Typical Rejection Characteristics of Thin Film Composite (TFC) Reverse Osmosis Membranes
Pure Water Products, LLC
Box 2783, Denton, TX 76202 | (940) 382–3814 | pwp@pwgazette.com
Below are the typical rejection (removal) percentages of a standard thin film (TFC) reverse osmosis
membrane. These are averages based on experience and are generally accepted
within the industry. They are not a guarantee of performance.
Actual rejection can vary according to the chemistry of the water, temperature, pressure, pH and other factors.
Estimated Reverse Osmosis Rejection Percentages
The reverse osmosis process uses a semi-permeable membrane to reject a wide variety of impurities. Here is a partial list.
|
Aluminum |
97-98% |
Nickel |
97-99% |
|
Ammonium |
85-95% |
Nitrate |
93-96% |
|
Arsenic |
94-96% |
Phosphate |
99+% |
|
Bacteria |
99+% |
Polyphosphate |
98-99% |
|
Bicarbonate |
95-96% |
Potassium |
92% |
| Boron |
50-70% |
Pyrogen |
99+% |
|
Bromide |
93-96% |
Radioactivity |
95-98% |
|
Cadmium |
96-98% |
Radium |
97% |
|
Calcium |
96-98% |
Selenium |
97% |
|
Chloride |
94-95% |
Silica |
85-90% |
|
Chromate |
90-98% |
Silicate |
95-97% |
|
Chromium |
96-98% |
Silver |
95-97% |
| Copper |
97-99% |
Sodium |
92-98% |
|
Cyanide |
90-95% |
Sulphate |
99+% |
|
Ferrocyanide |
98-99% |
Sulphite |
96-98% |
|
Fluoride |
94-96% |
Zinc |
98-99% |
| Iron |
98-99% |
|
|
| Lead |
96-98% |
Insecticides |
97% |
|
Magnesium |
96-98% |
Detergents |
97% |
|
Manganese |
96-98% |
Herbicides |
97% |
|
Mercury |
96-98% |
Virus |
99+% |
|
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) |
95-99% |
Hardness |
93-97% |
|
|
Figures given above are not actual test figures but are manufacturers’ estimates of normal TFC membrane performance
Arsenic Removal?
Read the results of an extensive
test performed by Dr. Charles Moretti of the University of North Dakota using our Black & White units with Desal and Filmtec
membranes. Go here for the full study, “Point-of-Use Reverse Osmosis Treatment for Removal of
Arsenic from Drinking Water”
|