffee makers, preventing the need for frequent cleaning. No longer will you find the white scum on the inside of pans after boiling water.

Q:Don't people need minerals removed from the water?

Most of the minerals that we receive are from the foods we eat. Only a very small percentage comes from the water we drink.

Q:Where is the RO series drinking water system installed?

The RO System is usually installed underneath the kitchen sink. So installers prefer to locate the equipment in the basement or in a crawl space since the water may stay cooler there, and can be easily run up to the kitchen sink, as well as to a refrigerator & additional taps in the home.

Q:Can the RO system be connected to an extra tap?

It only takes a 1/4* tee and tubing to run the water to a refrigerator or a extra tap. Some families run RO system to all of their bathrooms.

Q:How much water does the RO system use ?

The System uses approximately 200 litres per day, depending on the water pressure & membrane capacity. The extra water that runs down the drain is used to wash the contaminants from the surface of the membrane, prolonging its life. However the actual water flow is so slow that most water meters cannot measure the flow and the consumer will not be charged for that water.

Q:What factors affect the quantity and the quality of the water produced?

There are four major variables to consider:

1. PRESSURE
The greater the water pressure, the better the quantity and quality of the water produced. Water pressure of 60 psi ideal. Detox Products that include one booster pump can increase the water pressure.

2.TEMPERATURE
76*F is the ideal water temperature for R.O. 40*F water will cause the production of R.O. water to fall to half of that at 76*F. The maximum water temperature recommended is 85*F.

3.TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS)
The higher the amount of dissolved contaminants in the water, the lower the quantity of water produced. A high level of *TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS can be overcome with additional water pressure.

4. MEMBRANE
Different membranes have different characteristics. Some produce more water than others; some have better contaminant rejection capabilities; some have greater resistance to chemical abrasion for longer life. The Thin Film Composite(TFC) membranes made by Desal*, combine the best of these characteristics and are considered the finest membrane in the world. As you might expect, they are also the most expensive membranes in the world, but easily the best value for the TFC they offer.

Q:How much water does the RO system produce?

Under ideal conditions, the Desal* membrane is rated at 50 gallons/70gallons of production per day. Under average conditions, the consumer can expect 50/70 gallons of product water per day. But that�s still a lot of water for the average household�s drinking and cooking requirements.

Q:What is the guarantee on the RO System?

The RO System (excluding filters) is guaranteed for 1 years for material and workmanship. All defective parts will be replaced free within the first year. The membrane has a one year pro-rated guarantee.

Q:What is the maintenance schedule for the RO System?

The three pre-filter cartridges should be changed every 6 months. The first is a 5 micron sediment cartridge. The second is a Carbon Cartridge. The third is a Extruded carbon filter. Failure to change the cartridge every 6 months may allow chlorine to destroy the membrane. Depending upon the water it is treating, the Thin Film Composite membrane has a life expectancy of 3 to 10 years The post filter should be changed when the membrane needs changing.

Q:When should the membrane be changed ?

One indication is a gradual reduction in water production caused by a layering of minerals and salts on the membrane surface. Another is a gradual deterioration in the quality of water being produced. You may notice a different taste or more white scum on the inside of a pan of water you are boiling. This might mean the R.O. membrane is disintegrating and requires replacement. (Note: A Water Quality Tester can test the water and tell you when you should change the R.O. membrane).

Q:What contaminants does Reverse Osmosis Remove?

The RO System contains a quality carbon filter which will remove more than 98% of organic chemicals from the water. These include THMs(chloroform), DBCP, lindane, TCEs(trichloroethylene), PCEs(tetrachloroethylene), carbon tetrachloride chlorine, In addition to these organic chemicals, below is a partial list of other contaminants removed by the Desal* TFC membrane. The percentage of removal shown below is a conservative estimate.

TYPICAL THIN FILM COMPOSITE(TFC) MEMBRANE REJECTION RATE*

Material/Element	% Removed	Material/Element	% Removed
Barium	97%	Potassium	92%
Bicarbonate	94%	Radium	97%
Cadmium	97%	Selenium	97%
Calcium	97%	Silicate	96%
Chromate	92%	Silver	85%
Copper	97%	Sodium	92%
Detergents	97%	Strontium	97%
Fluoride	90%	Sulphate	97%
Lead	97%	PCBs	97%
Magnesium	97%	Insecticides	97%
Nickel	97%	Herbicides	97%
Total Dissolved Solids			95%