Simple Water Makers: Efficient Desalination Systems

Reverse osmosis is a water treatment process that filters out impurities and contaminants from seawater, making it safe for consumption. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:

1. Prefiltration: Removes larger impurities to protect the semipermeable membrane.
2. High-Pressure Pump: Forces finely filtered seawater through the membrane at up to 1000 psi pressure.
3. Semipermeable Membrane: Allows only water molecules to pass, leaving concentrated brine.
4. Post-Filtration: Eliminates remaining contaminants for top water quality.
5. Storage and Distribution: Freshwater is stored and distributed throughout the vessel.

Reverse osmosis technology ensures access to safe and clean drinking water during marine journeys.

By definition, a water maker is a device used to obtain drinking water from seawater. The process to remove salt from water is called reverse osmosis. Water makers remove salt and other contaminants from seawater and brackish water. As a result, they produce a continuous desalinated seawater supply that is safe to drink. 

Not only do reverse osmosis systems solve the dilemma of making saltwater freshwater, but they are very convenient. These devices can be quite valuable to have on board because they reduce the need for large water tanks for a long passage.

Reverse osmosis is a process used to remove dissolved minerals and impurities from water from a salinated water source. It uses pressure to force water molecules through a semipermeable membrane. Desalination plants often use this process to remove salt and impurities from seawater, turning it into fresh drinking water. 

The time it takes to purify salt water to drink depends on the water maker. Some water makers can create fresh water in a few hours, while others may take more time.

The size, capacity, and other features added to the water maker also affect production time.

RO water isn’t merely safe—it’s beneficial in several ways:

• Filtered Contaminants: Reverse osmosis is one of the most comprehensive water filtration methods. It removes lead, asbestos, and 82 other pollutants, including bacteria, viruses, nitrates, sulfates, fluoride, and arsenic. The small membranes in RO filters can even remove dissolved chemicals and minerals from the water, reducing it to its most basic molecules.
• Better for the Environment and Safer than Bottled Water: RO is a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative if you frequently rely on disposable plastic water bottles. It could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually.

Reverse osmosis water, or RO water, is purified drinking water that has become increasingly popular due to its perceived health benefits. 

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that eliminates many contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and chemicals. This makes RO water safe for human consumption, especially for those concerned about the health risks impurities pose in regular tap water. However, it is important to note that RO removes healthy minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which can affect water’s taste and health benefits.

Yes, RO does generate wastewater, and the amount depends on factors such as water pressure and the condition of the RO filter. A system operating below 35-40 PSI or with a worn-out valve tends to be less efficient, resulting in increased water wastage. 

However, recent advancements in membrane technology have produced more efficient RO systems, with some achieving a 1:1 ratio of permeate to concentrate production. This signifies that only one gallon of reject water is produced for each gallon of treated water.