Reverse osmosis is an advanced water filtration technology that is very popular in today's market. It is well known that reverse osmosis water filters are effective in removing harmful pollutants. Therefore, if you are looking for an effective water purification solution, you should strongly consider using a reverse osmosis water filter, especially in areas with poor water quality. So let's take a deeper look at the relevant issues of how to remineralize RO water!
What is RO water?
RO water is water purified by reverse osmosis technology. All macromolecules (including pathogens, etc.) and most small molecule impurities in this water are removed.
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a membrane separation technology. Its principle is that raw water passes through a reverse osmosis membrane under high pressure, and the solvent in the water (usually water) diffuses from high concentration to low concentration, thereby achieving the purpose of separation, purification, and concentration. Since this process is opposite to the osmosis direction in nature, it is called reverse osmosis. This method can remove bacteria, viruses, colloids, organic matter, and more than 98% of soluble salts in water. It has the characteristics of low operating cost, simple operation, high degree of automation, and stable effluent water quality.
Compared with other traditional water treatment methods, reverse osmosis technology has obvious advantages and is widely used in water treatment-related industries.
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Essential Minerals in Drinking Water
Minerals in water usually include calcium, potassium, lithium, strontium, iodine, and zinc, as well as magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and other minerals, which are nutrients needed for human consumption.
What is the best way to remineralize RO water?
The best way to remineralize RO water depends on what kind of water quality you want to achieve and your application needs. Here are some common remineralization methods:
Mineral Additives
The most intuitive method is to directly add mineral salt solution to RO water. This method is simple to operate and low cost and is a common choice for small applications. For example, in the home, you can directly purchase mineral additives and add them to RO water according to the instructions to improve the taste or supplement trace elements.
However, this method also has some shortcomings. First, it is difficult to accurately control the content and proportion of minerals, resulting in unstable water quality. Second, the quality and purity of the additives will affect the final water quality. If the additives contain impurities, it will cause the final water quality to be contaminated.
Ion Exchange
Ion exchange technology uses ion exchange resins to achieve remineralization. When RO water passes through a column filled with ion exchange resins, the ions on the resin are exchanged with the mineral ions required in the water, thereby adding minerals to the water. This method can precisely control the mineral content and proportion to ensure the stability of water quality.
The advantage of ion exchange lies in its precision and stability, but it also requires regular maintenance. Ion exchange resins need to be regenerated regularly to restore their exchange capacity. The regeneration process requires the use of chemicals such as acids and alkalis, which is costly. In addition, the performance of ion exchange resins will decline over time and need to be replaced regularly.
Reverse osmosis membrane remineralization
In recent years, some specially designed reverse osmosis membranes have been able to achieve remineralization functions. These membranes can selectively add the required minerals according to their characteristics, thereby achieving precise control. This method can obtain stable water quality without regeneration and has environmental advantages.
However, the cost of reverse osmosis membrane remineralization is high and requires special equipment and technology. At present, this method is mainly used in some high-demand industrial scenarios.
Mixed bed remineralization
Mixed bed remineralization combines the advantages of ion exchange and mineral addition. RO water first passes through the ion exchange resin in the mixed bed to remove residual ions, and then the required minerals are added. This method can obtain high purity and precisely controlled mineral content.
Mixed bed remineralization has high cost and operational complexity and requires professional equipment and technicians. Therefore, it is mainly used on some occasions with extremely high requirements on water quality, such as pharmaceutical production and scientific research.
Benefits of Adding Minerals to RO Water
Adding minerals to RO water is essential for improving water quality and living a healthier life. Here are some of the health benefits of remineralization:
Optimal body function: Minerals like magnesium are responsible for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, while sodium is required for the proper functioning of muscles and nerves. It also helps in the remineralization of teeth and bones.
Improves taste: Minerals determine the taste and mouthfeel of water, so adding them will improve the taste.
Maintains healthy blood pressure: A 2019 study found that people who drank slightly salty water had lower blood pressure, which may be due to the presence of minerals like calcium and magnesium in the water, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Healthy digestion: Studies show that water high in minerals can support your digestive system by promoting bowel movements and bile secretion, and improving the ability to extract nutrients from food.
Improves hydration: The electrolytes in mineral water quench your thirst better and faster than regular water, keeping you hydrated.
ITEHIL provides healthier drinking water
The best way to remineralize RO water is with a reverse osmosis system with a built-in remineralizer. Restoring minerals is not limited to drinking water, but also includes cooking water and cleaning water, including water for brewing single cups of coffee or tea.
The ITEHIL reverse osmosis system uses PP cotton + activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis multiple filtration steps to remove pollutants such as lead, chlorine, and PFAS while enhancing water quality with essential alkaline minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
Our ITEHIL reverse osmosis water filtration system adopts a portable design, and an electric self-priming pump, and provides 17 fluid ounces and 500 ml of drinking water per minute. It can quickly filter water for you while creating natural, fresh, and healthy water. Whether it is outdoors, at home, or in an emergency, it can be used. Therefore, the ITEHIL reverse osmosis system can be used anytime, anywhere.
Built-in 2X6000mah battery, USB-C charging, just press a button to enjoy drinking water anytime, anywhere, multiple filtration can easily filter the water source, and get unlimited healthier and better tasting drinking water anytime, anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to remineralize RO water?
It is essential for optimal body function.
Remineralizing RO water restores essential elements lost during the reverse osmosis filtration process without adding impurities. Mineralized water contains key micronutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and other trace minerals.
What is the cheapest way to remineralize water?
Adding Minerals Naturally Using Salt.
This method is also one of the most cost-effective ways to remineralize water. You can add a small amount of salt to each cup of water or a quarter teaspoon of salt to every 4.5 liters of water.
Is it better to drink tap water or reverse osmosis water?
Tap water can be an affordable and healthy choice if you have a reliable municipal water supply and it is properly treated. However, if you are concerned about specific contaminants or prefer the taste and purity of your water, investing in a quality RO system may be worth considering.
