Maximize Your RO’s Potential with Auto Flushing: A Comprehensive Guide
What is RO Auto Flushing?
Reverse Osmosis (RO) auto flushing is an automated process that periodically cleans the RO membrane to maintain its efficiency and increase its lifespan.
An RO membrane is the most important part of the RO system that removes various contaminants from the water, including bacteria, viruses, minerals, and other dissolved solids.
Over time, these impurities can be deposited on the surface of the RO membrane. These deposits clog the tiny pores of the RO membrane. This reduces the efficiency of the membrane as it is forced to work harder to remove contaminants from the water.
This deposit build-up often leads to membranes dying early and you are left with no choice apart from costly repairs or replacement.
RO auto flushing addresses this issue by automatically flushing (cleaning) out the deposits from the membrane at regular intervals.
How RO Auto Flushing Works?
During the flushing process, the membrane is typically backwashed, meaning that the flow of water is reversed, allowing any accumulated contaminants to be flushed out of the membrane.
The auto-flush system typically consists of a solenoid valve, a timer, and a flow restrictor.
- Timer: The timer is programmed to initiate the flush cycle at predetermined intervals. Typically, this is set to occur every time the RO system is turned ON.
- Solenoid Valve: The solenoid valve controls the flow of water into and out of the RO membrane. During the flush cycle, the solenoid valve automatically opens for a fixed duration of time and allows water to bypass the flow restrictor. This water is allowed to flow unrestricted out of the reject pipe.
- Flow Restrictor: A flow restrictor restricts the flow of RO reject water and maintains the required water pressure in the RO membrane. In a normal RO without auto flush, all RO reject water goes through the flow restrictor. In RO purifiers with auto flush, during the flush cycle, the reject water bypasses the flow restrictor and flows unrestricted through the solenoid valve.
- Process: When the timer initiates the flush cycle, the solenoid valve automatically opens, and the RO reject water flow is diverted to bypass the flow restrictor. This process lasts for typically around 20 seconds, after which the solenoid valve automatically closes, and the RO system returns to normal operation.
The frequency of auto flushing will depend on how the flush timer is programmed. In general, RO auto flushing is recommended whenever the RO is turned ON or at least once a day.
Benefits of RO Auto Flushing
- Helps in maintaining the performance and longevity of the RO membrane, ensuring that it continues to provide high-quality water for years to come.
- Maintains the purification rate or purification capacity of your RO system.
- Reduces the RO reject water (Learn to save water by reusing the RO reject water).
- Maintains the quality of purified water.
- Reduces the cost of maintenance by avoiding premature failure of RO membrane and other parts.
How to Add Auto Flush in Your Existing RO?
If your RO purifier does not have an auto-flush feature then you can easily install one.
All you’ll need is an auto-flush timer, a solenoid valve, and connecting pipe.
RO Auto Flush kits are easily available online. We found this one at Amazon, it comes with all the parts you’ll need to add an auto flush feature to your existing RO.
You may also want to watch this useful YouTube video on how to install an auto-flush kit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, RO auto flushing is a key feature that ensures the longevity and efficiency of your RO membrane.
With its ability to remove sediment build-up and prevent membrane fouling, auto flushing ensures consistent water quality and reduces the need for frequent RO membrane replacement.
So, if you want to lower your RO maintenance costs and ensure clean and healthy water for your family, consider adding an auto-flushing kit to your RO purifier today.
