Commercial Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants are widely used to purify water in various applications. One of the main challenges of using RO technology is the production of rejected water or concentrate, which is the water that is not purified and cannot pass through the membrane. The rejected water contains a higher concentration of impurities than the inlet water and is often discharged as wastewater.
In this blog, we will explore the topic of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels in rejected water from commercial RO plants and why they increase after purification.
TDS Levels in Rejected Water
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a measure of the amount of inorganic and organic substances that are dissolved in water. TDS levels are typically expressed in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). In the case of RO plants, the TDS level in the rejected water will be higher than the inlet water due to the removal of impurities.
The increase in TDS levels in the rejected water is a result of the selective removal of impurities by the RO membrane. The membrane allows water molecules to pass through, while blocking the larger molecules of impurities. As a result, the concentration of impurities in the water that cannot pass through the membrane, i.e., the rejected water, becomes higher than the inlet water.
TDS Levels and Percent Increase in Rejected Water
The TDS levels in rejected water from commercial RO plants can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the inlet water, the design of the RO system, and the operating conditions. The percentage increase in TDS levels in rejected water can also vary based on these factors.
As a general rule, the TDS levels in the rejected water from an RO plant can be expected to be around 2-3 times higher than the inlet water. For example, if the inlet water has a TDS level of 100 ppm, the rejected water may have a TDS level of 200-300 ppm. However, the actual percentage increase in TDS levels can vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier.
What Factors Affecting TDS Levels in Rejected Water?
The quality of the inlet water is one of the most important factors affecting the TDS levels in the rejected water. If the inlet water has a high TDS level, the percentage increase in TDS levels in the rejected water will be higher. Other factors that can affect the TDS levels in the rejected water include the design of the RO system, the type of membranes used, and the operating conditions, such as the pressure and flow rate.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the TDS levels in the rejected water from commercial RO plants will be higher than the inlet water due to the selective removal of impurities by the RO membrane. The percentage increase in TDS levels in the rejected water can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the inlet water, the design of the RO system, and the operating conditions. Operators of commercial RO plants must carefully monitor the TDS levels in the rejected water to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to minimize the impact on the environment.
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