Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Demineralized (DM) Water
Units
Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Demineralized (DM) water units are integral components of the
water treatment system, supplying high-purity water required for boilers, process applications,
laboratory use, and other critical utilities.
1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Unit
The RO unit is designed to remove dissolved salts, hardness, suspended solids, organic matter,
and microorganisms from pretreated raw or softened water using semi-permeable membranes
under pressure.
Process Description
Pretreated water from multimedia and cartridge filters is fed to the RO system.
High-pressure pumps force water through RO membranes.
The system produces:
o Permeate (RO water): low-TDS water suitable for further purification or direct
use.
o Reject (concentrate): high-TDS wastewater.
Major Components
Feed water pumps
Cartridge filters
High-pressure pumps
RO membrane modules
Chemical dosing systems (antiscalant, dechlorination chemicals)
Instrumentation for flow, pressure, and conductivity
Water Use and Waste Generation
RO recovery typically ranges from 60–75%.
Reject water is routed to the effluent treatment plant (ETP) or reused where feasible.
Periodic chemical cleaning (CIP) generates small volumes of chemical wastewater.
2. Demineralized (DM) Water Unit
The DM water unit further purifies RO permeate or softened water to remove residual dissolved
ions, producing ultra-low conductivity water suitable for high-pressure boilers and sensitive
process operations.
Process Description
Water passes through ion-exchange systems such as:
o Strong Acid Cation (SAC) exchanger
o Strong Base Anion (SBA) exchanger
o Mixed Bed Polisher (MBP) for final polishing
Ions are exchanged with hydrogen (H⁺) and hydroxide (OH⁻) ions, resulting in
demineralized water.
Regeneration Process
Cation resin is regenerated using dilute acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid).
Anion resin is regenerated using dilute alkali (e.g., sodium hydroxide).
Regeneration produces acidic and alkaline effluents containing dissolved salts.
Major Components
Ion-exchange columns
Acid and alkali storage tanks
Regeneration pumps
Neutralization system
Conductivity and silica analyzers
Water Use and Waste Generation
Regeneration wastewater is neutralized and sent to the ETP.
Spent resins are replaced periodically and disposed of through authorized agencies.
3. Waste Management and Environmental Controls
RO reject and DM regeneration effluents are collected and treated in the ETP.
Acidic and alkaline streams are neutralized prior to discharge or reuse.
Chemical storage areas are provided with secondary containment.
Optimization of RO recovery and DM regeneration cycles is practiced to minimize
wastewater generation.
4. Occupational Health and Safety
Proper PPE for handling acids, alkalis, and cleaning chemicals.
Spill containment and emergency showers in chemical handling areas.
Interlocks and alarms for pressure, flow, and conductivity deviations.